Brad, I'm SO glad I subscribe to your blog.  This is just what I needed to start my lending day on this rainy morning in Tucson.  I love the way you write from your heart!

Mike in Tucson

Great thoughts.  All jobs, except the hourly wage jobs that cap you out at an undesired wage, are somewhat cyclical, and even wage earners might be affected by cycles such as holidays, weather, etc.  I agree with you, the time to get in is when times are tough...learn how to make it work now and ride it to the top!  You'll be the king of the mountain in a few years.

On a related note, I'm trying to get some answers on job satisfaction.  If you have time, would you please read my last posting here http://activerain.com/blogsview/195363/Are-You-Miserable-In and provide some feedback?  Thanks!!

You Go Brad.

The part about NOT reading or watching the media is the most important thing you can do now a days.  What the hell do they know?  They are not in the trenches everyday and don't see or hear what we do.

I think your attitude is absoutley correct.  No matter how slow the market is, there will still be people who need to buy and sell homes.  They will seek out hardworking professionals to help them.  That's where we come in.  We just have to keep at it, right?

possitive possitive possitive, work hard, meet as many people as possible, play to your strengths and you will make it.

There will always be people wanting to buy houses.
There will always be people wanting/needing to sell houses.
Once you get known for doing a good job, people WILL call you/refer to you.

Therefore, if you are good at your job there WILL be a place for you. The down market will weed out the people who aren't good, or don't want to work for it, or who for whatever reason shouldn't be trying to make a living in RE.