A homeworker who admitted feeling lonely despite loving her job has received dozens of messages of support from agents across the UK after sharing her experience in Travel Gossip’s Facebook group.
Manchester-based Katie Hull, a homeworker for an agency part of Hays Independence Group, said she had been struggling with isolation.
She posted in the group to ask: “Does anyone else who works in travel ever feel a little lonely sometimes?
“I absolutely love what I do and wouldn’t change it for the world but feel like there’s this expectation that because we work in travel, everything is amazing all the time. The reality is, when you’re home based, you’re often sat working on your own and sometimes you just need people who get it.
“I’ve realised recently that I don’t think I have found my travel vibe yet.
“I’d really love to get to know more people in the industry, have more chats, collaborate, celebrate the wins, have a rant when things don’t go to plan, and simply support each other.”
Her post prompted more than 50 responses, with agents offering support and understanding.
Katie, who has worked from home in travel for three years, told Travel Gossip she’d been feeling this way ‘for quite a long time’ adding that, despite receiving ‘amazing support’ from her company, she still feels ‘very, very lonely’.
“I’m very open with my struggles with anxiety and sometimes feeling quite low,” she said.
One agent commented to say she ‘absolutely’ understood. “Having joined the travel industry after working for large corporate organisations filled with constant meetings, catch-ups, coffee chats etc, I find working permanently from home very lonely. Even though I appreciate the flexibility that working from home offers, I do miss the buzz, the office gossip and camaraderie.”
Some advised Katie to get out and about to industry events. One said: “I’ve been a homeworker now for 21 years and would never have survived without attending supplier events. You don’t ever need to feel lonely with an industry the size of the travel industry.”
Agents based near Katie, including those in Manchester, Preston, Wigan, Chesterfield, Stoke on Trent and Bolton said they would be interested in meeting up.
Katie’s post also prompted homeworkers in other parts of the country, including the Midlands, Wales, the Cotswolds, Glasgow and Edinburgh, to say they also wanted to organise local get-togethers with other home-based agents.
The post also attracted support from suppliers, including Gold Medal Managing Director Simon Applebaum, who said she was welcome to join training and networking events the operator runs for agents in its Leyland head office.
P&O Regional Manager for North England Amber Eastwood posted to say: “Homeworking can be tough, but you’re resilient and passionate. Maybe we can set up a homeworkers’ coffee morning in Manchester. I’ll attend to offer training whilst there and it’s an opportunity for you and others who feel the same to meet new people and grow your support systems.”
Somak Luxury Travel Trade Engagement Manager Scott Cumming, who was previously a homeworker, said: “100% agree with you and that’s why Somak has great connections with agents. I have the T-shirt and lived the experience of being an agent.”
Iberostar Business Development Manager James Carvetta said: “I live in Manchester too if you fancy a coffee.”
Katie said the huge response reassured her that she was not alone.
“I’m glad I’ve spoken up. I feel really supported.”
“I’m looking into organising an event and then maybe even a co-working community,” she said. “It’s given me that drive.”
