CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A growing number of young Americans are ditching traditional career paths and choosing to become their own bosses, according to recent data and expert insights.
A Gallup poll this summer revealed that 60% of U.S. adults would prefer to be entrepreneurs, signaling a significant transformation in professional aspirations driven by pandemic-era experiences and changing workplace dynamics.
The entrepreneurial surge spans generations, with individuals like Maya Ratcliff exemplifying this trend. Ratcliff, a former corporate banker, launched Hawaii Fluid Art from her home during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since expanded to 46 locations.
"If you have a phenomenal idea, you can achieve your goals," Ratcliff explained, highlighting the potential for success through innovative thinking.
Keith Schneider, who runs an afterschool entrepreneurship program, has witnessed this shift firsthand.
"When I ask students who wants to be an entrepreneur, about three-quarters of the class raises their hands," he said.
Schneider's program uses entrepreneurship as a catalyst to teach critical skills and inspire an innovative mindset among young learners.
The motivation behind this trend goes beyond merely wanting to be one's own boss, however. Many young professionals are seeking greater control over their career trajectories amid dissatisfaction with traditional corporate structures.
"Bad leadership and company culture have changed since COVID," Ratcliff noted, reflecting a common sentiment among emerging entrepreneurs.
James Keyes, author of "Education is Freedom," provides additional context to this phenomenon. He argues that today's younger generations have grown up with technology that inherently supports a more entrepreneurial approach.
However, Keyes cautions that entrepreneurship isn't universally suitable.
"Not everyone will turn out to be a great entrepreneur, but you still have the ability to pivot later in life," he said.
Keyes warns that even though this trend is out there, it has its downfalls for some people.
The entrepreneurial wave represents more than a passing trend—it's a fundamental reimagining of career success. Whether through launching businesses, developing innovative side hustles, or seeking more autonomy in their professional lives, young Americans are redefining what it means to build a career in the 21st century.
Contact Colin Mayfield at cmayfield@wcnc.com or follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.