Thinking about a real estate career path?
In class, we learned about Russell, a real estate agent at the age of 103. For most of his life, he was a physician. Now, he sells houses. 
Are you wondering who's doing the driving?
After 25 years of government service, my mom retired from work. Feeling bored and without purpose, she first turned to volunteer work. It helped some, but not quite enough. More than 20 years ago, she found her focus again in real estate. First, an agent, then, a broker. She was hooked and continues part-time to this day.
No, commission sales will never be easy and if megabucks is what you're dreaming of, you can probably stop reading now.
Frustration levels climb high in situations too numerous to count like when you're trying to get a client into a house and the listing agent will absolutely not answer his phone or respond to voice/email. Even more so, when your buyer client suddenly purchases with friend or family after you've put in considerable effort showing properties. Once again, when your client speaks the same foreign language as the homeowner (a language you don't understand) and a long-winded conversation outside the home leaves you feeling inexplicably cut out of the transaction.
So, why choose real estate?
Everyone I meet has a unique story. For some, it may even be the 3rd or 4th career change of their lives. Maybe that's because the start-up costs are relatively low or maybe it's because real estate is the great equalizer.
It matters not your age, gender, religion, level of education, or native language. All that's required to get started is a good deal of motivation, some basic real estate knowledge, and a lot of hard work and persistence.
It is also necessary to have superb organizational skills since you are running your own business and the realization that relationship building takes time. A nest egg to live on is crucial for the first 9 months or so when you likely won't have any income. Just as important, is the ability to listen well and really hear your client's needs.
Not Required? An overly-aggressive, sales-type personality although I've known plenty of agents with these traits who succeed, as well!
In high-trust sales, where consumers are making, what is probably, the most important and expensive decision of their lives, at the very least, you need to possess a sincere desire to help.
We all have housing needs and the market has different niches.
Stick around a while and you'll most likely find an area that best suits your personality and skill set.
In the end, there's really no better feeling than hammering out a difficult transaction. You'll either love real estate or hate it but you'll definitely be left with an appreciation for the challenge and experience.
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