Browse any Slack channels, LinkedIn communities or Subreddits on Franchising and you’ll see questions like, “What type of franchise should I invest in?” “How much does a cleaning franchise make?” and “How is [insert today’s trending news story] affecting the franchise industry?”

It’s common to ask the external questions before jumping into a new career, but what about the internal questions? Questions like, “Do I have the traits to be successful in this industry?” “Is franchising right for me?” and “What is a priority in my life right now?”

This last question is a big one. It can shape all other decisions, especially when it comes to a career transition.

And while another position or promotion may offer more money, it doesn’t mean it’s the next best step for everyone. Across generations, we are seeing more and more executive leaders who need a break from the 60 to 80-hour grind that has become their norm.

Here, we share six tips on how to stop selling your time for income and create income while spending your time doing the things you love with the people you care about.

Tip 1: Redefine Success

In the past, success has meant more wealth, a bigger office, or the ability to buy the fanciest car on the block. But for many Gen Xers and Elder Millennials (ages 40-60) they know that more money, a bigger office and a fancy car come at a cost. Often, they are spending their time on airplanes or in hotel rooms – away from their families. They may also have a heavy burden of stress or obligation to reach certain performance milestones. And while they might have “unlimited PTO,” they are never too far from their phones or laptops. If this isn’t the world you imagined for yourself, ask yourself what is.

Tip 2: Stop Selling Your Time

This may seem like a trick, but we promise it’s not.

Most workers are getting paid for their time one way or another: either by an hourly rate or a salary in exchange for specific services or knowledge. Even a high-level leader in a large organization is selling their time – because there are only so many hours in the day to do their job.

However, other opportunities, like franchising, allows you to work yourself out of a job – without working yourself out of an income. Once you have a franchise up and running, others are typically providing the boots on the ground service that you oversee. Once a smooth operation is in place, you are able to step away from the day-to-day, only checking in when necessary. The business continues to generate income without you needing to touch it day in and day out.

Tip 3: Grow Your Community

Franchising isn’t just about personal gain — it supports employment in your community. As an owner, you are employing individuals who help keep your business running. As a Master Franchise owner, you are leading Unit Franchises throughout your territory (who go on to provide the services to your clients). Similar to your role as an executive leader in a corporate organization, once you have built your team, you are supporting them to do their very best work within the community where you all live.

Tip 4: Scale, Scale, Scale

One of the beautiful aspects of franchise ownership is the flexibility to grow as much as you want. For some, a single but predictable income stream is exactly what they need and desire. For others, they believe in growing the business not just in the number of units they manage (as is the case with our Master Franchises), but in the types of revenue streams that are available for their location and their skill set.

For example, if you were to own a Mint Condition Master Franchise territory that captures a sprawling suburban geographic area, you are likely looking at many medical and dental offices that would need regular and specific types of cleaning and disinfecting. This might differ from a more rural geographic area where manufacturing plants and warehouses require their own specific cleaning needs.

Tip 5: Build Success in an AI-Driven World

Many industries are facing automation and AI threats including information technology, sales and data analytics. While the reach of AI encompasses more and more jobs, a franchise in the cleaning industry continues to be untouched. A blue collar job, like cleaning or plumbing or carpentry, are relatively safe from AI (at the moment) and have even grown in popularity over the last few years. Computer Scientist Geoffrey Hinton said recently, “Jobs that include manual labor and expertise are the least vulnerable to modern technology than some other career paths, many of which have generally been considered more respected and more lucrative.”

Some franchise opportunities may not be able to weather the growth and changes of the current labor force and economic shifts of domestic and global policies. However, a cleaning franchise can. Local service-based franchises like Mint Condition provide human-powered work that is as essential to running a business as is having electricity.

Tip 6: Find the Right Fit

Franchising isn’t one-size-fits-all: there are multiple paths, industries, and models. We’ve discussed the important aspects of a system to consider before investing in a franchise model. Just because a system works for one person, doesn’t mean it will work for you. However, knowing who succeeds in a system (and whether this person is you) is also important. Ask yourself:

  • Do my goals align with what a system will allow me to do?
  • If I want more time with my family – will I eventually have that?
  • Will I have the opportunity to create more financial independence without being tethered to a job?

The right franchise system will be able to shine a light on these possibilities.

The six tips (or questions) we’ve shared are certainly not an exhaustive list, but they provide an opportunity to pause and reflect before jumping into your next career move. The truth is, the corporate ladder isn’t the only way forward anymore. For Gen X and Elder Millennials especially, freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment matter just as much as financial gain (and sometimes even more).

Want to talk more about our Master Franchise Opportunities? Contact Randy Abernathy at randya@mintconditioninc.com.