Self-employment as a moderator between work and life satisfaction

Abstract

Purpose The correlation between work and life satisfaction varies substantially across studies, suggesting that the strength of the relationship may depend on the studied population and its circumstances. The purpose of this paper is to assess the strength of the relationship in the context of Chile and the moderator effect of self-employment (SE), whether a worker is self-employed or on a salary. Design/methodology/approach Based on the idea that work plays a more central role in the life of a self-employed person than in that of a salaried worker, the authors hypothesized that the strength of the relationship between work and life satisfaction will be stronger for the former. The measures used in this study were part of a large questionnaire administered to investigate several characteristics of the Chilean population. The authors used multiple regression analysis to test the moderator effect of SE on the strength of the relationship between work satisfaction and life satisfaction. Findings The results from a national sample of 658 Chilean workers indicate that the relationship between work satisfaction and life satisfaction is positive. Furthermore, the relationship is stronger for self-employed workers than for salaried workers. The authors also found a small negative direct effect of SE on life satisfaction, which suggests that the self-employed might be, on average, less satisfied with their lives than their salaried counterparts. Originality/value The sample used in the current study was not only substantially larger in size but also more representative of the current workforce because it included both genders. Consequently, the results are more robust and generalizable.

Domain Satisfaction and Overall Life Satisfaction: Testing the Spillover-Crossover Model in Chilean Dual-Earner Couples

“…In this regard, there is evidence showing a negative relationship between the job domain and overall life satisfaction [ 44 ] and even showing a lack of relationship between them [ 45 ]. Nevertheless, consistent with the positive outcome highlighted by Edralin [ 43 ], several studies support a positive relationship between job satisfaction and overall life satisfaction at an individual level in workers in different countries [ 5 , 6 , 11 , 41 , 42 , 46 , 47 ].…”

“…Job satisfaction is traditionally defined by how employees feel and think about their work [ 11 ], which includes measuring individuals’ emotional states, affective responses and cognitive evaluations of work [ 40 ]. Different authors have suggested that the job domain determines the level of life satisfaction, given that work is one of the most important parts of an individual’s life and takes a large share of their time [ 41 , 42 ]. However, Edralin [ 43 ] stressed that this relationship can result in positive and negative outcomes, which in turn may lead to elevated satisfaction levels in some individuals and stress in others.…”

Entrepreneurs’ Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review and Research Agenda

“…Life satisfaction as a general indicator is positively related to satisfaction with domains such as work, family or leisure time (Bowling, Eschleman, & Wang, 2010). For entrepreneurs, job satisfaction is more closely related to satisfaction with life, family and self than it is for employees, reflecting the centrality of work in their life (Loewe, Araya-Castillo, Thieme, & Batista-Foguet, 2015;Thompson, Kopelman, & Schriesheim, 1992).…”

An entrepreneurial career impacts on job and family satisfaction

“…Work is a central dimension of satisfaction in the lives of individuals, given the amount of time and energy invested in it and its importance for generating positive social relationships, commanding respect in society and forging a sense of belonging and identity. In addition, the relationship between job and life satisfaction is positive, especially among self-employed workers (Loewe, Araya-Castillo, Thieme, & Batista-Foguet, 2015).…”