With the economic situation looking to worsen, seemingly secure jobs being axed and women bearing the brunt of job loss, times are certainly looking dismal. And unfortunately in these economic times, many of us don’t have the luxury of living off a single income or working reduced hours for an employer. Childcare fees are exorbitant, and that’s if you can even find a placement and family commitments have you stretching your budget until it snaps.

But there is one business that’s thriving, in fact can’t keep up with current demand and could very well be the answer to a secure, financially rewarding job in such tough times, especially for women.

Aussie Pooch Mobile, a dog wash and grooming franchise system that was founded in 1991 by Chris Taylor is the solution to a fraught work situation that suits women from all walks of life, and all skill levels.

“We are all aware that things are tough at the moment, but what is very upsetting is that prominent people have been bandying around the false fact that women will suffer more in this situation due to their belief that women are unskilled,” explains Chris Taylor.

“This just isn’t true, certainly not at Aussie Pooch Mobile. Actually, 65% of our franchisees are women, and very successful women at that.

“To be honest, we’ve recently had an influx of enquiries, mainly from women,” says Chris. “Even when things are uncertain, we find that women are extremely enterprising and do exceptionally well out of adversity. Within Aussie Pooch Mobile we relish new women franchisees as the organisational skills, caring attitude, motivation and budgeting knowledge women generally display, is exactly what is required to make a successful franchisee.

“Even in tight times, people will always spend money on washing, pampering and caring for their dogs, and we’ve had such a huge demand for our services lately that we are finding it hard to keep up.”

So for those currently seeking an alternative job, all you need is the drive, determination and will to succeed and if you love dogs, even better. There has never been a better time to re-evaluate your work/life situation and becoming a franchisee means you can breathe a sigh of relief.

“We’ve found that the aspect that’s extremely attractive to women is the flexibility of working your own hours, negotiating your day around children if necessary, being your own boss, being financially independent and reaping the rewards of doing something you really love. It’s extremely satisfying to have a job that has you bounding out of bed, eager to start the day and coming home from work feeling completely satisfied,” says Chris.

Just ask 59-year-old Lorna Gurney from Brisbane.

“Four years ago I started looking for work that I could enjoy and had only myself to answer to if things weren’t going well. I also needed something different to my already hectic lifestyle. My husband had just been diagnosed with terminal prostrate cancer. He passed away three years ago when I first bought my franchise with Aussie Pooch Mobile.

“We hadn’t been married long and marriage to me was not easy, as I came with lots of baggage. I had been fostering children and still am - nearly 100 over the years. This can be high pressure on a marriage and family and I needed a job that was diverse and would put some balance in my life.

“I also needed work that could fit around my family. I have four grandchildren that enjoy many different outside school activities such as swimming, AFL football, music and dance and need to be driven to all these events and supported personally and financially.

“My franchise with Aussie Pooch was the best thing I could have done. In fact my business has grown too big for me alone, so my youngest daughter, Emma who is 28 with a huge mortgage to pay, has stepped in to help me run the business and she loves it just as much as I do.

“We are both thankful that we have our Aussie Pooch franchise with the world financial crisis that is happening now, watching people lose their jobs while our business grows and helps support both of us.

“My Aussie Pooch franchise has been a blessing. It has given me a new lease on life to raise another three children to adulthood with a much younger and happier outlook on life.”