Do You Really Want to Go Back to the Office?

If you’re like the majority of American workers, you’ve been working from home at least part-time for the last year or more. And odds are good that you like the arrangement. Unfortunately, I’ve got bad news for you: your employer is probably not as keen on remote work as you are. According to a recent Pricewaterhouse Coopers survey, more than 70% of executives want their employees to return to the office at least three days per week in the near future. Among the supporters of in-person work: heavy-hitting trend-setters like Apple, whose CEO just sent out a memo telling employees they’ll be expected back at the office in September.

If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, what can you do? Well, you can quit, which is what roughly 40% of current remote workers said they’ll do if their bosses require them to return to the office. If that choice feels too drastic and sudden, however, there is another option. Invest now in a franchise and set the wheels in motion to become your own boss. Then you can walk away from the office when you’re ready.

The Freedom of Entrepreneurship

As a franchisee, you’ll be your own boss. You’ll get to choose not just where you work, but when, and on what. And since franchising is such a diverse industry, there are franchise types to suit just about every nest egg, skill set, and background. Whether you’ve got millions of dollars to invest or less than $100,000, franchisors are looking for people like you. You can also choose from 29 industries and 226 sub-sectors, so you can find a franchise that dovetails with your current industry–or go in a completely different direction. Never want to go back to a brick-and-mortar business again? Try a home-based franchise. Or if you like separating work and home, but just want more control over your schedule, invest in a storefront franchise. Franchising even offers options to suit various leadership styles and strategic goals, from being a hands-on owner-operator to a semi-absentee area developer.

Gain Freedom on Your Timetable

Regardless of the franchise type you choose, you’ll also be able to choose your own timetable. If you want to say “no thanks” to the office tomorrow, you can do that. Plunging full-time into franchise ownership does require a backup income, such as savings or a spouse’s job. But it also means you’re likely to reach profitability and replace your current income more quickly, since you can give the business your full attention and run full steam ahead.

If you can tolerate going back to the office for a while longer, knowing that freedom is on the horizon, executive ownership might be the right plan for you. This involves hiring employees to handle the day-to-day operations of the business while you manage strategy and top-level planning and finances. Multi-unit owners and area developers usually follow this path. It typically involves more time to profitability, but the long-term financial rewards are correspondingly bigger. The idea of running a side business may seem daunting, but I can speak from experience on this. If you’re a practiced executive who has managed hundreds of employees and a multimillion-dollar budget, adding a franchise to the mix will keep you busy but is completely doable.

Are your wheels turning? Book some time on my calendar, and I can help you think through the benefits of becoming your own boss. Controlling where you work is just the start! It only takes 15 minutes to start the conversation, and my consulting services are always free.