Corporate Downsizing's Effect on Interest in Franchise Ownership

For victims of corporate downsizing, franchising often represents an excellent opportunity to forge a new career path. Historically, interest in franchise ownership has spiked during economic downturns, due to the influx of skilled workers, replete with severance packages and the desire to free themselves from the handcuffs of corporate America, into the job market.

Here's a current piece detailing this trend:
http://kansascity.bizjournals.com/franchising-in-2008

And here's another from the 2001-02 recession:
http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/franchising-in-2002

The story's essentially the same; the trend undeniable. Supporting this assertion is the fact that Franchise.com, a popular resource for the franchise community, has seen a significant surge in interest from prospective franchise buyers since the economy started to slow. As for this spike in interest translating into franchise unit sales... motivated buyers continue to find a way to purchase franchises (despite the turmoil in the credit markets that may create complications).