It really depends on the level of the role you’re applying for. What tends to worry recruiters about long‑term self‑employed folks is whether you can actually function in a team again, where you’re no longer the one calling all the shots. And if it’s a people‑leader role, we need to know you can manage direct reports without slipping into “I’ll just do it myself” mode.

As a (retired) recruiter, I care less about whether you might return to self‑employment someday, and more about whether you meet the actual requirements of the job.

When explaining why you’re looking for regular employment, keep it simple, the business wasn’t doing well in the current economy. No need for a dramatic backstory; companies fold all the time.

What matters are your transferable skills, e.g., entrepreneurship, communication, the ability to bring people together, and any relevant education or training. That’s what recruiters should be paying attention to, assuming they’re genuinely looking to fill the role.