If you’ve been following our June series, you’ll know we’ve been diving into the emotional and mindset shifts that come with leaving corporate HR behind. We’ve talked about what holds people back, the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, and what life after corporate HR really looks like.
But what happens when you start wondering, “what next?” If you’re exploring new career possibilities, it’s worth asking whether an HR consultancy franchise could be the fresh start you’re looking for. Here’s what to consider
From employee to entrepreneur – with support
Making the leap from corporate HR to working for yourself is a big move. You’ve spent years building a strong reputation, managing complex issues, and influencing at a senior level. But stepping out on your own means navigating a completely different landscape – branding, marketing, lead generation, pricing… not to mention mindset shifts and a different way of measuring success.
That’s where an HR consultancy franchise like face2faceHR can help bridge the gap. It allows you to take ownership of your future, with the reassurance of proven systems, guidance, and a ready-made community of people doing exactly what you’re doing.
Tip: If you’re excited by the idea of independence but worried about “going it alone,” consider how a franchise structure could support you. You don’t need to figure everything out solo.
Confidence grows with action
In previous articles, we talked about finding freedom as an HR consultant and stepping outside your comfort zone and how action, not just mindset work, is what really helps it grow. Starting a consultancy from scratch can feel overwhelming, but joining a franchise means many of the early building blocks are already in place.
From your branding to your website to your first client proposals, you’re not starting from zero. You can hit the ground running, which builds your confidence quickly – often faster than you might expect.
Tip: Still feeling uncertain? Take small steps. Have a conversation with someone who’s done it. Request a prospectus. Getting practical will help turn the idea into something real.
Designing work that actually works for you
One of the biggest emotional shifts in leaving corporate HR is redefining success. For years, it’s probably been about promotions, performance ratings, and visible wins. But working for yourself gives you a chance to design a working life that fits who you are now.
That might mean:
- Working four days a week instead of five
- Spending more time with family
- Choosing clients who reflect your values
- Supporting small businesses rather than corporate structures
A face2faceHR franchise gives you the tools to build your business your way, within a tried-and-tested framework. You choose your hours, your niche, and your working patterns – with guidance when you need it, and flexibility when you don’t.
Tip: Get clear on what you want from your next chapter. A good franchise should help you build your version of success – not someone else’s.
Community makes a difference
We know from our article on life after corporate HR that one of the most unexpected challenges of consultancy life is the loss of team. No colleagues to bounce ideas off. No informal peer support over coffee. No manager to sense-check that tricky ER strategy.
At face2faceHR, community and collaboration aren’t just nice-to-haves – they’re at the heart of our franchise model. Our network of experienced HR consultants is built on sharing, support and collective growth. You’ll have direct access to fellow franchisees through WhatsApp and Teams, where you can ask questions, share ideas or get a second opinion whenever you need it. We hold in-person meetups twice a year, giving you the chance to connect face-to-face with other consultants and our head office team. And speaking of head office – we’re always on hand for a sense-check, a bit of accountability, or just a friendly chat when you need it. You may be running your own business, but you’ll never be doing it alone.
That human connection can make a massive difference, especially in the early months when things still feel unfamiliar.
Tip: When comparing franchise options, don’t just look at the financials. Ask about the people. Who will be there to cheer you on – and help you troubleshoot when things don’t go to plan?
Building a business with purpose
Many HR professionals choose consultancy because they want to focus on the parts of HR that truly matter – not endless board papers or interdepartmental politics. At face2faceHR, our consultants work with small and medium-sized businesses, often acting as their first proper HR partner. That means impact, autonomy, and real connection with the work.
You get to bring all your experience to the table – in a way that feels genuinely meaningful.
Tip: If you’re craving more purpose in your day-to-day work, look for opportunities where you can see the direct impact of what you do. SME HR consultancy often offers just that.
Is an HR consultancy franchise the right fit for you?
An HR consultancy franchise won’t suit everyone – and that’s ok. Some people want to build from scratch, others want total autonomy, and some are exploring completely different career paths.
But if you want to run your own HR consultancy with:
- A proven business model
- Step-by-step support and resources
- Ongoing professional development
- A community of like-minded consultants
- The freedom to shape your own working life
…then yes, a face2faceHR franchise might just be the fresh start you’ve been looking for.
Final thoughts – the end of one chapter, the beginning of another
You’ve already done the hard part – building a successful HR career in a demanding environment. Now it’s time to ask what’s next.
Over this past month, we’ve explored the fears that hold people back, the confidence that grows through discomfort, and the rewards of life after corporate HR. If any of that has struck a chord, now might be the time to take the next step.
A face2faceHR franchise isn’t just a business model – it’s a support system, a confidence builder, and a way of working that aligns with where you are now. We’re here to help you make the leap – and land safely on the other side. Download our prospectus or get in touch for a friendly chat about whether this could be the right path for you.