Turning redundancy into opportunity: how Ian and Louise built thriving travel careers

Redundancy has a way of knocking the wind out of you. Even when you’ve had a long, successful career and a wealth of experience behind you, the moment itself can feel unsettling, emotional, and uncertain.

For Louise and Ian, that moment could easily have led straight to another role working for an existing company. Instead, redundancy was the point where they stopped, reflected, and asked themselves a different question: what do I really want from my career – and my life?

That question changed everything.

Both are now thriving as Travel Counsellors, running their own businesses with more control, more flexibility, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The chance to reset

Louise had spent years in senior roles across the private and charity sectors. When redundancy came in November 2024, her reaction was mixed.

“I felt relieved and terrified in equal measure. Change is always stressful and I needed to take a little time out and do some thinking.”

Ian’s experience was similar. With more than 30 years in travel and 17 years at a luxury rail operator, the news came out of the blue — but it also created unexpected clarity.

“Once my thinking started to settle, it slowly turned into a chance for me to reset and think about what I enjoy. I’d been in a challenging environment too long and had lost my passion.”

Looking to the future

Ian initially did what many people do. He registered with recruitment agencies and attended interviews for similar roles.

“Nothing really excited me. It was the easier option, but I knew I didn’t want to end up in the same situation again, with long commutes and the same frustrations.”

Louise felt the same reluctance. After years of adapting to new leadership and proving herself repeatedly, she reached a clear conclusion: “I decided I’d rather be the boss.”

Both began looking at alternatives. They spoke to existing Travel Counsellors within their social circle, asked honest questions, attended Discovery Days, and looked closely at the financial implications. What stood out was the balance Travel Counsellors offered: independence backed by structure, technology, and a strong support network.

For Ian, it combined two things he loved — building relationships and creating complex, tailor-made travel experiences. For Louise, it felt like a smart, proactive decision. “I realised I could spend my redundancy money attending interviews, or invest it into a business that could give me a return and a new challenge.”

Confidence through community

Starting something new after redundancy can feel daunting. Both Ian and Louise speak openly about those early nerves and how quickly Travel Counsellors helped to steady them.

“The induction training gave me confidence step by step,” Ian explains. “The systems made life easier, and the support from Head Office and the TC community meant I didn’t feel like I was starting from scratch.”

Louise is equally positive about the training she received, our in-house travel booking system, Phenix, and its integrated AI assistant TC Co-Pilot, but for her the people made the biggest difference. “The community is invaluable. The mentors are amazing. You never feel alone.”

That combination of practical tools, mentorship, and shared expertise helped rebuild their confidence and reminded them of the value they already had. “It’s given me a renewed sense of purpose,” says Ian. “I’m using my experience to genuinely look after customers and create incredible trips.” Louise echoes that sentiment: “It gave me such a buzz. I felt proud. It’s one of my best achievements.”

Achieving work-life balance

One of the biggest changes for both has been control over their time.

“As a Travel Counsellor, I can plan my days around my family and personal life,” Ian says. “I work hard, but I’m building my own business. It’s all-consuming in a good way.”

Louise agrees. “Most of the time it’s fabulous. I work when I want to and I see more of my parents who are getting older.”

Seeing redundancy differently

Looking back, both recognise that redundancy gave them something they hadn’t had for a long time: the space to make a different decision.

“It turns a difficult situation into a new opportunity,” Ian says. “You’re building something for yourself, but with strong support behind you.”

Louise’s advice is simple. “If you love learning, relish a challenge and are a people person, this is such a supportive environment to do it in. I wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else.”

An ending – or a fresh beginning?

Redundancy can feel like an ending. But for Louise and Ian, it became the moment they stepped back, reassessed what mattered, and built careers that fit the life they truly wanted.

If you’re facing redundancy and wondering what comes next, Travel Counsellors could be the answer. Our online and in-person Discovery Days offer a no-commitment way to meet the team, ask questions, and find out what a career as a Travel Counsellor could look like for you.