Posted 25 August 2017
It seems the older generations have little desire to slow down once they reach the age of retirement. The rise of the ‘olderpreneurs’, those setting up their own businesses at the age of 50 or over, is a growing trend in UK business.
A recent study by Barclays bank has shown that over the past decade, the trend towards self-employment by those aged over 65 has grown by 140% with the number of businesses run by people aged 55 and over growing by 63%. By comparison, the number of businesses set up by those aged 25-34 in the same time frame grew by only 23%.
At Travel Counsellors, we notice a similar pattern, with 24% of our UK agents being aged over 55. By comparison, only 7% of Travel Counsellors are aged under 35.
Whilst we empower people of all ages to set up their own travel businesses, working from home to reclaim their work-life balance, for many nearing the age of retirement, worries of boredom, feeling redundant or having limited disposable income can be looming. Becoming a Travel Counsellor appeals to many as a career move where you will be kept busy but have all the flexibility to head out in the daytime, attend clubs and socialise just like you would if you retired.
For the 7% of UK Travel Counsellors who joined aged 55 or older, becoming a Travel Counsellor appealed as a role for later in life. However, 70% start their journey as Travel Counsellors when aged between 35 and 54, in search of a career move for life and the ability to be in control of their future.
“I felt that working for a company and being paid a wage had run its course; it was time for me to make my own money and try it for myself” says Sonia Brobbin, who joined in 2017.
Whilst creating a large business with a high turnover might not appeal after a lifetime of working, your earnings as a Travel Counsellor are uncapped. Many say that the more you put, the more you will get out, so if a money-making venture is on the cards, with Travel Counsellors you can create a business as lucrative as you like.
At Travel Counsellors, our highest earners are said to be ‘Gold’. In the UK, we have 141 Gold Travel Counsellors, 20% of whom are aged over 55, compared to just 3.5% of those aged under 35. That just goes to show that age and experience do contribute to financial success as a Travel Counsellor.
George Vermeulen joined Travel Counsellors in 2015, after amassing 40 years of experience in the travel industry. He says
“Being a Travel Counsellor and working from home has opened so many doors for me. I can meet my clients anywhere at any time. My wife loves it, as the dinner is ready when she arrives home from work. I have time to coach my grandson's school rugby team and I also collect both grandchildren from school every day. This is such a privilege for me, seeing my grandchildren grow up and I knowing that I am an active part of their lives. Thanks to Travel Counsellors I am building everlasting memories, something which few grandfathers can say. When my family have an emergency, I can always assist. Travel Counsellors have made me so positive about life that I just enjoy every moment of it and will not give it up for anything.”
If like George, you’re ready to embrace the later years of life and become an ‘olderpreneur’, or if you’re looking for a career move to accompany you into the later years, Travel Counsellors could be for you. Get in touch to find out about the fantastic work-life balance, earning potential and networks of support you will have to help your Golden years be just that.
