A new survey reveals what small business owners love about their job.
No surprise here: Small business owners love their jobs.
Eighty-six percent of small business owners believe the sacrifices they have made for their companies have been worth it, according to the 2016 Bank of the West Small Business Growth Survey.
Conducted online by Harris Poll, the survey questioned 505 business owners from across the country as well as 207 business owners specifically from California. The survey revealed business owners feel overwhelmingly positive about their career path.
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Although 52 percent of respondents said it’s challenging to live with the uncertainty of owning a business, a whopping 91 percent said they enjoy the freedom that being a small business owner brings them. Small business ownership also inspires these entrepreneurs and gives them a sense of purpose, according to the survey.
Ninety-four percent of respondents said owning a small business puts them in charge of their destiny, and 83 percent said running their business makes them feel empowered.
But that doesn’t mean small business owners always have it easy. In addition to the uncertainty of running their own business, 43 percent of entrepreneurs cited always being on the job as a major challenge, 40 percent said they are worried about burning out on their careers, and 35 percent are anxious about ensuring their families are financially secure. But the vast majority of business owners believe these hardships are worth it.
Another major benefit? Feeling more connected to their communities. Eighty-four percent say their business gives them a chance to impact the local economy, and 80 percent of owners report that their business gives them an opportunity to positively affect their neighborhood.
Lastly, a majority of business owners said entrepreneurship has brought them closer to their families, the survey found. Seventy percent said their business gives them an opportunity to connect with their family, and 67 percent said it would allow them to leave a legacy for future generations.
