Business owners can more directly reap the benefits of working hard and can often find a certain amount of flexibility away from the 9 to 5 office grind. Many Domino's Pizza franchisees make a career and lifestyle change when they take the decision to invest. Andy Cooke, Domino's Franchise Sales Manager, comments, "Becoming a franchisee means putting in long hours and working hard, especially in the first few years as the business becomes established. Many people who apply for a Domino's franchise are seeking not only a change in their work life, but also an adjustment to their lifestyle. This can often arise due to a shift of life goals or personal situations."

Pizza People High-flier Astrid Patil (31) left her job as a solicitor at the beginning of the 2005 to follow her dream of becoming her own boss. Now a successful franchisee, Astrid relishes the challenge of running her own business and cites getting into work as one of the highlights of her day.

Just a year ago Astrid felt stuck on the office treadmill, with very little time to enjoy life beyond work. However, after getting engaged in 2004, Astrid seized the moment and said 'yes' to another big decision - this time in her professional life. She comments, "With my impending marriage and hopes for children in the near future, I felt that my career as a solicitor just didn't fit into my life plan anymore. I was extremely busy and had to put up with weeks where I hardly saw my partner Anil. I needed to find a job where I was in control of my working life, allowing us to spend more time together."

Astrid considered many options and, after much research and store visits, was inspired to invest in a Domino's Pizza franchise. Astrid says, "I'm so glad that I made the leap of faith and I'm feeling more positive about the future than ever before. It's been hard work but I'm already beginning to reap the rewards - I feel like I'm in full control of my life and enjoy the daily challenges that work brings. The feeling of real responsibility is unlike anything I have previously experienced."

Astrid is currently focusing on getting the first store up and running, however after just four months in the job she is already making long-term plans and hopes to open a store a year over the next three years.