Beyond business: unravelling the well-being and happiness threads of entrepreneurship

Purpose The purpose of this research is to explore the relationships between entrepreneurial engagement and their impact on happiness and well-being. By exploring deeper into these relationships, this study seeks to move beyond traditional perspectives on entrepreneurship and uncover new insights. Design/methodology/approach Primary data collection through an online questionnaire across diverse social media platforms investigates the relationships among entrepreneurial engagement, well-being and happiness. It also examines the moderation effects of work–life balance and financial stability on these relationships. Findings This study reveals a positive association between entrepreneurship, well-being and happiness. Financial stability positively correlates with entrepreneurship, whereas work–life balance moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial engagement, well-being and happiness. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design limits causal inference, and the reliance on self-reported data may introduce biases. Future longitudinal research could offer a more comprehensive understanding of these processes over time. Practical implications This study provides new insights into the impact of entrepreneurship on well-being and happiness, offering practical recommendations for the business community. It highlights the importance of work–life balance and financial stability in entrepreneurial success. Social implications The research underscores the societal impact of supporting entrepreneurship, suggesting that policymakers and community leaders can use these findings to create supportive environments that enhance well-being and happiness through entrepreneurial engagement. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study includes the first research that has analysed the impact of entrepreneurship on well-being and happiness in the Republic of Kosovo.