A Rewarding Second Career

Name: Heather Parker

Agency name and location: Bliss Travel Experiences, Tampa, Fla.

Host agency: OASIS Travel Network

My former career: Commercial Lending

Why I chose a travel career: I realized that I had 20-plus years left to work, and I wanted to do something that aligned with my personal interests. Sending people on fabulous vacations has turned out to be really rewarding.

Why I chose my host agency: I really was drawn to OASIS Travel Network because of its affiliation with Signature Travel Network. I really wanted a true luxury focus, great publications and worldwide relationships with hotels and suppliers.

My biggest challenge starting out: Feeling like everything I did took hours because I spent so much time trying to figure out things. In my last career, I was the one that everyone came to with questions!

How I solved it: Just working through it and gaining experience, combined with paying a mentor for help for the first few months. Each month got easier as I worked on different types of trips, dealt with new suppliers and felt like I had a handle on how to approach a prospective client.

My greatest challenge right now: In general, it’s procrastination! I tend to avoid the stuff that will take more time – and I know this is common! Having the business ebb and flow with the busy season of travel planning makes it very hard to scale without hiring employees, which I really don’t want to do right now. I am working with a great virtual assistant, which frees up some of my time.

What I like best about the travel business: My “work trips” explore new places, which is exactly what I want to do with my free time anyway!

What I hate about it: Detail work that takes personal time/ follow-up.

How my former career has helped me run my own travel business: I take advantage of the time and management skills I developed in the commercial lending industry, as well my ability to set financial goals. Relationships with clients—and managing those relationships—are the same [as they were in my former job].

Why I love what I do: I love exploring new places, and it’s great to help clients to do the same. I keep adding to my bucket list!