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Sometimes it seems that there is never going to be enough time to get it all done.

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Richard Weisser Realty

Sometimes it seems that there is never going to be enough time to get it all done.O’ take me to that sheltered cove
Alee from blustered Arctic’s howl,
To pause by red-eyed embers glow
To thaw the bone-chilled weary soul.
                       (R Weisser 2012)

The real estate profession is very time-demanding. Time that is not spent helping clients is usually relegated to finding new customers.

It’s a never ending cycle of “closing” old clients and “converting” new prospects. The pipeline must be maintained and flowing freely at all times.

But like everyone else, real estate brokers still have to maintain some semblance of a “normal” life. But since we are in control of our schedules many cursory tasks are routinely deferred to the realm of “when I have the time to get around to it.”

There are even those times when sleep is placed on the back burner. And as I get older, it’s getting harder and harder to recover from those nights spent burning the midnight oil!

So I have only one query for those of my ilk:
Is there ever a time for rest without guilt?

Comments (21)

Deborah Byron Leffler BzyBee Real Estate Lady!
Keller Williams Realty Boise - Nampa, ID

So very true....and I don't do well with a lack of sleep!    I have literally ran since I got back from the holidays....and have been working late hours....When my husband gets moved out here with me in a couple of years it will be an adjustment to have that balance.....I do know that being this busy has forced me to neglect my blog!!!  Only so many hours! 

Jan 15, 2012 01:53 AM
Brian Schulte
Allison James Estates & Homes - Sierra Vista, AZ
SFR, Sierra Vista, AZ

Just remember that we can't take it with us, though the Pharoahs tried.

Words gone out cannot be taken aback.

Hugs not given cannot be warmly remembered.

We must share and that alone is our reward.

BS

Jan 15, 2012 01:55 AM
David H. Stone
StoneWright Properties, LLC - Mill Spring, NC
Making Connections that Count

I believe the beauty of being in real estate is that I control my schedule.   I work when I want and I play when I want.....to be successful you have to learn how to balance both of them and your clients should not be able to tell if you are working or playing.    Some times it is both.   Do I miss sleep some nights or wake early in the morning to get work done for a client...yes.    But there are days when i take that mid afternoon siesta!!    All things that I could not do when I worked in the corporate world!!

Jan 15, 2012 01:57 AM
John McCormack, CRS
Albuquerque Homes Realty - Albuquerque, NM
Honesty, Integrity, Results, Experienced. HIRE Me!

 You really nailed it with this post Richard.  In fact yesterday afternoon my wife and I had a "short" discussion on taking less hours a day away from the office.  It's hard to do and even more when you home office.  There's always real estate on the brain and we both find ourselves back at our desk taking care of this or that which without doubt turns into a midnight task.  Your post has made me stop and think about my own world much appreciation to you.

Jan 15, 2012 02:01 AM
Emily Medvec
eXp Realty LLC - Santa Fe, NM
Broker | Realtor | Serving Santa Fe & Northern NM

It is amazing how the shift to real estate online has moved us into a 24/7 world of response as our world still turns on the cycle of closing. And yes, it is Sunday morning and here we are balancing our lives. Time for coffee and living life in between all the demands of our world.

Jan 15, 2012 02:02 AM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Gary...

I know exactly what you mean. And sometimes I realize that this will never end and that's a little depressing. Thanks my friend.

Deborah...

It took me forever to get this blog posted today. And all the while I'm worried about how much time it is taking. THX.

Brian...

I am trying really hard to adopt that mentality. It's a struggle. Thanks so much.

David...

I think at this point in my life a structured schedule appeals to me. Weird, but true. THX.

Jan 15, 2012 02:02 AM
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services Inc - Gulf Breeze, FL
Buyers Agent 800-309-3414 Pace and Gulf Breeze,Fl.

After all these years of jumping to the customers beat, about 5 years ago I decided with the help of my broker who is a time management fanatic to get on a schedule, I work 4 days a week M-T with Friday and Saturdays appointment only ( weeks in advance) and always without exception Sundays off (I do play in the rain on Sundays but indulge me). My income has doubled plus, my life is mine and I enjoy the days. I have lost a few clients that have not understood my new found freedom but I have never missed the money and I doubt (know ) they will not be  at my funeral or miss me.

Jan 15, 2012 02:04 AM
Cheryl Dickson
Retired Realtor / Retired Home Inspector - Oklahoma City, OK
Retired Realtor, GRI / Retired Home Inspector

Richard, I feel the same way. When I take a break, I feel like I should still be going hard at it. Being as we are taking the break anyways, we need tio convince ourselves to not feel the guilt so we can enjoy the time. Tough to do! Suggested!

Here's a little something to help you, now you won't have to take the time to "Get a Round Tuit" You've already got one!!! LOL!  :)

Round Tuit

 

Jan 15, 2012 02:05 AM
Cindy Edwards
RE/MAX Checkmate - Johnson City, TN
CRS, GRI, PMN - Northeast Tennessee 423-677-6677

Hi Richard,

One most rest without guilt, or it is not rest.  We do work hard and sometimes we have to burn the candle at both ends, which is why we need our rest.  Love your photo and your poem.  You should write a book of poems with photos.

Jan 15, 2012 02:06 AM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

John...

Thank you so much for the validation. There are days when I wonder: "it's not just me, is it?" It's definitely a challenge to keep everything in the proper focus.

Emily...

You are so right ... the Internet really has changed the way we control our schedules. Very profound and thank you for bringing it up.

Joyce...

Wow, you should write a post about that, because most of us would be very surprised that it CAN be done!!! THX.

Cheryl...

I need to get some of those discs! lol and thanks for the support.

Jan 15, 2012 02:11 AM
Richard Weisser
Richard Weisser Realty - Newnan, GA
Richard Weisser Retired Real Estate Professional

Cindy...

I am actually working on a book with poems and photos! Thank you so much for letting me know that I am on the right track! I really appreciate it.

Jan 15, 2012 02:13 AM
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Sleep is over rated!  Unless you are the one not getting enough! 

Jan 15, 2012 02:13 AM
Connie Goodrich
Keller Williams Realty - McKinney, TX
CRS ABR (McKinney Realtor)Texas

Guilt does tend to overshadow the day if you are not doing some form of work.  Real Estate is demanding and part of our problem with the guilt feelings is that we want to accommodate our clients & don't want to miss opportunity.  In our minds we are always on the job and ready to go at a moments notice.  The key is permission ... we must respect our day off & after hours need to be off. That task is one on the hardest in the profession.

Jan 15, 2012 02:26 AM
Andrea Swiedler
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties - New Milford, CT
Realtor, Southern Litchfield County CT

Richard, I want to be in that sheltered cove too, LOL. When I am not working, I am working. It is a 24-7 job given all that we have to do.

Jan 15, 2012 02:48 AM
Peggy Wester
Realty Executives Integrity - Grafton, WI
Real Estate Agent Ozaukee & Washington County

I think there is, Richard. And I think our clients and customers understand more than we usually give them credit for. They realize we have personal lives and need to tend to those as well as our business. I try to remind myself for that when the guilt creeps in. We all deserve some time off now and then, regardless of the business we're in.

Jan 15, 2012 02:52 AM
Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

One of my resolutions is to put family first....work is important but not THAT important...make time for yourself and dont feel guilty about it...life is too short!!

Jan 15, 2012 03:05 AM
Leslie G. Rojohn
MoonDancer Realty - Sylva, NC
GRI, ABR ~ MoonDancer Realty

Richard,  I am blown away by your lovely verse and art.  With that amazing talent you must really love Real Estate to be doing it instead of working full time at art and poetry. But Richard...guilt is over rated. When you want to pull away from real estate and give the world your other talents, don't feel guilty about leaving work behind.. My favorite slogan when I worry to much about something is "A hundred years from now, what difference will it make."

Jan 15, 2012 03:10 AM
Teral McDowell
Referral Patners LLC - Murphy, TX

I was a girl scout, you know, make new friends but keep the old - does that ever apply to real estate. The demand on our time is huge and thank you for sharing that fact.

Jan 15, 2012 03:36 AM
Gay E. Rosen
Julia B. Fee Sotheby's International Realty - Larchmont, NY
As Real as Real Estate Gets!

Hi Richard - SO true.... I always seem to find time for everyone else but myself... We should never feel guilty for doing things for US.. life is too short.. Nicely put - best, Gay

Jan 15, 2012 07:59 AM
Mark Delgado
houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove - Benicia, CA
Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h

Only "sometimes" does it feel like there's not enough time?  I always feel that way lately.  Business is good, so I'm not complaining, but we are all human and deserve a bit of downtime every now and again.

Jan 15, 2012 10:45 AM