A poll by Gallup, a company that has studied human nature and behaviour for more than 70 years, reveals that business owners are among the other occupations that have the highest overall well-being.
The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index is a daily measure determining the correlation between the places people work and the communities in which they live, and how multiple factors impact their physical, mental and social well-being. The poll lists Business Owners on top of the list with the score of 72.5, followed closely by Professionals (71.5) and Manager / Executive (70.9).
Gallup explains that while Business Owners work longer hours than do people in any occupations, they are found to be more satisfied by the work they do.
Despite they make less money than Professionals and Managers/Executives, according to the poll, business owners don’t seem to mind working long hours while making less money – Another proof that money is not the main driving factor for well-being and happiness.
The main driving factor of the well-being of business owners is found to be work environment – Some of the measurements of work environment are job satisfactions and open-and-trusting environment.
According the Gallup’s Work Environment Sub-Index, Business Owners score 72.3, leading way over Farming / Forestry (56.4) and Manager / Executive (55.8) on second and third place, respectively.
Why is this relevant to me?
The Gallup poll is based on what people feel about their occupations. Of course, this involves averages, and may or may not relevant to your case.
However, if you felt that you work too long hours in and for your small business (I felt that, too) this index will help you understand that entrepreneurship is, highly probable, the best route for you and me.
I feel that work environment is my top priority, and running my own business allows me to create an environment where I can work most comfortably (and satisfying) – This proved true in the Gallup poll. I enjoy working long hours (if I have to) – even for 2 days in a row without sleep (if my body allows me to) for my ‘pursuit of happiness.’ I even don’t mind get paid less money for the projects I’m taking, as long as I enjoy working on, with and within the projects.
Hmm – Maybe starting a Farming/Forestry business would be a great idea?
Ivan Widjaya
Happy business owner
Image by arinas74.