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• “I would like to find something that energizes me.”
• “I would like to get up in the morning, and be excited to go into work.”
• “I want to own a business that excites me.”
• “I want to have fun.”

Are my franchise candidates being realistic? Do they really think there are opportunities out there that will really increase their dopamine levels enough to provide them with the excitement that they crave?

Here are three types of opportunities in the world of franchising that may be able to provide non-stop excitement for these thrill seeking prospective franchise owners:

1. Pest Control

You can be in the bug-zapping business. Every home and business has some pesky buggers, and owning a franchise like this has the potential to provide some real adrenaline pumping action.

Imagine for a moment being called by a local homeowner, who has become increasingly frustrated by the numerous bees that seem to be hanging around the side of her screened-in porch. You and your team spring into action and after being chased for a mile and a half by 75,000 killer bees, you make it safely back into your van. Talk about exciting!

2. Martial Arts

Investing in a franchise that involves any type of physical fitness, can provide a lot of high energy excitement, while keeping you, the franchise owner, in top physical condition.  Of course you’ll have to do some of the normal, everyday franchise owner stuff like bookkeeping, and answering occasional phone calls from prospective new clients, but it will be worth it.

After all, nothing beats the rush of having several of your 12 year old students deliver roundhouse kicks to your solar plexus, and beyond. Good stuff.

3. Biohazard/Flood/Smoke Damage Clean-Up Services

As a franchisee of these clean-up and restoration services, you are the second ones on the scene in these emergency situations. While not as exciting as being the actual fire and police department personnel, who are the first responders, sucking up hundreds of gallons of really cold water, while standing in your rubber waders, can only be described as exhilarating.

Of course donning a protective suit to clean up chemical spills and other miscellaneous substances certainly makes each day unique. Just think of the stories that you’ll be telling to your grandkids!

But Can They Provide Nonstop Action?

The examples I just gave are real franchise offerings. And each one, I’m sure, has great success stories. But can they really provide non-stop action?

Is it really possible for you to find a franchise opportunity that will offer you what you say you’re craving? Can owning a franchise free you from the bondage of a corporate job, and provide some real excitement?

If you are looking to invest in a franchise of your own for that reason alone, I’m afraid you could be seriously disappointed. While there will be some fun moments, and maybe even a lot of fun moments, most of your time being a small business owner will be spent doing the things that all of us small business owners must do. We have to sell, market, balance our books, take care of customer headaches, hire and fire, and adapt to constantly changing market conditions.

Everyone’s reasons for becoming their own bosses are different. Some people I meet want the chance to build equity, so they can sell their business in 10 years, and move to a beach house.  Some folks want to have a family business that can be passed down to their kids. Some people want to build multi-unit franchise empires, while some just want a nice little business that they can call their own, and provide them the freedom and control they crave.

You can have fun as a franchise owner. Just make sure that your expectations as to the amount of it are realistic. If you do the right research, which includes talking to current franchisees of the concepts you are interested in, you’ll find out what their actual days consist of, and you won’t have to guess as to how much fun you’ll have if you become a franchise owner.

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About The Author: Joel Libava is a Cleveland, Ohio franchise consultant and marketer. He blogs at The Franchise King blog. His website is The Franchise King.