It’s back-to-school season—a time when kids go off to school, and parents find themselves adjusting to the transition. For some, it’s a welcome return to uninterrupted work hours or more free time, while for others, it begs the question…”What now?” Whether you’re an empty nester, or eager to return to your own work schedule, or at a crossroads thinking about future work and career options—there are many franchise opportunities that just might be the ideal solution.
Balancing parenthood and running your own business can be tough but also incredibly rewarding. It allows you to pursue your passion, meet your personal and financial goals, and find success in both your home and professional life. Franchise ownership has many benefits, including training and support, following a proven business model, and having a network of fellow franchisees. There are franchise opportunities across a variety of sectors and business models—beyond a brick-and-mortar 9-5 job—including work-from-home franchise opportunities, mobile storefronts, children’s recreation, and youth enrichment opportunities.
If you’re exploring the best franchises to buy compared to opening an independent business, you’ll find there are unique benefits to each. Learn more here.
Explore Work-from-Home Franchise Opportunities:
If you’re challenged with balancing school and work schedules alongside kids’ activities and family obligations, consider the benefits of home-based franchise opportunities. These work-from-home ventures allow you to set your own schedule and work from the comfort of your home without having to arrive at a dedicated office space or storefront. Many home-based franchise opportunities don’t require you to have a physical office at all. This saves commuting time and renting or leasing costs and allows you to be available to your family while making your own schedule. This newfound flexibility can alleviate the stress of juggling work and family commitments while empowering your new career path.
When her daughter was preparing to go off to college, Caroline Swift felt it was time for a change. Knowing her love for travel, she secured a job as a contractor at a local travel agency. But Caroline soon found the position unfulfilling, and she longed to have more control over her career path. That’s when
she found Cruise Planners. When exploring the opportunity, Caroline found great value in speaking with Cruise Planners franchisees. “I asked them so many questions, and they answered me directly and honestly. The biggest commonality was—they love operating their businesses! Today, I’m growing my staff and expanding the space in my home office. I’m excited for what the future holds because this truly is an exciting time to be in the travel industry!” Caroline found the perfect balance of independence and franchisor support, and she loves the technology she uses to operate her business from anywhere.
Franchise Training and Support Included:
If you think you need to go back to school to learn a new industry or trade, think again! Franchises offer a unique advantage to entrepreneurs by providing comprehensive training and proven processes, eliminating the need for additional skill acquisition. When you invest in a franchise, the franchisor equips you with the tools and knowledge necessary to run the business successfully. This training covers everything from operational procedures to customer service standards, ensuring that you are well-prepared to replicate the established and successful business model. By offering this structured guidance and support, franchises make it possible for individuals with various backgrounds and experiences to confidently step into a new venture, saving both time and effort in the process.
A year after she graduated college with a business degree, Juliet Kyes’ parents purchased an ActionCOACH business coaching franchise. “I didn’t know when I graduated that I’d join the family business just a few months later! Neither my parents nor I had prior experience in the industry. We started our franchise with four territories and now own seven! The personal and professional growth I’ve gained in this environment is amazing,” Juliet said.
Balancing Family and Franchise Time and Tasks:
When managing both work and family, it’s essential to prioritize your tasks, identify the most crucial obligations, and set clear deadlines for their completion. Keeping both personal and professional appointments, dates, and schedules on one calendar can help you streamline your time and increase efficiency. Delegate or postpone less critical tasks to create space for your priorities, ensuring that you can meet your work commitments without compromising your family’s needs. This is also an opportunity to set an example for your children and/or begin familiarizing them with a potential family-owned franchise in the future.
Amanda Day is a professional photographer and Spoiled Rotten Photography franchise owner. “My assistants help me get set up for the morning shoots, then I go home and process the photos, and I’m able to get my kids off the bus! I’m so thrilled to have the flexibility to be there for my kids, and I get to spend much more time with them when they’re on school break. I’ve just had the best summer of my life with my children. I would never have had this kind of time and flexibility in my corporate job.”
Comparing the Best Franchises to Buy:
Owning a business can be demanding, but most franchisees can scale up to meet their own unique needs and goals at their own pace. When exploring the best franchises to buy, take scalability and growth into consideration. New franchise owners often handle all of the business operations themselves in the beginning—or share day-to-day duties with a spouse or partner—and eventually hire staff as demand increases. Some franchise owners bring on family members to expand into additional territories as family-owned, multi-unit franchisees.
Remember, with franchising, you’re in business for yourself, but never by yourself. Franchisees not only enjoy the freedom of owning their own business but also have the corporate team and an entire support system of fellow franchisees to gain insights and advice from those who’ve been there. By understanding your own family, lifestyle, and financial goals, and with the support of your franchise family, you can achieve success.
After spending 30 years as a senior leader in technology, John Flack felt ready to pivot his career and start a family-owned business. When he and his wife, Jana, and their son Adam began exploring business opportunities, they hired a franchise broker. “We decided to invest in a HomeVestors franchise rather than pursue a real estate investment business on our own because of the proven systems, tools, and leads they provide,” John said. In their first three years as HomeVestors franchise owners, the Flacks have earned more than $6.5 million in revenue by buying, renovating, and reselling distressed properties in Greater Memphis, Tennessee.
Whether it’s a work-from-home franchise opportunity, a mobile franchise, or a franchise business model that allows you the flexibility you desire, you can find work-life balance while pursuing your passion and creating a legacy for your family. If you’re just beginning your journey and exploring franchise ownership, take the Franchise Finder Quiz to gain more insight into your own preferences and goals.
