This is an entry into Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty and Debe Maxwell, CRS 's February 2024 Challenge: Why We Love What We Do. The rules are straightforward - write a post that describes why we love what we do, in terms of our career choice.
I have had three distinct careers so far. First, a thirty year career in Corporate America, then 14 years as an active real estate agent/broker, and now, a year as a referral broker but more importantly a woodworker. I have loved each career choice for different reasons.
Corporate America:
I spent three decades working at a major telecommunications firm. I worked my way up from an entry level union position to an executive assistant (secretary) job to a management position, then manager, then eventually into a director position by the time my career was over.
I loved the corporate environment for multiple reasons. It gave me the ability to learn not only different aspects of the business, but more about me. I was able to use company benefits to get a college degree, and to take frequent training. I learned how to get over my fear of public speaking. I learned how to lead successful meetings, and deal with somewhat difficult people, and provide feedback, and help others grow. I was able to switch jobs every few years so I didn't remain bored for long. Once I learned a job and grew as much as possible in that particular job, which took me about 18 months on average, I started looking for something else to do. It was a great way to progress! And of course I loved the salary, travel and benefits!
Real Estate Agent/Broker:
And then I moved on to the real estate field, which I am still involved with. Here too, the ability to learn new things with every single sale or purchase was something I love. You will never know everything there is to know! Also, believe it or not, I enjoy running my own business; the paperwork and budgets and everything else that goes along with business are all fun for me. And I also love learning about a specific market, and doing analysis.
But what I love most of all are the people. Helping sellers and buyers move on to the next phase of their lives is extremely fulfilling. I have not only been able to help people with one of the biggest transactions of their lives, but I have made some amazing friends who I remain in touch with today. One set of buyers even came to spend time with us at our home in Montana. The people I have met and have helped have been (and continue to be) the highlight of the real estate career.
As for now, I am a referral agent only, so there isn't quite so much to love on the real estate front, but I am now focused on a woodworking business.
Woodworker:
I spend part of my week creating with wood that either comes from trees on our property, or wood that I've purchased or have received from neighbors and friends. I cut the raw material into various shapes, then trim and scoop and sand and stain. And out of the wood come actual useful wooden utensils. So what's so fun about this?
Many of the same things as above. My husband and I are running a business, marketing and selling a product, and ensuring inventory is available, records are kept and taxes are paid. All of that is fun (believe it or not for those of you who don't like that stuff). I also love continuing to learn new things about the business. But what's really fun is the creativity.
I take a block of wood, find the imperfections (or quirks), and work those into the final product or work around them. I am able to use all the tools in my workshop (a band saw, hand sander, belt sander, various woodworking chisels, dremel, and more) to take that block of wood and turn it into an actual product. And I have an engraving tool that allows me to draw designs as well. And then I take those utensils to our local Farmer's Market and have conversations with wonderful people all morning long, selling items, and gathering ideas for new things to try. It's so much different than my past two careers but also has many similarities.
Summary
In summary, I've found things to love about every career I've had so far. If I write a similar post in a decade from now, who knows? Maybe I'll have a fourth career to add to the list.
Thank you for reading! And enjoy whatever it is you are doing!
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