With Kids Grown, Many Parents Are Finding Purpose, Freedom and Flexibility in Franchise Ownership
- More empty nesters are turning to franchising as a rewarding next chapter after raising their kids.
- Franchising offers flexibility, freedom and purpose, allowing couples to build something meaningful together.
- With experience, leadership skills, and financial stability, empty nesters are well-positioned to succeed in business ownership.
A year from now, my fall weekends will be free — no more field crew, concession stands, PTA events or treasury reports. My youngest is a high school senior and a member of the marching band. Can you relate? We recently posed for his senior night photo (below). If your nest is beginning to empty like mine, you may be asking yourself the same question I am: What comes next?
There is never a perfect time to own a business.
When you were young, you may have been drowning in college or mortgage debt. Once kids entered the picture, the thought of leaving behind a steady paycheck felt too risky, so you stayed the course. Years ticked by, and you were content with PTO weeks, potential bonuses and the comfort of financial stability. Then one day, college applications loomed in the distance. Life had revolved around the kids and their commitments — but now, you’ve built up your assets and confidence and a new possibility of freedom has begun to take root. That’s why so many empty nesters are exploring franchising as their next big step.
What comes next?
Your youngest is the final one to leave the nest. What is the plan for you and your significant other after all this time? Loyalty to the corporate gig may be waning both from them and from you. Dissatisfaction is creeping in. You may find yourself constantly thinking about what the future looks like. Often, candidates in this scenario turn to the franchise model. Franchise Insights data shows that over 50% of franchise owners are between 45-60 years old. The mix of more free time and curiosity is what leads many empty nesters to take their first serious look at business ownership.
Framework for Easing into this New World
Perhaps your spouse has not worked in several years while they took over the responsibilities of the kids. They could be the driver in this venture. After all, most franchises do not require you to have industry expertise. In fact, most prefer that you don’t so they can teach you their way. You can flesh out what you want from this new path as well as what you do not want. Most empty nesters are interested in the following:
Work/Life Balance
Many franchise concepts offer reasonable weekday hours — a 9-to-5 rhythm that still leaves time for travel and family.
Community Involvement
Any PTA or Booster parent who’s ever organized a tricky tray knows the value of local business support. As an owner, you have the chance to give back and create a philanthropic culture.
Legacy
Your children may even be ready to work in the business with you!
Passion Project
Love flowers, sports, tech or music? There’s likely a franchise that aligns with your interests.
Customer Interface
Would you rather work directly with consumers or handle B2B relationships? Prefer managing tradespeople, professionals or entry-level staff? There’s a model for every preference.
Transferable Skills
Be sure not to discount the considerable skills you and your partner bring to the table — financial, operational, marketing or business development. Together, you likely complement one another’s strengths. And if there’s a gap, that simply becomes your first hire or an opportunity to outsource locally.
Scale to Success
More than 50% of franchise owners own more than one location or territory. When you are ready to grow, that could be the signal for you to ease out of your corporate job and join in the family business!
Franchising for Empty Nesters
Being in your fifties today is the new forties — or so I have been told. We are too young for the adult communities — even if we are allowed admittance. We want to remain close by for our fledglings who are out in the world.
Many empty nesters are unfulfilled or bored in their careers and ready for something new! You may have spent decades putting your own dreams on hold for your children’s. Now, as they begin their new adventures, it may be time to rediscover your own purpose. Franchising offers a way to channel your experience, provide mentorship, and become a vibrant community leader.
Are you ready to write the next chapter — maybe even add a plot twist — in this stage of your life? Franchising can provide purpose, clarity and the freedom that comes with business ownership.
“Your child’s life will be filled with fresh experiences. It’s good if yours is as well.” ~Margaret Rutherford
