economy
America’s startup boom offers hope for the future of work
MANY AMERICANS long to be their own boss. Their yearning is as old as the Republic itself: Thomas Jefferson thought the ideal citizen was a yeoman farmer, whose economic independence allowed him to participate in civic life. For decades, 60% of Americans have said they want to be self-employed. Yet in recent years fewer than 10% have been.
TL;DR
- A strong desire for self-employment exists among many Americans.
- This yearning dates back to the founding of the Republic, linked to ideals of economic independence.
- Despite 60% of Americans wanting to be self-employed, less than 10% achieve it.
- The ideal citizen, according to Thomas Jefferson, was a self-sufficient yeoman farmer.