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Burnt Out! It Was Bound to Happen!

By
Industry Observer

I have not posted a blog her for months because I have burnt out on real estate. It was fairly predictable that this should happen. I started my career at a late age after being a marketing rep in the corporate arena (blech!).


I got into real estate in mid-2004, just before the boom. During the boom, I was still learning the ropes, so missed a lot of the action!

By the time my skills were up to snuff (it can take a long time to REALLY learn the business), the "bubble" had burst.

All along, I was working like a DOG! I have a very strong work ethic - came by it naturally - my dad was the best role model ever in that regard and I thank him for passing that trait along to me - I was doing open houses every weekend, sending out a newsletter monthly, doing floor time (the most productive of all of my activities), telling anyone breathing I was in real estate, blah, blah, blah.

I had some good clients, and I had some doozies!!!!!!! I could write volumes on the doozies. Last year, I hit a wall after closing a couple of deals, then having at least nine or more fall apart - all of those had one thing in common: People I would have rather not have worked with for one reason or another!

Real estate can be brutal. You have to LOVE IT to put up with all of the daily challenges. I had to take a break. I am also a Feng Shui consultant, so I am focusing on that business at the moment. We'll see if I get my real estate mojo back. In the meantime, I am enjoying life.

 

Me and Forest Muir Beach

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Vickie Nagy
Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate - Palm Springs, CA
Vickie Jean the Palm Springs Condo Queen

Deborah, it's important to recognize the first symptoms of burn-out. If you can, and respond properly, it's possible to have a life-long career in real estate.

Jun 23, 2010 07:23 AM
Mickey Mouse
Disneyland Real Estate - Heron Bay, AL

I keep seeing all these people on Facebook who look like its a great time to be in RE they are making money hand over fist and having a great time doing it.  Makes me wonder just how many really are doing as well as they say. 

I'm sure alot has to depend on where they are located.  I know it has been no picnic in many places and many RE professionals have and are leaving the business in a  tight labor market, I hope they can find a job doing what they like to do as well.

But, when the market was hot, many people got in the business because there was alot of money to be made.  Now, I think it's only typical that many of those people attracted to the easy money are getting out.

It looks like you are doing something you enjoy doing in your consulting, I wish you luck!

Jun 23, 2010 07:31 AM
Shar Sitter
Rooms With Style - Minneapolis, MN
Home Staging and Redesign Minneapolis/ St. Paul, M

Good luck to you Deborah. I had a previous career for 25 years that paid well and gave my husband and I a great lifestyle. But I also became burnt out so I got back to my passion of design. The money isn't as substantial but I love it and have more time to enjoy life! That is worth a lot.

Jun 23, 2010 07:44 AM
Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

Best wishes! Have you tried identifying the type client you DON'T enjoy working with? Find the "common thread" shared with the trouble clients. Then stop working with people that fit that category (high end, first timers, empty nest). That's the beauty of being an independent contractor!

Jun 23, 2010 08:27 AM
Deborah Ryman
Santa Cruz, CA
M.A. Feng Shui Services, Santa Cruz County

Hi Vickie: Curious about "the first signs of burn-out." Wonder what they are? Sounds like a great blog post. Please send me a link if you write it!

Francie: I have seen a LOT of posturing in real estate. EVERYONE is doing fabulously well. Business is always booming! The money is just rolling in! I think a lot of that is a facade. I think a lot of people are really struggling. It is such a difficult business - I also think part of the perception on the public's part of the agent as a slick salesperson is due to this hype all around us . . . Thank you for your kind wishes.

Shar: I LOVE design. I hope you are enjoying your work. Money is not everything. I feel I was losing my health because of the stress, 24/7. (This is another thing you are not allowed to talk about . . . )

Doug: I think I just got to the point where I believe I deserve to be treated well and so many people have the attitude that agents are a dime a dozen (cuz we are, just by sheer numbers) . . . I LOVE first time buyers - they were never my problem . . .I would have built a business on them but the entry level is too high in Santa Cruz . . .(there are tons of programs that I love to put people in touch with . . . that is a fun niche and I would do that again in a heartbeat). Thank you for your good wishes!

 

 

Jun 23, 2010 11:58 AM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate

Well, I can't say that I "love" real estate anymore, but unless their are no people involved, I don't think there's a job anywhere that I would truly love ;-)

Jun 29, 2010 04:35 PM
Sidney Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula Kutchuk - Realty Works Temecula
Realty Works Temecula - Temecula, CA
Realty Works Temecula

Deborah:  I have learned to take on ONLY clients that I have a good feeling about.   This makes Real Estate a happy career for me.   I have specific requirements for clients and if they don't fit the criteria they go to another agent and I get a referral.  

As for your decision to go in the direction of Feng Shui, I think that is a great career also, and very popular right now.   I have a friend doing that as well who used to do Real Estate and got burned out on it also.

Jun 30, 2010 04:47 PM
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

Deborah,  We've all had our share of clients.  I wish you all the best whichever way you decide to go.

Jul 04, 2010 02:20 PM
Deborah Ryman
Santa Cruz, CA
M.A. Feng Shui Services, Santa Cruz County

Lisa: I know what you mean. I think I am going through a phase when my dog appeals to me more than most humans!

Jane: How do you weed them out, I wonder? I am always hopeful when I first meet people that they will operate according to the Golden Rule . . .

Elyse: Thank you very kindly.

 

P.S. I am still working with select clients and so far, so good . . .

 

 

Aug 02, 2010 01:36 PM