September is often a time for new beginnings. Children go back to school, and families fall back into routine.
Professionally, September is often a time for a reset, too. Most people have taken a holiday over the summer, which can prompt some time to think. Are you ready to return to the office and pick up where you left off?
Of course, there are benefits of being in an employed role in an office environment. For many people, it means stability, familiarity and social interaction. A chance to use the skills you may have spent years developing during your career. But for others, returning to work, whether it is after a summer holiday or a longer break like maternity leave, can symbolise a lack of flexibility and a mounting sense of frustration.
Could running a business be the perfect way to relaunch your career?
In 2010, I was at a crossroads. I loved my career as a Retail Buyer, working for retail giants like Superdrug and Sainsbury’s. I had gained some incredible skills and taken part in high-profile projects, like running the first-ever Sainsbury’s online supplier auction. But after taking a few years out to look after my young daughters, I couldn’t see myself returning to my career. Much as I had loved it, I knew it would not offer me the flexibility I wanted. Having grown up with a self-employed mother, I knew it was possible to run a business and still be there for school drop-offs and netball matches. An employed role wasn’t the only way to progress your career.
I founded Get Ahead in 2010, and over the years I have grown it into a franchise network with regional directors across the UK. I know first-hand what it takes to build a business from scratch and how much flexibility, autonomy and control it can bring compared to a traditional job.
Considering your career options? The first step is to identify your objectives.
What kind of work do you want to do? Who for, and why? Articulating your vision is critical, particularly for the days when things are tough. Whichever employment option you choose, there will always be times when you feel like you are struggling. Remembering why you chose this route in the first place can get you back on track.
Then, think about your skills.
If you have been employed for many years, it is easy to become blinkered. If you are an accountant, you will think about the exams you have completed and the clients you have worked for. As an HR Manager, you will assess your functional skills.
It is easy to focus on your current context. But in my experience, many people have a lot more transferable skills than they think. Do you enjoy managing people, or being part of a team? Are you a strong influencer, or do you love attention to detail and delivering projects on time and on budget? Think about what you love doing, not just what you do now. Those skills can be applied in all sorts of different ways.
Franchising can offer the best of both worlds.
Having started my own business and a franchise, and mentored other women to do the same, I have seen first-hand the benefits of both. For me, franchising offers the best of both worlds, all the autonomy of running your own business, but with the support of a team around you. An established business that is ready to hit the ground running and enables you to progress your career on your own terms.
It is not about starting over, it is about building what’s next.
If you are planning your return to work, or know someone who is, I strongly encourage you to explore your options and find what works for you. I have seen many women prove that franchising can be a fantastic way to relaunch their careers and do interesting, scalable work that fits around their lifestyle.
If you are starting to think about what’s next or already deep into job applications, why not join the free Return Ready summit from 21st to 24th September. This 4-day virtual event brings together experts covering career clarity, confidence, AI, CVs, wellbeing, leadership, finances and more. On Tuesday 22nd September at 1pm, I will share my own journey, the realities of self-employment, and how to spot the skills you already have that could become a business of your own. Register to attend the session here.
