On an even keel: Temporal balance, ADHD, and self-employment

• Temporal balance increases the likelihood of self-employment for those with ADHD . • Temporal balance and higher inattention are not associated with self-employment. • We find no effect of temporal balance and ADHD on archival firm performance. Drawing on temporal perspective theory, we propose that temporal balance could be an essential undergird that helps individuals with ADHD engage in self-employment. In a sample of 354 employed and 510 self-employed individuals from Portugal, controlling for various individual and firm-related factors, those with higher hyperactivity/impulsivity and temporal balance are more likely to be self-employed. Temporal balance among those with higher inattention is not associated with self-employment. We find no effect of temporal balance and ADHD components on archival firm performance. The effect sizes are practically meaningful, and the findings call for the need for temporal focus in improving the odds of self-employment for those with higher ADHD hyperactivity/impulsivity.