Coweta Fayette Real Estate & Newnan Homes for sale blog by Richard Weisser of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers

Hi Richard:

EXACTLY!  This is my day, everyday...

This is the dedication that it takes to be successful in this business.

AHHHHH, the memories of having a 9 to 5 job with weekends off and no need to jump to answer the phone in the evening!

Richard,

My problem is I still gripe about my boss! She is one tough taskmistress.

Human nature is to want what we don't have.  Hummm.... I wonder why?  I too have memories of the good old days. 

Hi Richard~  Yes, I have memories of a 9-5 job everyday and weekends off with a regular paycheck.  Once in a while I miss those hours, the regular paycheck and having my weekends off.  But, then I remember that now, at least I love my job and look forward to it every day.  Real Estate suits me as it fits me best.  I think my clients will agree too! 

For sure I tell people that I apply for a job every day! As usual an excellent post! When I was in construction my jobs lasted anywhere from a week to a couple of years and when completed, it was back on the pavement looking for my next project! I really do not think the general public realizes how much time, money and effort we spend generating new business. I say this as a person who is fortunate enough to receive almost 75% of my business from personal referrals and that referral base needs constant attention too! I still like setting the pace and amount of work I do and people often ask me about working evenings and weekends. I tell them that I schedule my play time when appropriate and never miss a chance to take off and have some fun!

HOO HAA!!! Glad to see this excellent post made the front page!

Excellent. 

When I think about it, we could easily be accused of "job hoping".

At the moment, I'm employed part time.  I have a walk-through today and settlement next Thursday then, I'll be unemployed again waiting for my next job.

I'll be "hoping" from my present job to the next one. 

Fortunately, I have a good stream of referral income from my network.

Richard, I had not thought of it that way! But, you are right!!

Great way to look at it - A realtor does need self motivation and self discipline (so you know when to take a vacation)!

Richard , It does feel a bit like ground-hog day every day, when you wake up you have to do it all over again. That can be comforting at times at others frustrating, but we only have ourselves to blame or congratulate so take your pick. And make it a great day!

That is so true!  As Floyd Wickman says...real estate, the profession where you wake up unemployed every day!  :o)))  I love this business!

I guess I'm unemployed till Friday if my closing happens. We really do like living on the edge! I am a tough boss of myself! LOL

Here is an intersting perspective on "time off" from Joeann Fosslund

http://activerain.com/blogsview/961181/peak-performance-and-relaxation-

Hi Richard,

Oh yea, I'm right there with you!  However, go take a vacation!!!

Richard, this is one tough business that takes dedication and persistence with long hours and almost no free time. The satisfaction of doing a good job and knowing our clients are well represented does make it all worth while in the end. Have a good week and try to squeeze in a little free time.

Need a sale? Schedule a vacation, it never fails! Odds are I will always know the numerical date, but, often do not know if it is Monday or Tuesday Lol.

At least you know when the ax is going to fall.  I'd rather have that than never knowing when the boss is going to tell you to pack up and leave.

Toula...

It is both exciting and a little depressing, isn't it? THX

Irene...

Lol, ain't it the truth! ;)

Mark...

I can't even imagine what a three week paid vacation would feel like! Thanks.

Richard - That is excellent.  I tell myself I am "unemployed", and it is up to me to find employment every day.  I alone, am responsible.

Well I was hired before 8 a.m. this morning by another real estate agent.  My work could be cut out for me on this one.

Vickie...

It sound to me like you have found the perfect fit for you! Not many people can say that, and I'll bet that your clients sense it too! Want to be on my team? lol

Russell...

Thanks for the kind words, and your experience as a contractor is exactly the same thing of which I speak ... only you get to spend more time on the same job ... that is, unless you are working on a short-sale! lol, and thanks again.

Lenn...

After you finish a particularly hard closing, there is always a letdown. You get so used to fighting that you can't "take it down a notch" for a while. I think the excitement keeps us going! THX

Linda...

It makes you stop and think, doesn't it? THX

Marilyn...

I think that the last time I took more than a long weekend was in 1998! Wow, no wonder I'm tired. THANKS!

Steve...

One of my favorite movies ...waking up to Sonny and Cher every morning. I like it, thanks.

I would tell you to get back to work but you are already there! 

Richard -- Great post! It's like I say, every day is a new adventure.  I certainly miss the regular direct deposit, but I don't miss the old job.  I love being around new people every day who may be new to my community.  Sure there's work involved, but i thrive on it.  

By the way, beautiful photo.  Looks like you have time for a great hobby!

I will often comment to my wife how lucky she is to have a job because I'm still looking for my next one. When she responds to me that I do have a job I have to correct her and point out that people with jobs work regular hours, most have evenings and weekends off, get to go on vacation, call in sick or just roll over and go back to sleep. People with jobs don't usually have to worry about medical coverage, they get paid on a regular basis, they may have opportunities to get advancement and promotion, don't have to spend money so people will know who they are and what they do.

People with jobs can use their computers for fun and games and entertainment.

I don't have a job, I have a real estate hobby that monopolizes my time for 30 hours a day, 8 days a week.

I had retail stores for 16 years before my 20 year real estate career. When I first got in the business I thought it was simple compared to retail. You mean all I have to do is sell a house? The work may be more complex now but the concept is still that simple.

Richard fun post.  And it's so true.  Actually that's what I like about our profession.....constantly changing, constangly evolving.

I too  get up early. Today it was 5:00 and what a lovely morning in Phoenix. Wish I could go for a hike but I've got early meetings my 'boss' make me go to!

It's kind of like the Groundhog Day movie....et?

This is great as are all your posts Richard.  AR and the members here are blessed to have you and your consistent positive contributions.  What I love most about this particular post is the comment you made.....

I lose my job every day, and I have to find a new job every day!

This is so true, and if people would just look at life this way each day, not too many things would always be taken for granted.  I have the same type of job here at AR and I love it.  I wake up, get my coffee, and then the Journey begins.  I have plans and a scheduled day, but then it always changes, something new pops up, something I didn't expect, like commenting here on your post.  It's different everyday, it's what I love about finding "A New Job Everyday!"   What's really cool is that sometimes jobs have a way of finding you too!!  :-))

Excellent post Richard. It is my life too. Every day I lose Job and every day I have to find one. I was there in the 9 to 5 job, with big pay check every 2 weeks, but never liked what I was doing, especially after the baby, it was quite difficult to get a paycheck and be satisfied with it an dleaving the kid to nannies.

even though, I hav eto sacrifice my big pay check, it's for my son and I would do anything for him.

Jeani...

It's true. I think that if our clients really understood that, our jobs would be a little easier! Thanks.

Lizette...

The closing could be viewed as "severance" pay! lol and thanks.

Ron...

Most good coaches insist on setting aside free time...I have tried to do so, but I'm just not very good at it! Thanks for sharing the post with us.

Richard: There is one thing for sure about real estate, each day bring something different. It is not the same old 9 to 5 job everyday. Real estate brings new faces and houses and of course new situations and problems, but it is never dull, there is always something new and interesting to keep you going. I love to think outside of the box and solve a problem that looks unsolvable on the outside. This is a great post, let's get out there and get ourselves employed today, or at least keep ourselves employed.

Cindy...

I should, just as soon as I get through this latest batch of leads! ;)

Michael...

Any free time that I have toes towards AR and my other sites. THX as always.

F&J...

You are so right. It NEVER fails! Thanks for the comment.

I consider myself a professional job seeker.  It is a great way at looking at any self employed venture.

Richard - I tried that 'time off' thing one time...highly over rated. I tell folks I'm spending 3 weeks at the beach every year so they will get off my case but the beach house has Wi Fi and a printer! I've negotiated more than one contract from there! I'm blessed (or cursed) with a personality that HATES to have a boss so I guess I was born to be a Realtor! Besides, who else would give me permission to check in on AR for 10 minutes every few hours?

My only secret (besides just getting up early and working my butt off every day...) I don't watch the news in the morning. Who would want to get out of bed if they did!?!

Back to work! Thanks for the affirmation!

Richard, certainly worthy of a star. First as always, the photo is beautiful! But yes, we have to go out and find a new job every single day. I like how you put that. Thank you for a stellar post!

Now I am off to get my new job, signing a listing contract today.

Yes, I'm "searching" for a job interview everyday, everyday. Didn't get the listing I went on on Saturday, really ticks me off. Need to dust myself off and get back at it... 

It is such a shame that you do not or have not given yourself a break..........a vacation.......

You should REWARD yourself for being such a good employee, Rich.....

All work and no play makes for a VERY dull and tedious life......

I suggest saving up for a vacation.......

ENJOY your life, Rich!!

=-)

Richard:  I can see the blessing in the regular paycheck of a 9-5 job, but nothing else.  I think I would go nuts having to do the same thing everyday.  I love real estate because it's never tha same day twice.  It's the thrill of the hunt, looking for that perfect house for a buyer.  Or heck, the thrill of the hunt in looking for a client!  I can't imagine doing anything else.

This morning I was thrilled to have no appointments to rush off to. My husband said, "Go out and get an appointment then! No appointments, no money!"

It sounds like you have some great self motivation. I gave up vacations once and will never do it again. I will schedule my work around them. You have to enjoy life a little.

Every morning, on my way to the gym, I watch the cars go out of my subdivision.  I have visions of them all going to a some little cubicle somewhere.........that certainly makes the craziness of this business worth it.  But vacations are necessary.  I always tell my clients "Even God took a day off.  And he had a bit more responsibility than I do"  Looking forward to my first vacation this year.  Leaving May 30th.

This is ture, each and every day we are working for a new "boss." Good post Rich.

Richard, this is so true, as true for us stagers as it is for realtors...  I used to spend my days finding other people jobs (I was a headhunter) and now I apply that to myself... 

Since I really have a passion for this business, I do not miss 9-5 at all!

I am confident that many of you looking at 9-5 as the "good ol' days" share my same passion, but are just experiencing burnout.

While you might not be able to take a true vacation right now due to time or money, still plan a 100% day off every week, or every other week, to keep your mind sharp!

No phone, no email, nothing!

Head to a park and just relax for the day in the sunshine, take that someone special to a nice dinner, and grab buttery popcorn and watch a movie. It does not matter what you do, the important thing is what you ARE NOT doing!

One simple 100% day off can do wonders for your business, and get your mind back into what you really love, real estate!

Have a Profitable Day Everyone!

- Harrison Painter

Richard - I actually had a similar thought last night, during a listing appointment.  I guess I've been on hundreds of "job interviews" since I started in real estate in 1997.  I like your atttitude!

True that RW!  True, true, true.  But then we wouldn't be having all this fun & making the medium bucks, right? :D

This is an excellent post for the agents who wait for their phone to ring, complaining that business is slow.

Good Morning Richard, I like the blog you wrote today. Interesting way of putting it!.....Well unfortunately I'm unemployed and have been for too long. The real estate market is terrible here in seacoast NH. I know it will turn around, the question is will I live long enough to see it happen. "This too shall pass" as the adage says.

God Bless,

Patricia Aulson/Portsmouth NH Real Estate

Hi Richard, this is certainly the best way to look at this interesting profession we chose to undertake!

Richard, I have never thought of this way...you are so right...we are job hunting every day....

Bettina

great post!

Excellent!  That should be the attitude everyone of us on AR - every day!

Hi Richard,

 This is also my day, everyday!! I wouldn't change a thing!! I love it!! Best Wishes for a great year!!

Great motivation...

Richard, you are right on the money!  We work much harder when we work for ourselves.  But it beats an employee position any day!

Hi Richard,  Excellent post !  Our need for self motivation and discipline is what sets us apart from the 9 to 5 set.

Okay, Richard...you scared me there for a minute with the title of your blog. :-)  Great post and glad you're not leaving the business. Laraine

Hey - looks like someone hijacked your blog!!!  What's up with that?  Laraine

Hi Richard...This profession certainly gives us chills and thrills.  We are constantly unemployed/employed at the same time.  Good thing we love challenges.

Kate

Dear Richard:

Great post!  With that daily challenge of finding a new job, we can improve ourselves every day...9-5 may have its advantages, we would not give this up for anything!  Thanks for sharing these excellent thoughts.

Kate just summed up my feelings. I wouldnt have it any other way. Iv'e had 9-5 jobs with paid time off and its always BORING.

I absolutely love what I'm doing and can't wait to get up every day at a ridiculous hour to do it. I might have to spend every penny I have for retirement to survive, but if that's what it takes, that's what I'll do. I have no desire to retire.

Richard, I hear what you're saying ... and agree with you for the most part.  Self-employed people like us usually love what we do and don't always consider it "work" -- I know I fall into that category.  I used to live in Ireland where you get 6 weeks of paid vacation a year .. it was nice BUT my heart wasn't in the daily work.  However, I've also learned that's it really important to actually get away from the job and so I'd encourage you to take some vacation!  There is so much more to life than earning $$ and when you've had a close call or two, you realize it really is true.

Richard - what a great perspective - I lose my job every day, and I have to find a new job every day!

Your post inspired me to re-commit to each and every day.  Thank You.

That's a great way to look at it Richard, you have to constantly be on the lookout for that next job if you want to remain in this business. Congrats on the feature.

Your concept is so good I wish I'd written this post first! In this business every day is a new opportunity. Thanks for a great post, Richard.

The day I left the corporate world, I set myself free. I work so much harder for myself than I ever did for corporate America...And I had glowing performance reviews when I worked for someone else. I just take so much pride in what I do because it has MY name on it.

This is what the reputation of real estate professionals today should be. Great post.

Richard: Although I work for a big corporation, it's funny, now days it's not that different from when I was self employed (back in the day). [translation / I work all the time]... Like 57 part time jobs, manage myself, set the agenda, and I'm free to work all the overtime I want. Yet, I don't complain... I love the work I do!

Rene'

That is an absolutely wonderful post! Thanks for sharing.

You hit it dead on. If you don't keep your nose to the grindstone nothing will be polished and dull doesn't sell.

Nothing really to say except, Great Post.  A good grasp of independent business owners lives, indeed.

Richard, that sounds like a full time job. But hey it is a different one everyday right.

Brother Richard - Your title was good, it fooled me into thinking you were stepping down and I rushed over here to see why and to beg you to stay.

So true. If I dont have a buyer in my car I am unemployeed.

i feel you, but imagine having a 9am-5pm job and simultaneously working from 7am-2am everyday as your own boss-talk about high blood pressure

I'm with Matt above I paniced at first thinking you were 'really' looking for a job! sigh of relief. A vacation? what is that? (we don't need no stinking vacation) :) ~Rita

Notes to all:

Thank you for the comments. Yes, I deliberately made the title provocative, and it seems to have worked.

But as the comments mentioned, every day in real estate is a little like "Groundhog Day." We start the same routines over and over, hopefully doing everything we need to succeed.

Did I find a job today? Two good ones, I think. And looks like I'll be getting my "severance pay" on one this Friday. That's always a good thing.

The best part about my job is that I control my own destiny and production. I make my own business everyday.

So many Realtors feel that it is up the their Broker to give them business. Successful agents figure out the business model. 

Great post to share with new agents in my office.

Richard, their is definitely responsibilities that go with the rewards of working for yourself. If you don't work you don't eat.

Hi Richard -- Well said.  Being one's own boss and self-employed is indeed a double-edged sword.

So true Richard. So true. It's hard to explain our lives to the 8-5'ers.  Our workday never seems to end and weekends and vacations are something we only hear about through others.  Great post and best of luck.

Having been laid off more the once when I worked for others, I embrace each day knowing that I and I alone am responsible for my success or failure. I love what I do and haven't looked back.

I would rather do this and be my own task master than any other thing.

I don't miss the 9-5 job at all....I would rather work non stop everyday for myself than someone else.  I am guilty of the no vacation, but when you love what you do, it does not seem so bad.  I try to take many little vacations instead of a long one.  

I like being the boss!  Don't tell my wife.

We never take vacation time - we merely borrow the time.  Payback is a ..  well, you know.

RICHARD..What  fantastic Blog..I can not agree with you more...The Best I have Read  all day..Thank you

HelpfulHannah your friend in Philadelphia

Richard, I love finding my job each day.  I have had so many different opportunities in the past...medical, legal, commodities, brokerage and advertising....insurance, CPA, etc.  But, this is the one that gets my blood pumping in the morning.  I never know what day it is because I work all of them.  It never mattters when I wake up, I know I'm working that day...at least at some point.  I love it.  It's good for my soul.  This is my calling and I hope that every client knows that I love my work and work for them. 

Richard,

I would not trade my new  job every day for a 9-5 job for anything! I love the aspect each day is a new one and to be conquered by my decisions and actions! I love what I do and each day is an adventure knowing I can make a difference!

I love the different aspects of my job....new faces...new jobs...every day. New employers and old ones who stay in contact....it's a wonderful day each day isn't it?  Not easily obtainable but seemingly better just for the variety lol

What a great way of looking at our business.  I had never thought of it that way, but you're right on.  Thanks for bringing this to my attention...brings a whole new sense of urgency to things!

Just the morning you decide to take off is the day a buyer calls wanting to buy.  I sure like the freedom also but the ups and down can get you.

amen:)  I have tried to explain this to my husband while he is looking for a job.  This is how I feel all the time:) 

Being self employed is a tough task master, then I've added my own brokerage and law firm on to it, just for fun ; )

Great post.  I'm going to be teaching a class next week, "The parallels of real estate and poker" next week.  I'm addressing this very issue.

Richard -

Like Zig Ziglar, pump hard enough to get those first drops of water, and continual easy pumping keeps the torrents flowing.

You are so right - every day, you wake up in this business - you are unemployed.  Need a new job!

Those that think this is easy have it wrong - and they don't have the gumption, likely, to make things happen like we do, every day, on our own.

But don't forget to carve out time for things really important in life - your family, your children, those who love you.

Years from now, when we're gone, the words "He (She) Was One Hell of a Realtor" will not appear on your tombstone!  But your legacy of love and caring, and sharing with others, will never die!

You hit the nail on the head, my friend.

Take Care!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

Real estate ain't for sissies! And it certainly isn't for those with lackadaisical attitudes! It requires self-control, self-motivation, dedication and discipline. It's a sink or swim career path... not for the faint at heart.

Excellent post! =D

When I was in my 9 to 5 job, I also loved the free evenings and weekends. But the reason I loved that time off, was because I didn't like my job! Now I LOVE my job...and don't mind doing it in the evenings and on weekends. And I can go grocery shopping in the early morning when everything is new and fresh, or head to the gym and actually not have to wait for a treadmill! It's a trade-off, and I absolutely love it!! Last night, I even took my husband with me showing some bankowned houses. He kept me company in the car, and we had some "us" time to catch up on our day. Plus the neighborhood wasn't the best, so I felt safer...as did my client. Finding that family balance is the most challenging part of this business...and having the support of our loved ones is paramount!

Richard- Great post.  I like your comment about receiving your "severance package"  some of those packages you are so ready for!!!!  What you have said is sooooo true. 

From a slightly different perspective: while I love the thrill of real estate, the uncertainty of it all leaves me somewhat grateful that I actually do have another job that answers the questions of medical benefits, vacation/sick/personal time and specific pay raises on a regular basis. Outside of that, you are right on the money - and I am also looking for a new job every day, when it comes to real estate - because each prospect that I am after to convert into a client is a new job for me.

I liked the comment:  Need a job, schedule a vacation!  So true.  Need rain, wash the car. Need some internet leads, leave the house and the lead will have no phone number attached, but need immediate information.  It is the thrill of living on the edge that must make us do it!

I think I will hire myself to get my office organized today :)

Although I have been in Real Estate 5 years I have been self-employed or on commission most of my life.  The problem is when things are busy you cannot take a vacation and when things are not busy you are too scared to take a vacation.

You bet, every day it starts again.  That's what I hate about New Years - start the year at zero.

ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!! This was GREAT! Thanks buddy, that was very motivational, well other than the vacations being part of the past that was depressing cause it's true. LOL

All work and no play makes Richard....exactly like my husband! You had me until the vacation thing....sorry, I work hard too but I need a vacation every now and then!  We have to re-charge our batteries for that daily job search!

Is anybody whistling out their? I like to work hard and play hard. Miss the regular paycheck, wouldn't change a thing. Remember whistle to while you work.

99% of business owners have the same kind of day.... and so, Business Brokers have to work with them on their schedule....

But, it's the freedom of choice.......

Great post for those that are losing steam...thanks!