It's Not Always About the Money
There have been many questions from new agents about what to look for when selecting a broker or knowing when it's time to move on. I have worked for 5 companies in my career and 4 brokers other than myself. The best situation was working for myself because I could make all the rules and create a working climate that was productive, uplifting and successful. I closed that chapter.
Three of the other four companies had fine brokers and I did well at each company. I respected the broker/owners and agreed with the company policies and missions. I played by the rules and was a team player.
I was not looking to make a move. A broker/owner called and asked me to be his sales manager. Agents love to be recruited, it's flattering so we listen. The other company did not fit my style or personality. At first I told him I didn't want to make a move. He didn't give up and called again asking me to name my price and conditions. This would be my first step into management and being a manager was in my career plan. I would consider it.
After thinking, discussing it with my husband and considering the opportunities I called back. I proposed a high number thinking that would put an end to the discussion. I was wrong, he readily accepted and I was committed or trapped.
I moved to the new company on Labor Day Weekend. By the end of September I wished I had never moved. The money was great and I got to hire, fire agents and make decisions. I ran the sales meetings and did the training. I was a selling manager and the owner funneled lots of business my way. But the atmosphere wasn't right, it wasn't a good fit for me. At the beginning I thought I could change it. That wasn't going to happen with the broker/owner present having his tantrums. I am not a quitter and I hung in there.
By spring I knew it wasn't going to last much longer. Another broker approached me saying she would create a position for me if I would come. We worked out a deal over the next few weeks and I made a commitment to go.
Memorial Day weekend, I went to the broker/owner's house and told him I was leaving. I gave my reason that I felt it wasn't a good fit. We parted on good terms. My husband calls this my holiday job since I began on a holiday weekend and moved out on a holiday weekend.
I liked the new company and fit in well. I made less money. That was okay. It's not always about the money. I got calls from the former broker/owner. He asked me to come back saying he would double my pay. The pay wasn't the issue; it was the atmosphere and difference in philosophies. I said no. I played a mind game with myself saying I wouldn't go back for a million dollars. I stayed where I was.
All of this is to say it isn't all about the money. Commissions and pay are just part of the equation. There is so much more to consider. Will you fit in? Will you be able to grow as a person and professionally? Do you agree with the company philosophy and respect the broker? Are you compromising any of your principles to work there? Are you happy and feel you are in the right place? Do you feel supported and respected?
If you answered no to any of these questions then you don't need to work at that company and need to look for a different broker or take a chance and go out on your own.
It's Not Always About the Money
Contact Clarksville TN Real Estate Agent, Debbie Reynolds at 931-320-6730.
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