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An Update About Agents Taking a Day Off - A Taste of My Own Medicine!

By
Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Cahill Associates

Last week, I wrote about real estate agents taking a day off and asking if it really ever happens.  I argued that even if we do take what most people call a "day off", we still answer the phone, reply to texts and even think about our clients' needs while trying to relax, not schedule any showings, etc.  I realized that it was tough to totally "take off" because I loved what I do!

Here's the link in case you missed it: http://activerain.com/blogsview/1910808/do-real-estate-agents-really-ever-get-a-day-off-

day offTo my surprise, not only did the blog get featured, but it was the title blog on daily email that ActiveRain sends out to its members.  With almost 200 comments featuring an array of ideas, thoughts and stories, I wanted to let you all know that I did end up taking a day off on Friday.  While it was not the definition of a day off that some people wrote about, it was good enough for me!

Friday is the one weekday that my wife does not work and on about Wednesday of last week, I realized that I didn't have anything scheduled for that Friday.  As it approached, we scheduled a full day together without any real estate appointments!  Nothing urgent came up and I was able to enjoy the day.  I even had someone wanting to make an offer on one of my listings, but I told him that I would not be around until Saturday!

I got to sleep in, go out to eat for brunch, visit Ikea and Target for some items we had been meaning to pick up, go out to eat for dinner and then on to the circus since my wife had never been to a large one and Ringling Brothers was in town.  It was a wonderful day that we were both able to enjoy!

I did end up talking on the phone with a client for a few minutes in the parking lot of Target and taking a few minutes to look up a few listings on my phone and schedule some appointments for Sunday.  But other than that, I barely worked.  It was great!  I did play some catch up on Saturday, though.  Fridays, I realize seem to be the slowest day of the week for me since people tend to think about the weekend, not houses as the weekend approaches.

Thanks again to all those who responded to my first blog and I'm glad I took some of your advise and took that day off.  I'm already planning my next one!

Posted by

Thanks for reading!

David Cahill
Century 21 Cahill Associates
cell 781-910-6506
www.DavidCahillHomes.com

 

 

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Comments(12)

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Simon Mills
Mills Realty - Toluca Lake, CA

Setting boundaries with your clients is the key.  I love the fact that you told the person wanting to make an offer that you would be back on Saturday.  We tend to think everything needs to get done right away when the truth of the matter is nothing is that urgent.  Take time for yourself and you'll be more productive when you are back to working.

Oct 18, 2010 06:12 PM
David Cahill
Century 21 Cahill Associates - Boston, MA

Simon,

Thanks!  You are right!  I felt SO productive on Saturday morning.  And waiting a day on that offer was totally fine.  It did help that I was the listing agent, though...

David

Oct 18, 2010 06:18 PM
Phil Leng
Retired - Kirkland, WA
Phil Leng - Retired

Good post David,

We do better for our families, for ourselves, and ultimately, for our clients if we have balance in our life

Phil

Oct 18, 2010 06:18 PM
David Cahill
Century 21 Cahill Associates - Boston, MA

Phil,

Agreed.  That seemed to be the sentiment from the comments on my earlier post. Thanks for your input!

Oct 18, 2010 06:26 PM
Michael C. Price
Keller Williams - Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor-Real Estate Strategist

I was sure that your post we be well-read. It is an important issue that has a major impact on our quality of life.

Oct 18, 2010 06:41 PM
Tim Lorenz
TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA
949 874-2247

Phil

Congratulations on the day off and the featured blog.  All well deserved.

Oct 18, 2010 06:49 PM
James Brennan
Brenson Realty, Inc. - Temecula, CA
Realtor, Real Estate, Home Value - Temecula

David,

Great blog, I usually tell my clients I am booked for the day when I want to take a day off.  It is tough to ignore your business for the day, but completely necessary to have a happy relationship, family and friends.  My real estate coach always says to take 1 day of per week and 1 week off per quarter.  It has been working well for me and keeps me from burning out.  Good luck in the future.

Oct 18, 2010 07:26 PM
Frank Castaldini
Compass - San Francisco, CA
Realtor - Homes for Sale in San Francisco

I have lately looked to Saturday as a day off.  Really, I still do stuff on a day off.  I'm not complaining since I really like what I do.  I also am good about taking time off during the day.  Also, since I get to choose most of what I do and who I do it with, most if it crosses over into fun and personal time.  Meeting with clients and discussing solutions is fun for me.  Anyway, I do take blocks of time like a week or two off a few times a year...but I still have my phone with me.  I just love a deal.  Thanks for the blog.

Oct 18, 2010 08:05 PM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

David, you inspired me to take an entire weekend off! I actually try to do that once a month. I really need it.

Oct 21, 2010 04:03 PM
David Cahill
Century 21 Cahill Associates - Boston, MA

Patricia,

That's great!  As you know, we all need it from time to time.  For the most part, we all love what we do, but we do not want to be slaves to our business.

David

Oct 21, 2010 04:13 PM
Eric Michael
Remerica Integrity, Realtors®, Northville, MI - Livonia, MI
Metro Detroit Real Estate Professional 734.564.1519

It's been so long since I've actually taken time off, that I don't have a clue what to do! My kids have 4 days off next month and we're all trying to plan some kind of trip or something. I can't wait, we'll figure something out.

Oct 24, 2010 07:54 AM
Bob Willis
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Orange, CA
Orange County & L.A. County Senior Home Advisor

My schedule has every Tuesday off; but I never take it off. 

I had planned to take today off completely, and spend the day with an ex-girlfriend.  But, the weather looked like it was going to be questionable, so we cancelled last night, and decided to plan on next Sunday.

So today I have been mostly glued to the computer, working on Craigslist ads, my business plan and marketing ideas.  Not very productive, but useful to the back end of my business.

Oct 24, 2010 10:23 AM