Self-employment, entrepreneurship, and the NLSY79

Abstract

The National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79) is used to study self-employment and entrepreneurship among young adults. Previous studies using the NLSY79 concluded that self-employment rates increased as participants aged. Additionally, Hispanic and Black males, as well as women, were less likely to be self-employed. Having a previous incarceration will slightly increase the likelihood of self-employment. The NLSY79 also allows for the measurement of self-employment dynamics, including, for example, measures of transitions to and from self-employment, number of years of self-employment, and whether an individual ever attempts self-employment. Estimates for transition matrices show great mobility among young workers. Earning patterns are also measured using the data. Self-employment earnings by men in the NLSY79 indicate a higher average income over wage and salary workers. Estimates of returns to capital, earnings regressions, and earnings profiles for the self-employed and other workers are also determined. Data from the NLSY79 can therefore be used to analyze job satisfaction, net worth, and correlations between self-employment and wage and salary income. (NEE)

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