“It’s important to understand your financial


position,” says Jim Eastwood, global sales director at Travel Counsellors. “Is it the right time, and do you want to be a


business owner? Are you able to build a contact list through friends and/or family? Are you happy to network and promote your business? We strongly recommend that those considering the switch take time to do lots of research.” “You need to be self-motivated and dedicated, with the right set-up at home,” adds Amy Brooke,


homeworking general manager for Hays Travel. “Do you have somewhere quiet to work? It’s also worth thinking about the lifestyle balance.” “Do your homework,” she says. “Compare


offerings, work out what sits with you and your values and find out which company is the right fit. Have a five-year plan and work closely with the consortia chosen to drive it forward. “But ultimately, don’t be afraid to make the


move. Many of our homeworkers wish they’d done it sooner – and you’ll never know if you don’t try.”


HOMEWORKING CHECKLIST


Considering which company to work for? Be sure to ask about the following things before taking the leap:


● Joining fees, monthly fees and credit card charges


● The commission split and when it’s paid ● Assistance with sales leads


● The suppliers and commercial deals available to you


● Support available (some offer this 24/7) ● Tech equipment and assistance


● Abta and Atol protection ● Experience required ● Ratio of homeworking to office staff ● Marketing tools available to use ● The type of holidays you can sell


● Training, mentoring and development opportunities on offer


● Events, calls and other points of contact


Q. WHAT IF I FEEL LONELY? A. Many companies offer meet-ups, events and other ways to get to know fellow homeworkers. Designer Travel has bimonthly


meetings, weekly newsletters and weekly briefing calls that associates can choose to opt in to, as well as regional quarterly events including a pre- Christmas gathering. Travel Solutions Network also offers local meet-ups in its hubs, while Hays offers virtual coffee catch-ups, monthly Zooms and business updates that homeworkers can attend. The Holiday Village, meanwhile, runs


a yearly conference and even has a ‘wellbeing guru’ who calls agents weekly to check in. Travel Counsellors also has wellbeing specialists, as well as trained mental health first-aiders, and hosts monthly updates from external mental health professionals to provide further support – alongside a number of in-person training events and conferences held throughout the year.


travelweekly.co.uk


27 OCTOBER 2022


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PICTURE: Shutterstock/Ground Picture


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