Study: Light entrepreneurship offers meaningful work, additional income and a new kind of security
A recent study conducted by Eezy Kevytyrittäjät and Laurea University of Applied Sciences sheds light on the mindset of Finnish light entrepreneurs. The study shows that light entrepreneurship is primarily perceived as a flexible, meaningful way of working that strengthens financial security. A total of 213 Eezy light entrepreneurs from across Finland responded to the survey.
Light entrepreneurship strengthens financial resilience in uncertain times
The study highlights the role of light entrepreneurship as a way to diversify financial risk. 53% of respondents feel that salaried employment no longer provides the same level of security as before, while 71% consider it important that their livelihood is not dependent on a single source of income. For many, light entrepreneurship serves as a low-threshold way to generate additional income without the risks associated with traditional entrepreneurship: 64% believe that light entrepreneurship helps them prepare for financial uncertainty.
Meaningfulness and freedom at the core
Light entrepreneurship is perceived as particularly appealing due to the freedom it offers and the opportunity to earn supplementary income. Beyond increased financial security, it is widely seen as a form of work that enhances well-being and a sense of purpose: 71% of respondents feel that light entrepreneurship increases the sense of meaningfulness in their lives. Freedom, independence, financial security and flexibility emerged as key factors contributing to the perceived meaningfulness of work.
Ease of getting started lowers the threshold for earning extra income
Starting light entrepreneurship was found to be very straightforward: 79% considered it easier than applying for salaried employment or establishing a company. Many respondents reported initial concerns about bureaucracy, but found the practical process far easier than expected.
“I didn’t really have expectations, but the ease still surprised me. It’s simply very easy,” one respondent commented.
A flexible work and income model for different life situations
The study paints a picture of a working life where individuals combine multiple forms of income. Most respondents do not see salaried employment and light entrepreneurship as alternatives, but as complementary models. 75% consider the ability to combine salaried work and light entrepreneurship to be at least somewhat important. The most positive attitudes were found among those using light entrepreneurship to earn additional income. 43% believe their future will be based on a combination of salaried work and light entrepreneurship, while only 9% see themselves relying solely on salaried employment in the future.
Light entrepreneurship and its combinations are common across all age groups, including retirees, who accounted for as much as 18% of respondents. Light entrepreneurship thus offers a flexible option for part-time income also during retirement, supporting long-term financial planning and the utilization of work ability after retirement.
Responding to changes in both the economy and the world of work
According to the study, light entrepreneurship is seen as:
- a way to strengthen financial security and diversify risks
- a flexible model for earning additional income
- a form of work that increases meaningfulness and well-being
- a natural part of the diverse working life of the future
Finnish light entrepreneurs feel that the model provides both security amid uncertainty and the freedom to build a career that reflects their own values and aspirations.
