Business
New Survey from LegalZoom Reveals Rising Interest in Entrepreneurship Among Underemployed Adults as Economic Uncertainty Reshapes Career Priorities
62% of unemployed or underemployed adults likely to launch a business within the next 12 months MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LegalZoom.com, Inc.
About this update from Legalzoom.com, Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\n62% of unemployed or underemployed adults likely to launch a business within the next 12 months\n\n\n MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nLegalZoom.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: LZ), a leading online platform for legal services, today released the results of a new survey revealing that unstable work opportunities and shifting economic conditions are prompting many adults to rethink what they want from their careers. For more than half, the idea of working for themselves is becoming more appealing than returning to a traditional career path.\n\nThis press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260115700644/en/LegalZoom: The Rising Appeal of Entrepreneurship\nThis period of professional reevaluation coincides with a significant economic shift driven by artificial intelligence. Research from Goldman Sachs suggests that AI adoption could displace the equivalent of 6-7% of the US workforce, with white-collar roles particularly exposed. Yet, AI is also opening up new areas of opportunity by lowering barriers to entry, automating complex tasks, and making it possible to launch and grow a business with fewer resources.\n\n\nTo better understand how people are weighing their career choices, LegalZoom surveyed more than 1,200 adults navigating job loss, reduced hours, or limited opportunities. The responses offer a detailed look at how interest in entrepreneurship is evolving, what motivates people to consider starting a business, and what may be holding them back.\n\n\nInterest in entrepreneurship is high among adults facing unemployment or underemployment, with most believing it could offer greater stability, control, and long-term opportunity. Sixty-two percent (62%) of unemployed or underemployed adults say they’re somewhat or very likely to start a business within the next 12 months, with 26% saying they’re very likely. Sixty-nine percent (69%) say self-employment feels more appealing than a traditional job right now, including 40% who say it feels much more appealing.\n\n\n“During periods of economic transition or uncertainty, we often see a surge in entrepreneurship as people seek to take control of their future,” said Jeff Stibel, CEO of LegalZoom. “What’s striking in this data is not just the high level of interest, but the clear pattern of individuals actively pursuing a pa...