Alberta has seen massive growth in self-employment as of late and that includes Airdrie. 

Over the past year and a half, self-employment has made up 86% of Alberta's net job growth. 

Melissa Bentley, President of the Airdrie Women In Business says she thinks there are lots of reasons people are moving to self-employment. 

"They are wanting to do something that really matters to them. Something they love or enjoy, it's not just about the pay cheque it's more about making a difference and doing something they love."

Bentley also says that with self-employment comes a lot more flexibility.

"You can live a healthier lifestyle by fitting in those runs in the morning or going to the gym. Really people love just having the flexibility to be able to balance their busy lives and make their own schedule and do something that matters."

According to Bentley, the Airdrie Women In Business has seen a big increase in self-employed members. 

"Most of our new members that are self-employed come from the same idea, they want a change in their lives and they want to do something that matters to them and that they enjoy so they are not doing that 9-5 jobs"

Bentley also thinks that one of the biggest attractions for women specifically joining the self-employed world is due to how stressful balancing 9-5 work, children, relationships and other outside forces are.

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