COVID certainly hasn't been kind to small businesses, while at the same time many large corporations have been posting record profits. They have the resources to adapt in ways that small business owners just can't compete with. They also operate at a scale that allows them to offer goods and services for less than the independent entrepreneur, so they will continue to fill the majority of the demand. The idea of everyone being an entrepreneur sounds great, but in reality most will be unable to find a niche where they can actually compete. We've already seen many people leaving traditional employment and working in the gig economy, but they often end up worse off than before. There is only so much demand for these services, and plenty of people wanting a piece of the pie. These "side hustles" are really meant for students or to supplement a regular income, not replace it.
Other ideas for income, such as being a landlord, only work well until lots of people start doing it. What happens when you have 10 million landlords but only 9 million potential renters? And the typical landlord will need multiple properties in order to make enough income to replace a job.
The top percentile of people in IQ or ability will almost always find a way to be sucessful at business or do something unconventional, the rest of the population will end up fighting for whatever good jobs are left... and those who lose will end up in the gig economy, minimum wage jobs, or social assistance.
Other ideas for income, such as being a landlord, only work well until lots of people start doing it. What happens when you have 10 million landlords but only 9 million potential renters? And the typical landlord will need multiple properties in order to make enough income to replace a job.
The top percentile of people in IQ or ability will almost always find a way to be sucessful at business or do something unconventional, the rest of the population will end up fighting for whatever good jobs are left... and those who lose will end up in the gig economy, minimum wage jobs, or social assistance.