Married to the job: When your partner's business is the other significant other

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

This study delves into the relationship between spousal self-employment and life satisfaction, specifically emphasizing the potential moderating effects of the perceived significance of family, leisure, and work. Relationships where both partners are self-employed were also examined. Data from Wave 7 of the World Value Survey (2017–2022) gathered from respondents across 60 nations were analysed by running regression analysis. The results revealed that a high perceived value placed on family, leisure time, and work is associated with lower life satisfaction among spouse-self-employed individuals. Moreover, it was found that life satisfaction is significantly lower when both partners are self-employed. These insights present pivotal implications for policymakers and the self-employed community at large.