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Realtors, Be Grateful! You’ve Got Job Security!

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Van West Realty - Greenville, SC Realtor -Short Sale Expert! BIC #69041

My buddy in California was a Vice President of Information Technologies for a major corporation. He was well liked and served in his position for just over 10 years.

It turns out the gal down the hallway that had just enough power over him felt threatened by the strong friendships he had built over the years with top executives and sales managers throughout the company. She had been directed to consolidate some duties and trim off some overhead within her division. Poof! His job was gone. Just like that! With only a couple days notice he was told his position was being terminated and ultimately consolidated with some other guy (apparently, someone who was non-threatening and did not have top executives and sales managers within the company on speed dial on his cell phone). This job loss couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy! 

I couldn’t help but reflect on this situation in terms of the lifelong job security of being successfully self employed. Notice I said “successfully” self employed. It’s not easy and it’s not always the best choice for some people. But for those who persevere, achieve a livable income and continually strive for perfection in their craft as entrepreneurs, life is good!

As Realtors, we have the opportunity to pursue an unlimited income as self employed professionals. If you are a Realtor who has accomplished a sustainable and livable income from your business, I hope you are humble enough to thank God every day for your job security! 

Unless you develop a split personality and decide to fire yourself…you’ve got job security!

As successfully self employed individuals we must be grateful for what we have!

Mary Pope-Handy
Christie's International Real Estate Sereno - Los Gatos, CA
CRS, CIPS, ABR, SRES, Silicon Valley

Not sure how old your friend is, but there is a TON of ageism in high tech. Anyone over the age of 50 is at risk for being laid off. I heard one case, not too long ago, where someone in his early 50s was laid off only to see an ad for his exact same job run on an online site. Only difference was that the ad asked for fewer years experience.

Being self employed, we are always unemployed and going on job interviews. But at least our eggs are not all in one basket!!!

Mar 29, 2008 04:51 PM
Barbara Asbury
Prudential Colorado Real Estate - Woodland Park, CO
Nice post Kirk.  I totally agree. It must really hurt your friend that he was so expendable.  I've heard that before, though, so I guess it's not unusual - just awful.  Let's hear it for our wonderful (usually) careers! Sadly though, I think I've met those split personality agents... lol
Mar 29, 2008 04:52 PM
Katie Graham
Cherry Creek Properties, LLC - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate
I love the freedom, independence and responsibility that comes with self-employment.
Mar 29, 2008 04:52 PM
Courtney Cooper
Cooper Jacobs - Seattle, WA
206-850-8841
I love my job!  I always feel so lucky even though it is hard work:)
Mar 29, 2008 04:58 PM
Christy Powers
Keller Williams Coastal Area Partners - Pooler, GA
Pooler, Savannah Real Estate Agent

Real estate definitely offers many options and the freedom to choose what and when. I love it. 

Mar 29, 2008 05:29 PM