For about 20 minutes this post was about being a martyr...Due to the changes in the world the past few years, martyr may be a poor choice of words.  It used to be that a common definition of a martyr was someone who punished or deprived oneself.  I use the word "martyr" loosely.  And I apologize if that word offends anyone.  I looked at the thesaurus and I can't find another word that fits what I'm trying to get across.   

Let's face it, we Realtors are in a tough spot.  Our customers want access to us whenever they need us.  We, as an industry, do all we can to comply.  There's a feeling out there of "if I don't do it, someone else will".  I too subscribe to that theory.

A large number of Realtors are constantly "tuned in" via cell phones, emails & pagers. Even our home phone numbers are given out.  We're a "very connected" group!

I pride myself on being available to my clients.  I answer the phone well into the late night.  I'm lucky because I have a very understanding husband.  But I must admit that I feel real pressure sometimes to "be there" for my clients.  Skipped vacations, missing meals with my family... I've sacrificed many personal wants to attend to a clients' want.

Where things get tricky is creating some sort of balance.  I do my job better when I get the chance to do things that I enjoy in addition to doing the job I enjoy.  I can, at times, fall victim of being a Martyr of sorts.