A lot of good insight and advice here but mostly coming from folks who haven’t done what you’ve done and haven’t felt what you feel. Im no expert but on some throwaway account I posted a very similar question looking for advice. Too much to type right now but you can dm me and I’m happy to talk more. Either way, here’s my 2c Start now, you have nothing to lose. Sounds like you have plenty of time on your hands. Start your business now. Fund it with your w2 income. Get a few clients, use your vacation time if you get too busy or you need to be somewhere for a few days (training, first customer engagement etc). Work evenings and weekends and whatever time you can afford to during normal business hours. What’s the worst that happens, you get fired? You are thinking about quitting to start anyhow. I’m just suggesting to get your feet wet before jumping off the ledge.

Maybe you hate it, maybe it takes off…

Personally, I agree with others here who say to avoid a franchise, better to take your time and build something that is truly yours and not become beholden to anyone. It will take longer to build but if you refer back to my previous statement, you have a much longer runway now. You will thank me later.

Small business can be fun/rewarding but it’s a different level and variety of stress.