If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re sitting at your desk, wondering where your career is going, if you even like your job or if you may be one step away from losing your job to downsizing, outsourcing or offshoring. Perhaps you should start your own business. Maybe you have made lists of the types of jobs you’ve always dreamed of having, but bagged the plan after deciding your resume didn’t match the job description prerequisites. Even if your skills are up to the task, you can’t seem to move out of the doldrums. One of the best ways to see how far your skills can take you is to put them to work for yourself and start your own business. If the fear of striking out on your own presents too high a stumbling block, you might want to consider a franchise, which is the best way to control your risk while getting all the benefits of entrepreneurship. Whether you choose to start your own business from scratch or choose a franchise, which comes with a fully tested operating system, as well as training and ongoing support, with the right planning and preparation, business ownership can put your career trajectory on an upward path once again. Here are the top five reasons to start your own business:

1. Money

Generally speaking you have a far greater upside when it comes to earnings potential than you ever will working for someone else. When you work for corporate America you probably make a lot more money for your employer than you do for yourself. If you own your own business you have a way to keep both portions of the profit.

2. Flexibility

While the ramp-up phase may have you working more hours than you did at your job, all your labor is going to your own bottom line. Once your operation is up and running, you will be able to have all the flexibility you dreamed of. You can set your own vacation schedule and take off the morning if you need to without having to work around your boss’s whims and arbitrary controls.

3. Work-Life Balance

Instead of your family always having to take second place to the demands of your job, you can create a balance. Set your own schedule so you can have it all.

4. Control over Your Career

You get to control your job security. And when you choose the type of business to buy or start, you get to choose the type of work you do. With control, you also get responsibility for the whole show. For some, this is an exciting proposition, but for others this may be a deal breaker.

5. Independence

When you own your own business, you can run it how you like. Freedom from your 9-to-5 can feel like a shot of adrenaline to your career. So if you’re thinking, “yeah, that’s me,” consult a business or franchise coach at once to learn all the ways you can get started, whether that means developing a plan to prepare yourself for a better future or looking around for the right opportunity today.

Ready to make your dream of becoming an entrepreneur come true? Get your free evaluation today! Contact Dan Citrenbaum to help you create the career you’ve always wanted. As a business coach, Dan brings years of experience helping people select and buy a franchise or existing business. You can reach Dan at dcitrenbaum@gmail.com or at (484) 278-4589.