Adobe has published its 2025 Work-Life Balance Report, shedding light on how solopreneurs and small business owners navigate their professional and personal lives. The report, based on a survey of 1,018 entrepreneurs, explores the challenges and advantages of entrepreneurship, work habits, and the growing influence of AI in business operations.
Key findings reveal that nearly 60% of entrepreneurs enjoy a better work-life balance compared to their experiences in traditional jobs. Despite this, many struggle to fully disconnect, taking an average of only 11 days off each year, not including national holidays; Gen Z entrepreneurs report taking slightly more time off, averaging 13 days annually.
Sleep disruptions are prevalent, with 82% of entrepreneurs losing sleep due to work-related concerns, primarily financial worries. Technological changes affect over 10% of Baby Boomers’ sleep, while nearly 25% of Millennials cite family issues as causes of sleeplessness.
The report indicates a growing reliance on AI tools to enhance efficiency, with nearly 40% of entrepreneurs planning to implement new AI solutions in 2025 to save time. Entrepreneurs estimate they save an average of six hours weekly—equating to 310 hours a year—by utilizing AI technologies.
Top priorities for AI adoption in 2025 include lead generation and sales identification (53%), automating accounting tasks (53%), and streamlining data entry and processing (51%). Interestingly, solopreneurs are leveraging AI 17% more than their small business counterparts.
The findings show that over 20% of small business owners work more than 50 hours a week, compared to 28% of solopreneurs. Late-night work is common, with solopreneurs working past 10 p.m. about nine times a month, while small business owners do so around seven times monthly.
While flexible work schedules allow many entrepreneurs to spend more time with family during the day, the demands of business ownership continue to challenge overall work-life balance.
Financial independence drives nearly 50% of surveyed entrepreneurs to start their businesses, with 79% claiming to have achieved this goal. Additionally, 33% of solopreneurs initiated their ventures for greater travel opportunities, with 67% successfully realizing this ambition. Millennials, especially, prioritize family time, with 79% reporting success in achieving this goal.
When asked how they would utilize an additional 10 hours per week, Gen Z and Gen X entrepreneurs expressed a desire to devote more time to loved ones, while Millennials indicated interest in pursuing hobbies. Baby Boomers stated they would focus on improving their health and wellness.
