Where Are People Going In the Great Resignation? Many Are Buying a Franchise Franchises are seeing an influx of people who left their corporate jobs and want to be their own boss.

By Jason Feifer

People are leaving their jobs by the millions. Over 3% of the American workforce has voluntarily quit.

Where are those people going? Many are starting their own businesses, which is why new business applications in the United States have nearly doubled since the pandemic began. And as Entrepreneur learned while reporting its new Franchise 500 issue, many of these people are going into franchising.

It makes sense: Franchising provides a kind of ready-made business, where aspiring entrepreneurs can join an established brand and adopt their system. That can be perfect for someone who has left a corporate job, does not have a business idea or the knowledge to build something themselves, but still wants to be their own boss.

So, what's in store for these new entrepreneurs? And what kind of risks are they taking on? I spoke with PIX 11 Morning News in New York about this. Watch above!

Jason Feifer

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor in Chief

Jason Feifer is the editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine and host of the podcast Problem Solvers. Outside of Entrepreneur, he is the author of the book Build For Tomorrow, which helps readers find new opportunities in times of change, and co-hosts the podcast Help Wanted, where he helps solve listeners' work problems. He also writes a newsletter called One Thing Better, which each week gives you one better way to build a career or company you love.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Innovation

4 Ways Market Leaders Use Innovation to Foster Business Growth

Forward-thinkers constantly strive to diversify and streamline their products and services, turning novelties into commodities desired by many.

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Since Middle School': She Started a Side Hustle on Facebook Marketplace — Then a 'Game-Changer' Grew It to $25,000 a Month

Leena Pettigrew's "entrepreneurial spirit" inspired her to build a business with earnings that outpaced her full-time income.

Leadership

From Elite Athletes to Tech Titans — Discover the Surprising $100-Million Habit That Leads to Extraordinary Success

Success comes from mastering focus, eliminating distractions and prioritizing what truly matters.