The vast majority of Americans want to quit their company jobs - here’s why

Business & FinanceStartup
15 Jun 2026 • 11:30 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

The vast majority of Americans want to quit their company jobs - here’s why

  • A global survey by Remitly found that nearly three-quarters (74.6 per cent) of adults across 28 countries aspire to be self-employed, though only a third anticipate taking steps towards it in the next year due to financial instability.
  • Ankur Tiwari, Remitly Business GM, noted that despite the appeal of independence and flexibility in entrepreneurship, persistent financial instability is making it increasingly difficult for individuals to make the leap.
  • Kenya reported the highest rate of individuals preferring self-employment, while Spain had the lowest at 29.5 per cent; the United States ranked seventh with 82.1 per cent expressing a desire to be their own boss.
  • The main motivations for seeking self-employment include a desire for more independence and control over work (72.7 per cent), greater flexibility regarding when and where they work, and an improved work-life balance.
  • Conversely, individuals preferring traditional employment cited job security and benefits (61.7 per cent), lower financial risk, and not wanting the responsibility of running a business as their primary reasons.

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