The Difference Between Being Self-Employed and Being on Your Own
The Difference Between Being Self-Employed and Being on Your Own

For many people, the idea of being self-employed is both exciting and a little intimidating. You get the freedom to choose your clients, set your schedule, and build a business that’s entirely your own — but it also raises an important question: does self-employed mean being on your own?
When it comes to the travel industry, that couldn’t be further from the truth. The right network provides the support for self-employed travel agents that makes the difference between struggling in isolation and thriving with confidence.
What Self-Employment Really Means in Travel
Being self-employed in travel doesn’t mean you’re left to figure everything out alone. It simply means you’re running your own business — one where your success is tied to your effort, expertise, and the relationships you build with clients.
But the best self-employed travel consultants are never truly solo. They have access to powerful systems, trusted partners, and an encouraging network behind them. That’s the key distinction between being self-employed and being unsupported.
Many new travel homeworkers make the mistake of assuming that once they go independent, they’ll need to do everything — from marketing to compliance — by themselves. The truth is, with a structure like The Independent Travel Consultants, you can enjoy autonomy and the reassurance of ongoing support whenever you need it.
The Safety Net That Keeps Self-Employed Agents Confident
Every business owner faces challenges. But when you’re part of a supportive travel network, you don’t face them alone. At The Independent Travel Consultants, we believe that support for self-employed travel agents should be proactive, not reactive. That means:
- Training and onboarding to give you the tools to hit the ground running.
- Access to trusted suppliers and booking systems so you can focus on sales, not admin.
- Ongoing mentorship and community support, because sometimes, you just need to ask another agent who’s been there.
- Marketing templates and brand resources, designed to help you look professional from day one.
- Compliance and protection, giving you peace of mind that every booking is fully secure under our PTS membership.
That’s the power of collective independence — where every consultant runs their own business, but no one ever feels like they’re doing it alone.
The Loneliness Myth in Travel Homeworking
It’s a common fear: will working from home make me feel isolated? For many people, the answer depends on who they align themselves with.
At The Independent Travel Consultants, our community-first approach keeps everyone connected. From online meetups and training webinars to private member groups where agents share tips and wins, you’re surrounded by like-minded people who understand exactly what you’re going through.
Self-employment doesn’t have to mean solitude — it can mean belonging to a network that celebrates your individuality while giving you the same sense of team spirit you’d find in an office environment.
Freedom Without the Frustration
Let’s be honest — some people enter the travel industry through franchise-style setups that promise independence but deliver rigid rules instead. Others join big corporate networks where individuality gets lost.
At The Independent Travel Consultants, we do things differently. You have the freedom to choose your niche, market your way, and grow your business at your own pace. But you also get the reassurance of guidance when you need it — from branding advice and marketing support to practical help with systems, commissions, and suppliers.
It’s not just about being self-employed. It’s about being empowered.
A Counterpoint: Why Going Independent is Worth It
Some people worry that they need years of experience before going self-employed, but that’s a misconception. In reality, travel homeworking is one of the most accessible and supportive routes into entrepreneurship today.
With structured onboarding, access to supplier training, and experienced mentors by your side, newcomers can thrive just as easily as seasoned professionals. Everyone starts somewhere — and the most successful travel agents are those who simply start.
Jamie Says:
“Self-employment shouldn’t feel like sailing without a map. The Independent Travel Consultants was created so that no one has to face the challenges of travel homeworking alone. We’ve built a supportive community where independence and teamwork go hand in hand — and that’s exactly how it should be.”
Taking the Next Step: Finding Support for Your Travel Business
If you’re considering starting your own travel homeworking business, remember: being self-employed doesn’t mean being unsupported. With the right structure in place, you can enjoy all the freedom of working for yourself and the strength of being part of something bigger.
At The Independent Travel Consultants, we’ll guide you through every stage — from setup and training to your first bookings and beyond.
You don’t have to do it alone — and you shouldn’t have to.
Join a network that believes in freedom with support, independence with community, and ambition with guidance.
💬 Let’s talk about how we can help you grow your travel business.
Call us, or complete our enquiry form to get started today.
About Jamie Wake
Jamie is the founder of The Independent Travel Consultants and a passionate advocate for empowering others to succeed in the travel industry through honesty, training, and community. He brings decades of travel experience, a focus on doing things differently, and a strong commitment to supporting UK-based homeworkers.












