As the economy continues to top the news, along with the constant doom and gloom that the media projects for the travel industry, some home-based agents may wonder what the future holds for them. However, judging by the number of calls that I get each week from people who are excited at the prospect of getting into the travel business, I would have to say that our future is bright.

It certainly is refreshing to see new agents discovering the benefits of running businesses out of their homes. If you’re looking to get out of the rat race, to spend more time with family and friends, and to live a more balanced life, a home-based business may be the right decision for you. Here are 10 reasons why it pays to work from home.

Personal freedom. If you’re used to spending hours in traffic every day to and from work, some of the most exciting advantages to starting a home-based business are your newfound freedom and the retrieval of lost time. The average American spends 348 hours each year commuting, according to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. With a home-based business, you have those extra hours to regain control of your personal life. Plus, there are no bosses, no dress code, no set work schedule and no office politics. All you will need is personal drive, discipline, marketing and time-management skills.

You get to keep the money you make. It’s a simple principle: The harder you work, the more money you can make. Your earnings potential is directly proportional to your performance, so you don’t have to wait for a raise or a promotion. You’ll also save money on gas and food. Preparing lunch at home is more cost efficient and offers a nice break in your work day.

Increased opportunity. With so many corporations and industries in slumps, starting your own home-based travel agency means you can create your own income-producing opportunities. Good job prospects can be scarce in some industries, and promotional opportunities within major companies are also shrinking. With many workers now opting to take early retirement packages, becoming a travel agent is an excellent chance to take a passion for travel and turn it into a second career.

Less risk. Running a travel business from home takes much less startup cash than starting a storefront business or even a franchise location. Since there are no inventory or products to purchase, and the business is located where you reside, you don’t have the additional monthly expenses of rent or utilities.

Tax advantages. There are a number of tax advantages to having your home and office under one roof. Check with your tax advisor to see if he or she recommends deducting operating and depreciation expenses on your home as business expenses. This can be a percentage of your mortgage, property taxes, insurance, utilities and/or the expenses of household maintenance.

More time for friends and family. This is especially important for parents of school-age children. You can see the kids off to school and on most days be home when they return. Also, if someone is sick, it’s easier to leave your desk at home than in an office.

Less stress. It’s a little less stressful to juggle the demands of work and family when you know you can stay home to care for a sick child and generally make appointments according to your own set schedule. Also, you can schedule new appointments on the same day as other events on your calendar. For example, if your weekly networking meeting is on Tuesday, set as many other appointments on that same day, even if it’s just a trip to the dry cleaner.

Opportunities for professional growth. Being your own boss gives you the chance to wear a lot of hats: sales director, marketing professional, strategist, business development manager and more. This gives you experience with all aspects of running a business. 

Increased productivity. Now that you no longer have to budget time and energy for commuting or a succession of useless meetings, you should have a lot more time and energy to make your business a success.

A creative outlet. Your home-based agency can be an opportunity for you to give birth to your passion and create a money-generating opportunity. You can try out new ideas, take risks and run the business in exactly the way you want. @