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No matter what is in the news, the desire for work-life balance consistently makes its way into business headlines. Lately, the pandemic has added to the desire, too. It gave many professionals a taste for flexibility in work that was previously uncommon. Add in the variety flexibly-styled work can bring, and options for work-life balance increase considerably.
But if working for yourself is also a priority alongside a non-traditional work environment, a franchise might be the best flex-job ever.
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Job Flexibility
Flex-jobs can take many forms and provide different benefits because each person has a different idea of what type of flexibility is important. In a normal employee-employer relationship, flexible employment could be many things, so let’s look at the more traditional forms of flexibility first.
- Part-time positions. To provide more balance with other priorities in life, it can be a good match to work part-time. A part-time worker has more time to dedicate to other responsibilities (like childcare) and interests (like school).
- Remote positions. The simple joy of not commuting to a worksite every day can be very appealing. Even if a person occasionally must be physically present at work, remote opportunities provide some choices about lifestyle.
- Flexible scheduling. This option allows workers to choose their hours, from start times to split shifts, but they would vary based on employee requests and employer needs.
- Freelancing. Freelancers are self-employed contractors who provide a product or service to businesses when needed. Being independent allows the freelancer to complete their contracted work when and where they choose.
Franchising Fits the Bill
More than ever, employees are demanding more flexibility. If you desire flexibility in your work life, franchising might be your best option. As a franchisee, you can be your own boss and freely design your lifestyle to create the work-life balance you want and need. Just as some employees have flexibility like the types listed, a franchisee can create the best work-life balance with a flexible franchise.
Of course, not every franchise allows the same flexibility, but a home-based franchise is a good place to start. Within the franchisor’s framework, you can take appointments for carpet cleaning or insect control but provide the service based upon your preferred schedule.
Other options include any franchise that you could operate as an absentee or semi-absentee owner. Even if you have a retail store, a solidly built franchise can be managed by a trusted employee, allowing you to be a semi-absentee franchisee who spends more time pursuing other hobbies and needs.
And then, there are "seasonal" franchises and the benefits they offer. A seasonal franchise is open year-round, but the large bulk of the revenue is generated seasonally. A tax franchise, for example, will keep you hopping in the spring but allow you to enjoy the holidays. If your skills lie behind a lens, photography franchisees can focus on seasonal sports or weddings that free up other chunks of the year or certain days of the week to provide great flexibility.
No matter which franchise suits you, the best part of your ultimate flexible franchise choice is the support and structure that a franchise provides. When you match your flex-job preference with a proven business model, you receive the guidance needed to create the work environment and schedule that suits your preferences. When you are an employee, you cannot create the work-life balance and flexibility you want because you have so little control. As a franchisee, you get the best of both worlds: a supportive franchisor with an established franchise model and the freedom to independently operate your business.
Anne Daniells is a co-owner of Enterprising Solutions, a professional services firm specializing in corporate communication and financial improvement for businesses where she shares decades of corporate and entrepreneurial experience—including franchise ownership—in her writings on business culture. She has authored hundreds of articles for publications including AllBusiness.com, TweakYourBiz.com, and MSN.com. Reach out via her website for more on where corporate culture, communication, and human architecture collide.