For parents summer can be a very challenging time. As they think about a number of questions around juggling their job, career and childcare.
In this modern era where both parents work, they have to consider a number of things:
The first is how do I look after my children during the 6-week summer holiday? Clearly for some of that time you can take a family holiday for 1-2 weeks or even 3 if you have an understanding employer. The parents could split their holidays to look after the children but will they get the time off they need?
Whilst we no longer have children young enough to need looking after my wife often cannot take school holiday time off as other people book it first, so the second question is, can I take any or enough annual leave?
If you are unable to take the time off, for some employers it is their busy time so it might not be allowed, so parents then ask themselves, who is doing the childcare? Some parents may have able and willing grandparents to step in, which they might already do outside of school hours. Others might need to pay for Childcare, which can become very expensive and unaffordable.
As a family man myself with 6 children there is of course the why am I missing so much of my children’s summer question. This plays at the heartstrings for all parents, though it also does at other times of the year too.
So, for some, it is the first time they really question whether their current career is working for their family. This is not just about work-life balance, it is about work-life design.
This is where franchising can offer alternatives that many people might not know exists. Not every franchise is a retail or food business.
In reality, today’s franchise sector offers a huge variety of models that could fit in with school holidays.
There are home-based businesses, which are perfect for parents with young children and school-hour working. It also comes with lower overheads. Some examples being consultancy, travel, recruitment, marketing, bookkeeping, coaching or a virtual PA. There are several that fit within those categories.
There are hybrid businesses that combine a mix of home, client visits and flexible scheduling. This will not only include those I have mentioned above, but ideal for working around school runs, providing flexible appointments and allowing for an improved work-life balance
Some of the van-based businesses may also be a choice. Perhaps for people that do not want to spend their time at home all of the time, just during key holidays. These might be flexible during holidays but other benefits include no expensive premises, route planning around family commitments and independence. A few examples of these are property maintenance, cleaning, specific types of cleaning such as oven or pet services.
There is of course a plethora of children-based franchises, which naturally fit family-focused people. In this sphere there are many examples including tutoring, Children’s activities, such as music, dance, arts, etc. and sports coaching. Many of these operate after school or at weekends.
There may also be some seasonal businesses that suit your circumstances such as seasonal or Christmas focussed. This can allow franchise owners to plan family time around quieter periods.
Not everyone can work 9-5, so some franchises deliberately operate evenings, weekends or after-school, such as slimming clubs, etc.
So, if the summer holidays are a headache for you take a look at those that fit nicely around school hours, can give term time breaks, can work around childcare, could be for both parents and could offer flexibility.
There will clearly be franchisees that just look at the businesses that generate the most profit but you might not be driven by that but by the work-life balance of breakfast with the children, attending school plays and sports days.
Of course, flexibility does not mean a lack of ambition, as franchisees can build six-figure incomes, run multiple territories and manage teams, while still enjoying more control over their time than they had in employment.
The best franchise is not necessarily the one with the highest turnover but the one that gives you the life you want to live. Summer holidays have a habit of reminding us that children grow up quickly but business success also matters. Having the flexibility to be present for the moments that matter can be just as valuable, if not priceless.
