Predicting perceived employability from movement capital in two samples of the solo self-employed

Perceived employability is a vital resource for individuals in uncertain work conditions, including the solo self-employed who manage their own careers. Although the movement capital model captures antecedents of perceived employability for employees, its relevance for solo self-employed workers remains unexplored. This study examines the four dimensions of the model in two groups: those with their own registered business (RBS) and those working via umbrella companies (employed gig worker (EGW)). A cross-sectional survey study of N = 750 individuals (RBS = 485, EGW = 265) was conducted. Path model analyses showed that while all movement capital dimensions (human capital, social capital, self-awareness, adaptability) were individually associated with perceived employability, only age (as part of human capital) and psychological capital (as part of adaptability) remained significant in the full model. Results were largely consistent across the two groups. The movement capital model demonstrated limited fit for both groups, particularly for registered business owners.