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Do Entrepreneurs Have High Life Satisfaction? Evidence from Japan

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  • HONJO Yuji
  • IKEUCHI Kenta
  • NAKAMURA Hiroki

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of entrepreneurial experience on life satisfaction. Using a unique survey about entrepreneurial experience, level of wealth, and personal attributes of individuals in Japan, we examine the factors that mediate the association between entrepreneurial experience and subjective well-being. As a result, we do not find any evidence on the total effect of entrepreneurial experience on subjective well-being. However, we find a positive indirect effect of entrepreneurial experience on subjective well-being through wealth, in addition to a negative indirect effect through debt. Our findings suggest that monetary incentives motivate Japanese individuals to become entrepreneurs.

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  • HONJO Yuji & IKEUCHI Kenta & NAKAMURA Hiroki, 2019. "Do Entrepreneurs Have High Life Satisfaction? Evidence from Japan," Discussion papers 19083, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry (RIETI).
    • Handle: RePEc:eti:dpaper:19083
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