Last week was a long week. We walked into our Monthly Meeting to find out we had been bought out by a much larger office. This was a shock to everyone in the room. Our small hometown office was now part of now 11 offices the largest in the state. Here are a few lessons I learned quickly:

I don't like change as much as I thought I did.

In my complacency I always thought as an independent contractor I made my own business decisions, that illusion was quickly shattered when my old company stopped existing 10 minutes after we were told.

I handle change better than I thought.

Once I did get over my initial shock and realized I had choices I began immediately researching the new technology and benefits of my new company. I decided to give them the 3 months they asked for because change under pressure just isn't the way I prefer to do business.

Change can be good

Watching Century 21 close their office next door had me concerned about the future or our office. We are now part of a strong network of offices and agents whose benefits far exceeded what our old small office could offer. Our new management is vibrant and offers cutting edge technology. We have access to new territories, use of any of the offices and a great support system.

So I guess the real theme of this blog is about change and how to handle it. I had a range of emotions over this but in the end my optimism prevailed and I choose to embrace it and find new opportunities that may not have been on my radar if this opportunity hadn't presented itself. I hope if you find yourself in a similar situation you can do the same.