As a travel agent, I spent most of my time helping people plan their trips, booking flights, and processing visa applications. It was rewarding in some ways, especially when I helped a client get a great deal on a vacation package or secure a last-minute flight, but it also had its challenges: some customers were impatient, others were unrealistic, and they expected miracles when flights were fully booked. My previous job was a mix of excitement, stress, and a little bit of routine.
The networking was one aspect I found enjoyable. I got to know folks with a variety of backgrounds and travel aspirations. Some were moving, some were travelling for work, and some were simply taking a little vacation from reality. One advantage was that I was able to learn a lot about other locations without ever leaving my workplace. The work did feel repetitive at times, though. The same complaints about excessively high fares, the same airline websites, and the same ticketing procedure. In addition, I had to cope with cancellations, last-minute changes, and the odd customer who believed I had control over flight schedules. It was annoying at that point.
Despite the stress, my prior job provided me vital skills—customer service, patience, problem-solving, and a sharp eye for details. I'll still be able to use those abilities if I ever quit the tourism sector. However, I'm still in the game right now, assisting travellers and handling those last-minute reservations that somehow always arrive at the worst moments.