A global study has validated that despite our ups and downs, zero per cent of self-employed Brits surveyed regret leaving traditional employment. While two-thirds of UK workers envy the lifestyle flexibility, a deep-seated fear of financial risk keeps the majority trapped in the 9-to-5
If you’re already freelancing full-time, you have probably, from time to time, experienced “permie envy”. It happens when the late nights, late payments and the constant pressure to find the next client catch up with you. It’s also completely natural to look at your employed peers and envy their predictable paycheques, paid sick leave, and workplace pensions.
However, a major new study suggests you should think twice before jumping the fence.
The survey of more than 5,000 people across 28 countries, conducted by Remitly Business, has highlighted the real-world benefits of self-employment that UK professionals experience.
The data showed a surprising statistic for those who have already made the leap: not a single self-employed respondent regrets making the decision to go solo.
In fact, nearly a third (26.47%) claim that stepping away from traditional employment was the best decision they ever made, while half state it was entirely worth it overall, despite the undeniable day-to-day challenges.
26.47% claim that going freelance was the absolute best decision they ever made.
50.00% state that the move was completely worth it overall, even when acknowledging the major daily challenges
Why freelancers sometimes envy the perm jobs of their past
While you might occasionally look at corporate life with a touch of nostalgia, the data shows that the rest of the UK workforce is actually looking at your career with envy.
According to the report, 68.66% of British employees dream of being self-employed. When asked why they desire an independent lifestyle, their reasons perfectly mirror the core benefits of self-employment UK freelancers enjoy every day:
- Greater flexibility over when and where they work (15.78%)
- More independence and control over how they work (15.48%)
- A better work-life balance (14.72%)
Yet, despite more than two-thirds wanting what you have, and nearly half (48.76%) believing they have the skills to pull it off, only 16% of Brits will ever actually take the steps to make it happen.
The rest remain trapped behind the desk by a deep-seated risk-aversion, placing the UK as the sixth-highest country globally for people preferring traditional employment.
Validation: your stress is real. Online glamour is fake
The study also provides a comforting reality check for active freelancers who feel overwhelmed by the toxic positivity of the internet. If you have ever felt that you aren’t thriving as effortlessly as the entrepreneurs on your social feeds, the data proves you are in the quiet majority.
A massive 80% of British respondents agree that social media makes self-employment look far more appealing than it actually is. Furthermore, 77.11% believe that modern “hustle culture” places too much pressure on solo professionals to always be working or earning more.
The freelancer’s reality check:
81% Agree the risks of self-employment are underestimated
66% Agree being your own boss is more stressful than a 9-5 job
The report solidly validates the freelance grind. Two-thirds of respondents agree that being self-employed is inherently more stressful than working for a boss, and 81% agree that the true risks of going solo are widely underestimated by those on the outside.
The price of freelancer freedom
For the corporate workers sitting on the fence, the financial barrier to entry is immense. Nearly a quarter of Brits (23.81%) state they would need to be earning at least double their current salary to even consider leaving their employer.
Ankur Tiwari, VP and General Manager at Remitly Business, noted that this financial hesitation is exactly what holds the majority back:
Our research highlights a growing gap between the ambition to start a business and the confidence to take that first step. Many people are drawn to the independence and flexibility that entrepreneurship can offer, but ongoing financial uncertainty is making it harder to make the leap.
Top 10 countries with a preference for self-employment
| Rank | Country | % Who Would Prefer to Be Their Own Boss |
| 1 | Kenya | 98.0% |
| 2 | South Africa | 92.7% |
| 3 | Morocco | 90.7% |
| 4 | India | 90.0% |
| 5 | Mexico | 84.0% |
| 6 | Philippines | 82.8% |
| 7 | USA | 82.1% |
| 8 | Japan | 79.7% |
| 9 | Canada | 79.5% |
| 10 | Brazil | 76.6% |
Congrats, you already cracked the code
For those who are already freelancers, this study is a badge of honour. It proves that you have managed to overcome the financial fear, the systemic risk-aversion of the UK market and the friction of economic uncertainty that paralyses 84% of the working population.
The next time you are chasing an unpaid invoice or managing a difficult client, keep in mind that two-thirds of the UK workforce wants your freedom. You are part of the rare and wonderful 16% who actually had the guts to go out and claim it.
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