Self-Employment in OECD Countries

A large proportion of the labor force apparently would like to be their own bosses. Selfemployment presents an opportunity for the individual to set his or her own schedule, to work when they like, to answer to nobody and possibly even as a way to become rich. Unfortunately on the downside, if the business fails the individual may lose their job, their savings, their home if as often happens it is used as security on a loan, and perhaps even their marriage because of the stresses and strains. If we have learnt anything from portfolio theory it is that an individual should diversify their portfolio and not to pool their resources into a single risky activity.