I know what you mean re going backwards. I graduated from uni with an A average after being on a leadership and excellence scholarship. Now I have to fill in some training manual that has REALLY basic crap in it like re-write this time in 24hr format (...? How hard is that?!).

I'm taking a big of a dive in pay (not too bad if commission kicks in). But I don't see being a Trade Commissioner Assistant taking me anywhere in the travel industry any time soon. Just have to make sacrifices I guess! I've realised travel/airlines are my passion so there is not much point me plugging away at something I don't love. I don't see myself being an agent in five years time basically because I want to go the airline route and an agent salary won't give me and my partner the lifestyle we want.