How happy are small business owners with their work situation? What do they enjoy most about owning their own business?

To find out, VistaPrint and YouGov conducted a survey in February 2025 among 1,000 people age 21-64 in the United States who own a business that has 1-100 employees.

Some 42% of respondents say they are very happy with owning their own business, and 39% say they are somewhat happy.

Fully 53% of respondents say they are much happier now compared with when they worked for someone else, and 23% say they are somewhat happier.

Respondents say the things they enjoy most about owning their own small business are the freedom to set their own schedule (42% say so) and the ability to do something they're passionate about (41%).

Most (60%) small business owners say their happiness with their work situation is driven by a combination of internal/day-to-day factors and external/macro influences.

About the research: The report was based on data from a survey conducted in February 2025 among 1,000 people age 21-64 in the United States who own a business that has 1-100 employees.