Over half of sole traders consider quitting due to “always on” culture

For years, the idea of quitting your job and becoming your own boss has been the dream for many. But as most sole traders will tell you, it’s not always what it’s cracked up to be.

While working for yourself comes with its obvious perks – such as choosing your own hours, having complete control over your business and better work-life balance – a new study by Markel Direct shows a bleaker side of freelance life.

The study reveals that over half of self-employed workers have considered quitting their business completely due to the pressures of being “always on”, alongside financial strain and difficulties in switching off.

At a time when more people than ever are exploring self-employment, the findings show a growing tension between the freedom people expect and the reality many experience day-to-day.

What’s causing burnout in the self-employed?

The UK’s entrepreneurial spirit has continued into 2026, with 66% of adults saying they plan to or are considering starting a business or side hustle at the beginning of the year. 

However, new research by specialist business insurer Markel Direct warns that the “always on” culture is leaving small business owners at risk of burnout, and many are considering calling it quits altogether. 

Specifically, it found that 48% of respondents have considered quitting their business due to stress, with 58% reporting that they were experiencing burnout. A majority of respondents also reported struggling to switch off, with 57% regularly working beyond standard hours and 40% facing out-of-hours client expectations.

Other common issues reported included financial pressures, working in isolation, and a tendency to neglect their own wellbeing in the face of constant business demands.

Chartered Psychologist Dr Katie Barge points out several warning signs of burnout, including “persistent fatigue, irritability, reduced concentration” and “loss of enthusiasm for tasks that once felt engaging and increasing detachment from work”.

Why self-employment is still worth it for many

Despite these grim figures, there are clear signs that the rewards of self-employment continue to outweigh the challenges for many entrepreneurs.

Markel’s study found that 75% of respondents believe they genuinely enjoy being their own boss, while 7 in 10 felt that self-employment is more fulfilling than working for someone else. 

What’s more, 58% say their mental health is actually better compared to when they were employed, with 55% citing a healthy work-life balance.

This is a stark difference compared to the reported mental wellbeing of full-time employees, with 20% of workers taking time off last year due to stress, and the UK hitting five million mental health sick days at the beginning of 2026.

Additionally, research by Leapers found that only 35.4% of sole traders reported a decline in income after taking more time off – significantly lower than the 58.1% who took no time off at all.

This suggests that taking time off and prioritising wellbeing is not only important for maintaining good mental health, but also for supporting business performance – helping reduce the risk of burnout and the likelihood of entrepreneurs considering walking away altogether.

How should sole traders manage stress?

Putting a few simple habits in place can go a long way in keeping stress in check and making everyday work more manageable. 

The first thing sole traders should do is establish fixed working hours with a clear start and finish time, and also to communicate this to clients. That way, contacting out of hours is more likely to be avoided, and it’ll be easier to switch off when the day is finished.

Structured breaks should also be taken throughout the day (around 10-15 minutes) to avoid overload and have some time away from work. Regular activities (such as exercise, time outdoors or creative hobbies) should also be scheduled so that wellbeing isn’t left aside.

As for handling heavy workloads, breaking large tasks into smaller and manageable steps can help reduce overwhelm, improve focus, and make progress feel more achievable. If there’s a particularly big or intense project that’s just been finished, sole traders should give themselves a short recovery period to reset their energy before taking on any new demands.

Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, comments: “Small businesses continue to play a vital role in the UK economy. Although burnout and the pressures of running a business pose significant difficulties, most entrepreneurs stay dedicated to their path, experiencing more satisfaction and happiness from working independently.”