“Thirty, Flirty, and Thriving!” reads the cover of a Magazine from the 2004 movie “13 Going On 30”, in which an unflappably positive (albeit temporarily miserable) pre-teen in 1994 wishes upon enchanted pixie dust to wake up as, well.. that.
Thirty was the age of peak desirability to a 13 year old--not 18, not 25.
Thirty, Firty, and Thriving!

What is it about your 30's that makes it such a desirable decade? Is it the natural increase in drive that follows a more goal-oriented stage in life, or confidence in your developed sense of self? Some may jest you’re “over the hill” but somehow being “over it” feels pretty good, right? A slight re-framing may be of service here: rather than “over IT” I propose a rephrase–you’re over the hump. Out of the trenches. Onto better things .

You know better, and you can do better. I won’t ask what’s stopping you, because if you’re here reading this article, you’re already on your way.

You know yourself now. You know what you want. And you know exactly how to execute the plan necessary to achieve it. In your 30's, the laundry list of obstacles between you and business ownership has been condensed to the logistical–no longer elongated by lists of personal uncertainties, inadequacies, financial precarities, or lack of support structures. You have honed your skills, established professional connections, and earned credibility as an entrepreneur, each of which has primed you for a successful investment in franchise ownership.

So what now?

CONSIDERATIONS

Whether family planning is in your future, or you forgo the traditional nuclear family trajectory in favor of the SINK/DINK (Single/Double Income No Kids, respectively) life–both of which are wholly compatible with business ownership in their own right–your 30's are a PRIME TIME to launch your next big adventure, and the research reflects this. A census bureau study on entrepreneurs shows that 46% of successful businesses are started by individuals in the age cohort of 33-46 years of age. This life stage is a particularly critical chapter in life, as the decisions one makes about ones long term personal and professional goals takes tangible shape, ushered forwards by increased financial stability, familiarity with professional knowledge and networks, and general business acumen.

Entrepreneurship and family planning are not mutually exclusive goals, nor is a generous work/life balance should you choose to remain child-free. Similarly, many entrepreneurs own one or more homes, while others who own multiple franchises or travel frequently for work find that living out of hotels or apartments adjacent to their workplaces is the most pragmatic option for day to day living. Everything from your work/life balance, your investments (in time and in money), and the direction your career  moves is in your hands. Franchise ownership can prove to be an exciting and lucrative avenue for advancing one's career and seeing return on these investments.

Once you feel confident in your ability to manage (and/or delegate) effectively, and are aware of the risks you assume by undertaking this venture, you can begin to explore which franchises are right for you. Take our quiz here to be paired with a franchise that meets your unique needs.