Juggling work with childcare in the school holidays

Gaynor Burgess started a new life as a Travel Counsellor in September 2013 after working on the High Street as a Travel Agency Manager for 20 years. Taking control of her future, and having control over her work-life balance, it’s proven to be a fantastic career move for Gaynor and her family. As a Travel Counsellor, she works from home, meaning she can pick her daughter up from school, and during the holidays, they can head out for an afternoon of fun together.

We caught up with Gaynor to find out how she balances work with childcare over the summer holidays, and what she loves about being able to do so.

Why did running your own business as a Travel Counsellor appeal to you?

Running my own business appealed because I was constantly coming up against barriers with my previous employer in terms of flexibility around my family. I worked every weekend and bank holiday and never got to spend any time with them. My longstanding employer (a large high-street agency) went through a difficult patch in that it nearly went bump and I just felt that I wanted to be in control of my future, and the only way I could do that was by running my own business.

How do you balance work with childcare during school holidays?

During the holidays, I arrange for my daughter to go to various activity sessions that run between the hours of 10am and 3pm – this means I can get my core work done during these times and then catch up in the early morning or evening. I usually take a day or two off a week to spend with her too; I will answer emails and work in the morning and then after lunch we have the rest of the day to have some fun, catching up on work again in the evening.

What do you enjoy being able to do with your kids now that you run your own business?

I am now able to take my daughter to swimming. dance and musical theatre classes which I was unable to do before as I would have been working during the week till gone 6pm and on Saturdays. I also enjoy spending time with her when she comes home from school at 3.15pm. It has been priceless being able to take her and pick her up from school and not needing to put her in breakfast/after school clubs like she was before.

Describe a typical day in the school holidays for you.

Get up, have a leisurely breakfast, check emails, take my daughter to summer fun club, get some work done, pick her up at 3pm, go for a nice walk with the dog, make tea, catch up in the evening with any outstanding work.

Do you think being a Travel Counsellor is a good career path for other working parents?

To be in control of your own destiny by building your own business whilst still being able to be there for your family when needed is priceless but the financial rewards that come with it are amazing too.

Do you have any advice for working parents who are thinking about becoming a Travel Counsellor?

Just do it! it is hard work, but the difference is that you and your family will be reaping the rewards in more ways than one!

If you dream of having more control over your work-life balance, whether it’s to relieve some of the stress of arranging (and paying for) childcare or if you just want to take control of your future, a career as a Travel Counsellors might be for you.