It's that tricky balance of ensuring you work hard to be able to give them everything, but not too much that you miss out on valuable and precious time.

A healthy work-life balance is hard to come by and I know many dads that work long hours, missing out on the simple things like breakfast, dinner, bath and bed routines. Simple things, yet significant things.

This priority of family life was something I was not willing to sacrifice.

Being a franchisee has allowed me to be working dad and run my pest control business simultaneously. It also helps me to plan my time around the things that are most important to me.

I love being a hands-on dad to my wonderful children; my daughter is five and my son is three and being make the most of everyday tasks like dropping my children off to school makes a real difference to our relationship. These little things bring so much joy as a parent.

Research by Fantastic Services Group has revealed that more than a third of Aussie dads (37 per cent) think they miss out on family time because of their job.

Working as a franchisee means that I don't have to. If I were working in a 9-5 job with a demanding schedule, this would be a rarity and so much harder to manage.

I truly believe that becoming a franchisee is a great way to make an important change so that you can always put your family first.

Being a franchisee is an easy way to start a business because you don't need to have much previous business experience and there aren't as many uncertainties or risks that usually come with starting a company from scratch.

Starting a home services franchise is are a great way in, because moveable schedules mean you can adjust easily to make time for things like school pick-up and drop-offs and sitting down to eat with your kids.

Time goes quickly, and children grow up in the blink of an eye.

I encourage parents across Australia to take the plunge. A proactive approach to parenting is something that I think should be encouraged and celebrated across the country and beyond.

Neel Patel is a Sydney dad turned franchisee.