Fast Company Daily Solopreneurs are thriving as corporate counterparts struggle
Oct 29, 2025
Workers are increasingly abandoning corporate roles for solopreneurship, driven by inflexibility and job insecurity. A study shows solopreneurs can out-earn their corporate counterparts, making 25% more by year five. The pandemic reshaped priorities, with many seeking autonomy and meaningful work. Technology plays a crucial role, enabling individuals to start businesses cheaply and work independently. Solopreneurship particularly appeals to caregivers, offering the flexibility that traditional jobs often lack.
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Leaving Corporate For Family-Friendly Freelancing
- Joy Dasgupta left a 13-year marketing role at Starbucks to become a rewards program consultant and caregiver-friendly solopreneur.
- She says the hourly pay and schedule flexibility let her show up for her daughter and clients without corporate constraints.
Solopreneurs Outearn Peers Over Time
- Gusto's study finds solopreneurs earn about one-third less in year one but surpass employees by year two and make ~25% more by year five.
- Average solopreneur income rose from about $41,000 in year one to over $83,000 by year three.
Solopreneurs Are Economically Significant
- About 80% of small businesses have no W-2 employees, making solopreneurs foundational to the economy.
- The pandemic accelerated new business creation, including many solo operators.