Career Path

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on my career in real estate - how I got here and where I’m going. This time of year, it’s natural to think about as we close out one year and get ready for the next.? I wrote this piece last December, and I think it’s important to repeat it. Regardless of where you work or what you do, who you work with is what truly moves the needle. At this point in my career, I don’t have time for negative people. I want to surround myself with people who push me to be better, and I want to do the same for others. As I mentioned in the post, real estate can be a lonely business, but it doesn’t have to be. One goal I have for next year is to be even more mindful about who I work with and who I work for because I know I’m better and more successful when I’m working with the right team.? Let's do this - Shaun December 2, 2022

The career path we choose is a significant factor in determining our path to happiness. It defines who our clients are, the bosses we answer to, and who we get to work with. They say that we become like the people we surround ourselves with.

I can attest to the fact that I feel very differently when I’m around industry real estate people and when I’m around jazz musicians. This is why the workplace culture and your choice of mentors and peers should be the most significant part of your choice where you put your ass every day.

Many people don’t get to make a career choice because they’re in a more dire situation. These people have to make money to support themselves and seize the first opportunity that will help them pay their bills. Most of the population fits into this category. They don’t have the privilege of being too picky.

But being a real estate agent is different. I have never met a real estate agent who was forced into the role. It’s almost always a career choice, and it’s usually a second career.

But even though it’s a choice – it isn’t easy.

Selling property can be one of the loneliest jobs on the planet. It’s ironic because to be successful; you have to be able to shmooze, connect, be personable, and be good with people. The better you are at those skills, the more successful you will be as an agent. Those who know me will tell you that one of my shortcomings as an agent is that I hate to schmooze. I’m also a lousy liar, so if I’m not genuinely interested in something, I will not pay too much attention to it.

From the outside, the perception of the agent’s role is not always accurate.

Here are some of the realities.

Selling property can be isolating.

The business is hyper-competitive.

Ninety percent of the transactions are closed by 5 percent of the agents, which means that 95 percent of agents are struggling for business.

Agents are constantly pitted against each other by clients, and in a world where you eat what you kill, almost everyone is hungry.

You will get fired, almost certainly for something you didn’t do wrong.

It’s every man for himself.

Bad behavior is often financially rewarded, and seeing this can be difficult to digest.

There are hours spent at unattended open houses.

When a deal falls through, there is often no consolation.

I believe this is part of the reason why the industry has seen a surge of agents preferring to become a member of a team. But it’s another misperception that team members feel less lonely. The same rules apply.

So make sure you put your ass where you want it to be. It’s one of the most critical decisions you hopefully are privileged enough to make.