Self-employment for both self-fulfillment and social connectedness: well-being examined among self-employed in Abu Dhabi

Purpose The significant rise in self-employment over recent decades has sparked growing interest in its implications for personal well-being and work–life balance. This study aims to explore the complex relationship between entrepreneurship and well-being. Design/methodology/approach Drawing on data from a large-scale survey of self-employed individuals, this study uses multiple linear regression to examine how work–life balance, job demands and control and social connections relate to the well-being of the self-employed. Additionally, the study compares these outcomes with those of full-time private sector employees. Findings The findings indicate that work–life balance and satisfaction with social relationships are the strongest predictors of entrepreneurial well-being. Self-employed individuals in this study reported higher job satisfaction and overall well-being and lower stress than full-time private sector employees. While autonomy and flexibility emerge as key benefits of self-employment, the anticipated drawbacks – such as long working hours, financial insecurity and psychological distress – are not substantiated by the evidence. Originality/value This study incorporates both hedonic and eudaimonic dimensions in the construct of well-being, and a range of job characteristics, work–life balance, social support and mental health variables in the analysis, to achieve a holistic understanding of entrepreneurial well-being. It offers both theoretical and practical implications for entrepreneurial research and support systems in the empirical context of Abu Dhabi.