We talk a lot about getting a seat at the table, being part of the C-suite, etc. However, maybe we should be talking more about how to be an entrepreneur or freelance worker. 

According to a survey of more than 1,000 people, more than half aspired to be entrepreneurs or work as an independent, while not a single respondent aspired to be a corporate executive.

The results of the Intelligent Office survey point to an evolution of work styles and the development of a different type of worker that is defined by a desire for mobility and flexibility typically found in the entrepreneur and/or independent business owner.

“We believe there is a paradigm shift happening in our culture as it relates to work style,” said Tom Camplese, COO for Intelligent Office. “We have been watching this shift take place over the course of the last few years at Intelligent Office by talking with entrepreneurs, business owners, and mobile executives on a daily basis. The Work IQ survey put this into hard numbers.”

Additional highlights include:

• Nearly 65 percent of survey participants desire to work as an entrepreneur or independent
• 61 percent of people surveyed desire more flexible work hours than the traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• People are looking for a new balance—work hard/play hard; Nearly half of the respondents want a work hard/play hard work-life balance
• Technology remains an invaluable resource to more than 45 percent of the respondents
• Overwhelmingly, people aspire to have more mobility in their work life
• 66 percent responded that they aspire to have a laptop or tablet that affords them freedom and mobility

“What we continue to hear from people is that they increasingly need and expect services that will help them grow and be more successful, but they want those services to match this new work style—flexible and mobile,” Camplese said. “Overall, they are seeking more balance and freedom in everything, including the services that support their business efforts.”

Do you agree with these findings? Would you rather be an entrepreneur/independent than a member of the C-suite? Or maybe that decision isn't mutually exclusive? Please let us know in the comments.  

Last week, we told you that MPI Chairman Sébastien Tondeur received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award for his work in the meeting industry. And maybe that sparked an interest in you about entrepreneurship. 

Well, guess what. There's a week dedicated to just that. Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch start-ups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare.

During one week, November 14-20 this year, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. These activities, from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors—introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.

To learn more, please watch the following video.