Do you have a side hustle?

[namechangenelly1]

I’m not trying to pinch ideas….well, maybe a bit 😂

My sister has a wee side hustle that’s she’s hoping to be able to do full time one day, selling brownies and cakes etc via mail order. It makes her so happy and I feel like I need some inspiration for a side hustle to give me a bit of cash and happiness.

I used to do a bit of hairdressing on the side, but I developed an allergy to colour!

Thanks, I will definitely check out Merlin. I did look at Travel Counsellors too when I first set up, but it put me off that you seem to be very much committed under their brand, if that makes sense? (whereas with Inteletravel, PTS, etc you can keep your own company branding and swop your host platform, without disrupting your brand)

That's definitely true. There's a lot of value to the TC brand, but if course you're very much stuck with it. Seems like Merlin could be a good fit!

I started a travel agency with nothing more than a love of travelling and extensive personal travelling experience; so it is possible.

Frankly I'm not very good at marketing, but my client list has grown through recommendation and word of mouth. But it takes time and hard work; and in all honesty, unless you are brilliant at sales, it's unlikely to be very lucrative.

Tbh for me, it's a bit of a labour of love. I'm making a decent amount of money now, but it's still a lot less than what I made as a part time senior manager in the head office of a commications company; BUT it means I can work flexibly and be around for the kids; and I find it more satisfying because I feel like it's mine. Plus I always struggled with the politics in office based roles (I get social anxiety quite easily, and I have some autistic traits) and working for myself just suits me better.