Why Travel Counsellors is "the best fit" for Margot

Margot Speed celebrates her 10th anniversary as a Travel Counsellor. She is based in Jeffreys Bay and has travelled to over 55 countries around the world. With over 31 years of experience and vast knowledge of travelling worldwide, let's see why she loves being a Travel Counsellor.

Why did you join Travel Counsellors?

I was tired of working so hard for other people. I wanted to benefit from my hard work. After looking at many options, I believed that Travel Counsellors would be the best fit for me because of the support from the head office and IT. They have a brilliant website and contact centre. The flexibility in my working hours could be one of the main reasons. When I am busy, I go flat out, but when I have a gap or a quieter time, I can choose to do something else. I start work very early in the morning before going for a swim at 06:00. If I have stuff to do in the day, then I can do the work in the evening. It gives me more time. If I had to be in the office for work, working late into the night would be risky as I would have to lock up the office in the dark by myself.

In a nutshell, how would you describe the last 10 years?

Nothing short of fabulous! The freedom and flexibility of working from home have completely transformed my professional life. I’ve discovered a newfound sense of independence and fulfilment that I never thought possible. I don’t think I can ever work in an office or for a boss again. I love being able to work on my own terms. Whether it's in the early hours of the morning or while enjoying a surfing competition at the beach, I have the freedom to choose when and where I work.

Describe your work environment (where do you spend most of your time working)?

I work in my spare room most of the time, but the best thing is, if I need to help my mom in PE or I am with my boyfriend on the weekend, I don’t have to stop working. I can work anywhere there is wi-fi.

Are you in a team/do you work with a buddy and how has that helped you?

I have other Travel Counsellors in my team and yes, it is great to pass on the overflow and have support whenever I need it. I have more than one buddy. It is fantastic to be able to travel and not worry about my clients or business while I am away.

How would you describe the support you receive from Travel Counsellor’s Head Office?

I have found the TC Head Office to be friendly and efficient.

What do you love most about being a Travel Counsellor?

Being able to work anywhere in the world while traveling, I decide my hours. During COVID, I was able to bake from home and do my travel work at the same time.

What destinations/experiences are still on your bucket list?

Italy! Can you believe I have been blessed to have travelled to 55 countries, but not to Italy? I nearly went 3 times and each time it fell through. The other one is Canada.

What are your top 5 tips for succeeding in this industry and as a Travel Counsellor?

• What you put in is what you will get out. You decide your income. I worked out what I needed to earn in a month. Then set out what business I needed to bring in to earn that income.
• You decide your income. I am a single-income home, so I knew I had to work hard to get the income I needed to support myself. If you only want to work half days, then you will only get half the income you could have gotten by working full days.
• Ask your fellow Travel Counsellors if you are stuck, we bend over backward to help each other out.
• Make your working environment work for you. The best thing I did was buy 2 big monitors and it makes everything so much quicker and easier than just a small laptop screen.
• Travel as much as you can. There is nothing like personal experience.