After working a few years, you start asking yourself what your dream job would look like. I know dreaming about labor is an oxymoron, but we all need professions to make money. So, the question really becomes what profession would I actually enjoy that makes me money.
Everyone wants something different and sometimes it's easier to identify what you DON’T want rather than what you do want.
This is my list of 5 things that I do and don't want out of a career. As you read my list, think about what your ideal work life looks like too.
I don’t want to sit at a desk all the time.
I want to be able to connect and socialize with people on a regular basis.
I want to be able to control my work hours.
I don’t want to work for someone else.
I want to do something that brings people joy.
Can you relate? The first time I realized what I wanted from a work environment, I had to decide what careers were available that would provide me with this level of flexibility and freedom. I knew for a fact that based on what I wanted, my current job gave my 1 out of 5 of those things. This simply wouldn’t cut it.
I have one life and the thought of spending another year, let alone the rest of my life behind a desk, is unthinkable. So what do you do? For me, this meant signing up for real estate school.
Why Real Estate
My push towards real estate was a combination of divine timing, patience and a loving support system. Before I started real estate school, I was working in marketing for a real estate company. This gave me a new perspective on real estate.
Previously, I would have never thought that I would be the type of person that could enjoy real estate. I was told it was just like SALES and that word has always scared me. I think the part that scared me most about the word sales was that usually in a sales role you end up selling something that you have to convince, beg and bargain with people.
Some agents and real estate professionals may disagree, but real estate is so much more than sales. Real estate is a business of relationships more than anything else: your relationship to your community, your relationship with service vendors, your relationship with other agents, and your relationship with the housing market.
Your Relationship to your Community
At my previous job, I spent most of my days writing about one aspect or another of real estate. The most common subject I wrote about was agent SOI or sphere of influence. Your sphere of influence is your network of people in your life. This is a great place to get business from before you have built any real credibility as a real estate professional. Communicating with your SOI about becoming an agent is the first step in nurturing a business relationship.
Your Relationship with Service Vendors
Once licensed, there will be a number of services an agent will need to access on a regular basis. Inspectors, appraisers, contractors, there is always a need for these services in real estate. You want to work with reliable people who best represent you as an agent and give you a great rate.
Your Relationship with Other Agents
Having great relationships with peers in any profession is important, but especially in real estate. You are a team of 1 when you become an agent, but sometimes you may need help. Getting friendly with a fellow agent on your local board will always be a great resource.
Your Relationship with the Housing Market
Staying in-tune with the local housing market is critical in being a successful real estate agent. Knowing what is going on in the market becomes a great talking point while you're out and is a great way to cue whoever you are speaking to that you know what you're talking about and you work in real estate.
Though my journey in real estate has just begun, I am going in with a sense of optimism. I started real estate school this week and plan to share everything I learn along the way. Homeownership is something that so many of us strive for and I cannot wait to help my friends, family and community find exactly what they’re looking for.
Until then, I’ll share everything I learned in school for those reading who are real estate curious like I was and for those who are just along for the ride.
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