Reading Mike Cooper's post this morning about Money for Nothing and Your Checks reminded me of some past life experiences I had as a Frisco TX Realtor(R). His 2nd statement on his article - "I'm tired of a 9-5 schedule" made me laugh.
Before becoming a Frisco TX Realtor(R), I've always envied those who has their own real estate business. They show up in fancy cars and fancy dresses. Certainly a fancy ring too. What's not to like about the glamourous lifestyle of a Frisco TX Realtor(R)?
It was only after I really became one that I understood the true picture. Although some of the glamourous things were real, not all real things are glamourous.
No one can hide that BMW or that Lexus car payments. Certainly, it takes real money to buy that fancy ring too. But I've also known agents who close 3-5 transactions driving the Mercedes. It's a reality.
But what I missed most about my corporate America lifestyle is my weekends and my time-off. I'd never complain about a 9-5 schedule anymore. At least that's certain but life as a Frisco TX Realtor(R), you'd never know where you'd be at 6pm (dinner or a listing appointment) or Saturdays (at a swim practice, or house-hunting with your buyers).
Sure, we have flexibility but it's limited to what most people think. You can have a very flexible schedule but that also means the paychecks are not rolling in.
It's not magic that your flexible schedule is inverse proportion to your income. That's a fact.
Then, there are days where you really needed to be with family, or yourself - you decide one or the other and it can cost you $$$.
Last year, my sister's dog (like her baby) died unexpectedly because of our Texas heat stroke. She was screaming on the phone at 4am. I had to leave by 8am to be at my appointment at 9am. When I called and left a message with my appointment, in 15 minutes, he sent a reply saying I need not EVER show up. I'm not fretting about it. But it's a reality. Besides a Frisco TX Realtor(R), I'm also a sister.
Then earlier this year, I had a miscarriage (no heartbeat during the sonogram). Devasted and remembering my "being fired" incident, I went on a very painful appointment with my buyer who flew in from out of town. I didn't want to cancel the meeting. She did come all the way. I remembered telling myself, I'll grieve later. So, we verified that's the home she wants. The baby passed on naturally several weeks later, by then, my brother had 
cancer/ tumor. I really didn't have time to grieve for the lost child. All because I was a Frisco TX Realtor(R).
It wasnt that I chose work FIRST. Life doesnt stop when others depend on you.
So, the 9-5 schedule certainly sounds nice now.
But I'd never give up what I do. I love what I do too much. I love my job, I love the people, I love to help. Most of all, I believe I'm answering a calling this season of my life.
So, the next time you see a super-glam agent, don't think it's all a bed of roses. We are humans too.
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