"The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away."
-Pablo Picasso
This month we are being Challenged by Debe Maxwell, CRS and Pat Starnes-Front Gate Realty to share what we love about a career in real estate. I guess that some people (maybe most) quit following real estate news and trends as they transition to retirement. Not me.
My husband passed away a few months before I retired. I didn't really intend to fully retire at the time, but I needed to take some time off to work through my grief and get control of some health issues. I did that for about 3 years by traveling to be with family and friends in various parts of the U.S.
After those three years, I was able to settle down at home again, but I didn't want to go back to work full-time. I remember wondering if my ActiveRain membership was still alive. I logged on, and BINGO... it was still there, waiting for me. I had dropped off in 2009 and didn't come back in earnest until 2015. I was never extremely active in The Rain when I was working because I had a high-ranking website and blog that I religiously maintained. I don't really know how it happened, but over time, I became more and more involved with AR, and here I still am today.
Even though I stepped away from the daily grind of contracts, closings, and negotiations, I never lost my interest in the real estate industry or its people. In fact, retirement has given me the best of both worlds: the freedom to enjoy life on my own terms while still staying connected to a business that shaped so much of who I am.
Real estate is an ever-evolving industry, and that’s one of the reasons I’ve always loved it. Even after decades in (and out of) the business, there’s always something new to learn. I love learning from others, especially professionals in every aspect of the business, with different experiences, fresh perspectives, and innovative ideas. The exchange of knowledge keeps my interest in real estate alive.
Also, instead of working with clients, I get to share my perspective with others, whether it’s through conversations, blogging, or simply being a resource for those navigating their own real estate journeys.
I enjoy supporting other bloggers through my Second Chance Saturday series. By highlighting great blog posts and giving them more exposure, I get to play a small role in helping others succeed.
Perhaps the biggest gift of staying involved in real estate has been the friendships I’ve made along the way. ActiveRain has been more than just a blogging platform. It’s been a gateway to an incredible community of amazing, smart, and like-minded people. Some I have only connected with online, others I’ve also met in person through my travels, and many of you have become lifelong friends.
Real estate gave me a career I loved. Retirement gave me the freedom to enjoy it in new ways, especially the people I’ve met along the way. YOU all are the reason I’ll always stay connected.
Comments(27)