In the past, the idea of being a solopreneur—someone who runs a business entirely on their own—was often seen as a niche (i.e. eccentric) career path. Today, it’s becoming the norm. We’re in the middle of a seismic shift in how people view work, with millions choosing to take their careers into their own hands rather than relying on traditional employment. And the numbers prove it.
In 2023 alone, the U.S. saw a record-breaking 5.5 million new business applications, signaling a massive movement toward solopreneurship. But it’s not just about people starting businesses; it’s about a fundamental change in how we define success, security, and work-life balance.
The traditional markers of success, such as climbing the corporate ladder, securing a long-term job with benefits, or working a steady 9-to-5, are being reevaluated. More people are realizing that success isn’t just about stability, but about fulfillment, autonomy, and the ability to design a life on their own terms.
So, why is solopreneurship surging? What’s driving so many people to go out on their own? And is this just a trend, or are we witnessing the beginning of a permanent workforce revolution?
The new face of entrepreneurship: Why solopreneurship is thriving
Let’s get one thing straight: the solopreneur boom isn’t just about people chasing passion projects or side hustles. It’s about a systemic shift in work culture, technology, and economic conditions that are making self-employment not just attractive but necessary.
The pandemic was the great reset
The COVID-19 pandemic upended everything we thought we knew about job security. Companies that had been around for decades shuttered overnight. Millions of people found themselves out of work or forced into remote roles that made them rethink their relationship with traditional employment.
For many, this was a stunning wake-up call: why place your entire financial future in the hands of an employer who could cut you loose at any moment? Instead, people started betting on themselves, launching businesses where they had full control over their income, clients, and work-life balance. And they’re not looking back.
Technology made it easier than ever to go solo
Twenty years ago, starting a business on your own required massive upfront costs. Today? You can launch a fully functional business with little more than a laptop, an internet connection, and some strategic planning.
From no-code website builders to AI-powered tools, automation is making it easier to run an entire operation without needing employees. Solopreneurs can outsource work on demand, market themselves with social media, and reach global audiences without ever stepping into an office. The barriers to entry have never been lower, and people are seizing the opportunity.
People want freedom—and solopreneurship delivers
Let’s be honest: the traditional 9-to-5 grind is losing its appeal. People are tired of rigid schedules, office politics, and the illusion of job security. Instead, they want flexibility to work when they want, where they want, and on projects that excite them.
A recent survey found that over half (56%) of solopreneurs started their businesses after 2020, with many citing the need for more control over their careers as a key reason. The old dream of climbing the corporate ladder is being replaced by the desire to build something of one’s own—a venture that aligns with their passions, values, and long-term aspirations, rather than simply fulfilling a corporate agenda.
More than ever, people are seeking careers that provide purpose and personal fulfillment, and solopreneurship offers a direct path to that reality.
Economic uncertainty is pushing people toward self-reliance
Inflation, layoffs, and a volatile job market have created a sense of instability that traditional employment can no longer counter. More, and more, people are realizing that multiple income streams—whether from freelancing, consulting, digital products, or coaching—offer far more financial security than relying on a single paycheck.
With the cost of living soaring, solopreneurship isn’t just an option; for many, it’s the smartest way to ensure financial survival. The ability to pivot, adapt, and create income on one’s own terms is a powerful antidote to economic uncertainty.
The future of solopreneurship: Is this the new normal?
All signs point to yes. Solopreneurship isn’t just a pandemic-induced fad —it’s a full-fledged shift in how people approach work. But what does this mean for the future?
For starters, expect to see more businesses run entirely by individuals using AI and automation to scale in ways that were once only possible for large companies. For example, solopreneurs are leveraging AI-powered chatbots to handle customer service, using automation tools to manage email marketing campaigns, and employing virtual assistants to streamline administrative tasks.
E-commerce entrepreneurs are utilizing dropshipping models and automated fulfillment services, allowing them to operate globally without maintaining inventory. These technological advancements are enabling individuals to compete with corporations in efficiency, reach, and innovation. The rise of digital products, online education, and subscription-based services is making it easier than ever to generate recurring revenue without needing a team.
Traditional employment models will also have to adapt. Companies that want to attract top talent will need to offer more flexibility, better work-life balance, and opportunities for independent work within their structures. The gig economy is evolving, and businesses that don’t embrace this shift risk losing out on highly skilled professionals who prefer to work on their own terms.
Should you become a solopreneur?
If you’ve been laid off, stuck in a cycle of job applications with no luck, or waiting endlessly for the right opportunity, solopreneurship could be your answer. Instead of waiting for someone to hire you, why not use your skills, experience, and industry knowledge to create your own income? Many professionals are discovering that freelancing, consulting, or launching a small business is not just a temporary fix but a long-term, sustainable career path. The ability to monetize your expertise and control your professional destiny is an empowering shift away from the uncertainty of traditional employment.
If you’re sitting at your desk, staring at yet another mind-numbing email thread, and wondering if there’s more to life than this—there is. Solopreneurship isn’t for everyone, but if you crave freedom, control, and the ability to build something meaningful, now is the time to make the leap.
Of course, it’s not without challenges. Running a business solo means wearing all the hats—marketing, sales, finance, operations—but for many, the trade-off is worth it. The ability to design your own career, choose your clients, and set your own income ceiling is a level of empowerment that traditional jobs simply can’t match.
Final thoughts
The rise of solopreneurship is more than just a workplace trend; it’s a fundamental rethinking of how we approach work, success, and financial independence. As technology continues to lower barriers and economic shifts push people toward self-reliance, we’re likely to see even more professionals opting out of traditional employment in favor of going solo.
If you’ve ever dreamed of breaking free from the constraints of corporate life, there’s never been a better time to do it. While solopreneurship is rapidly growing, those who start now are still on the ground floor of this opportunity. The landscape is evolving, and early adopters who establish themselves today can build strong brands, gain market traction, and leverage the latest tools before the space becomes more saturated. The world is changing, and solopreneurs are leading the way.
The only question is: will you join them?
If you’re ready to take control of your career and build a powerful solopreneur brand, I can help. My solopreneur personal branding services will position you as a leader in your industry, helping you attract clients, grow your audience, and create a thriving business on your own terms. Let’s craft a brand that sets you apart. Contact me today to get started!