New research teaches us how to make decisions that lead us down a career path we love.
Why are modern workers increasingly prioritizing autonomy, flexibility, and location independence over traditional career paths?
New psychological research shows that freedom — not salary — is the strongest predictor of long-term career happiness. While income matters, especially early in one’s career, studies consistently reveal that workers feel more satisfied, motivated, and emotionally well when they have control over how, when, and where they work.
For solopreneurs, autonomy is built into the lifestyle. But for millions of professionals still tied to rigid structures, the desire for independence is reshaping the modern world of work.
Quick Takeaway
- Autonomy has a stronger impact on happiness than income growth.
- Workers who choose what and where they work report higher life satisfaction.
- Happiness is influenced by location — moving to happier countries or cities can increase well-being.
- Modern workers increasingly want freedom, not hierarchy.
What Research Says About Autonomy and Worker Well-Being
So, what does move the needle in terms of increasing career happiness? New psychological research offers some clues. For one, it’s important that we feel like we have a healthy amount of autonomy in our jobs. Psychologists define professional autonomy as the ability to make your own decisions, to operate with limited supervision, and to determine your own job responsibilities.
One recent study that surveyed 20,000 workers in the United Kingdom found that employees with more autonomy were significantly happier in their jobs and also showed a higher level of overall well-being. Autonomy comes naturally to the solopreneur, which should not be taken for granted or undervalued from a psychological standpoint.
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How Millionaires Use Autonomy to Boost Life Satisfaction
We can also learn a thing or two from how wealthy individuals (or people who don’t necessarily need to work) choose to spend their professional time. One study, for instance, surveyed over 800 high net worth individuals and 1,200 non-high net worth individuals, looking for similarities and differences in the way wealthy people went about their days and how this influenced their happiness.
The researchers found fewer differences between the wealthy and non-wealthy than they expected. For instance, both groups spent approximately the same amount of time engaging in leisure activities, working and commuting, and using their phone and computer.
But there was one key difference that emerged. The researchers found that millionaires were more likely to spend time on work activities that offered more personal autonomy — that is, work they decided to do themselves instead of following the guidance of others. This was shown to relate to higher life satisfaction.
In other words, it’s not the money that brings people career happiness, it’s the freedom.
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The ability to work on things that we want to work on is one part of professional freedom. Another part is being able to work from where we want to work. Again, this is something that comes naturally to the solopreneur.
Of course, when choosing a location for remote work we must choose wisely. Fast internet speeds, good infrastructure, and a vibrant community of like-minded professionals are all important pieces of the puzzle. But there are some other considerations that are important too. For one, research has found that happiness is “socially contagious,” so it's wise to choose a location where people are already relatively satisfied with their lives. That may be where you live right now or in some far-flung destination you may be considering.
Which Countries and Cities Boost Happiness the Most?
For proof, we can look to data from last year’s World Happiness Report. The authors of the report compared happiness levels among people who were natives of a given country versus immigrants/foreigners. The idea was to assess whether non-natives’ levels of happiness corresponded more closely to that of their home country or their adopted country.
Interestingly, they found that people who moved to a new country seemed to adopt their new country’s average level of happiness. In other words, moving to a happier country could make you happier. By the same token, moving to a less happy country could reduce your level of happiness. And there's nothing to suggest that the same pattern of results wouldn't apply to cities as well. (Speaking of cities, the researchers found Helsinki, Finland; Aarhus, Denmark; Wellington, New Zealand; Zurich, Switzerland; and Copenhagen, Denmark to be the top five happiest cities in the world.)
How Environment and Natural Beauty Influence Well-Being
There’s also research to suggest that living in an area with a lot of natural beauty is beneficial to things other than our Instagram feed. A recent study found that people who reside in more scenic locations tend to be happier even when accounting for factors such as the average income level in these areas and weather patterns.
With all of that in mind, making a couple of thousand dollars a month working from a beach in Thailand or a small city in Europe, and knowing that Xolo has your financial back, doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
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Autonomy — not income — is the most powerful driver of modern career happiness. Workers who have the freedom to choose what they work on and where they live experience greater satisfaction, motivation, and overall well-being. Location independence amplifies this effect, especially when choosing places with strong happiness scores or natural beauty.
For Xolopreneurs, this freedom isn’t a dream — it’s a daily reality. And with the right tools and support systems, you can build a career defined by independence, meaning, and personal growth.
Ready to build a career with more autonomy and location freedom? Run your businesses anywhere — leave the admin headaches to Xolo.
About Mark
Mark Travers, Ph.D., is an American Psychologist with degrees from Cornell University and the University of Colorado Boulder. Xolo helps him run his online therapy practice, www.awake-therapy.me, from whatever part of the world he is currently living in.
FAQ: Autonomy, Freedom & Location Independence
Q1: Why is autonomy important in modern careers?
Autonomy increases job satisfaction, motivation, and emotional well-being. Research shows it is one of the strongest predictors of career happiness.
Q2: Does earning more money increase happiness?
Only up to a point. After basic needs are met, additional income contributes less to happiness than autonomy and freedom.
Q3: How does location independence affect happiness?
Studies show people tend to adopt the happiness level of the country they move to. Happier locations create happier workers.
Q4: What is the key difference between millionaires and non-millionaires in terms of work habits?
Millionaires spend more time on self-selected tasks — a form of autonomy that boosts satisfaction.
Q5: Why do scenic environments increase well-being?
Living near nature reduces stress, improves cognitive function, and increases life satisfaction, regardless of income.