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Rainmaker
1,844,271
Lyn Sims
Schaumburg, IL
Real Estate Broker Retired

Title company, attorney, possibly.

I think that you can turn your phone off you're just not feeling like you can do it. There are plenty of folks here that do not work on Sunday. My clients know not to call me after 7pm as 'I'm in my jammies' & I leave it at that.

Sep 18, 2017 11:38 AM
Rainmaker
809,258
Kasey & John Boles
Jon Gosche Real Estate, LLC - BoiseMeridianRealEstate.com - Boise, ID
Boise & Meridian, ID Ada/Canyon/Gem/Boise Counties

Join a team where agents are assigned 'on duty' hours. There are a lot of them, at least around here, that are setting up so people can have lives, time off, etc. Also working as an on-site agent for a builder, same thing with scheduled days sitting in the model homes, off hours, etc. What about being a real estate agent's assistant, transaction coordinator, office manager or some job like that? Best wishes! -Kasey

Sep 18, 2017 12:51 PM
Rainer
10,073
Royalty One Mortgage
Royalty One Mortgage - Henderson, NV
Mortgage company in Henderson, Nevada

Loan Officer or Loan Processor are both good options. I hope you find a career that fits your needs & lifestyle perfectly - best of luck!

Sep 18, 2017 12:28 PM
Ambassador
1,076,551
John Meussner
Mortgages in AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IN, MD, MN, MT, NC, NJ, NV, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI - Fair Oaks, CA
#MortgageMadeEasy Fair Oaks, CA 484-680-4852

If you really enjoy the business,  I don't see why you'd leave it, especially if you've had any success.  Take a day off.  Set hours where you're on DND.  There's no need to run a business 24/7.  The most successful agents I know don't work 24/7, and most actually take more time off than the average agent.  Get yourself some systems and support so you don't have to run the business 24/7.  

Sep 18, 2017 12:27 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

I turn my phone off daily and it stays off until the next day unless I'm in negotiations. It really is about setting expectations with clients and if you do it up front they will respect your decisions about how you run your business. My business has been 75+% repeat and referral business for decades... I haven't lost clients because I don't believe I need to jumping to their tune 24/7.

Sep 18, 2017 11:41 AM
Rainmaker
1,231,853
Mary Yonkers
Alan Kells School of Real Estate/Howard Hanna Real Estate - Erie, PA
Erie/PA Real Estate Instructor

Yes, real estate can be all-consuming IF we let it.  As others have said turn off your phone at a designated time and don't turn it back on until morning.

Good luck.

Sep 18, 2017 12:26 PM
Ambassador
2,684,009
Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

     Transaction coordinator, title company, mortgage lender, insurance agent, paralegal.

     Or, turn your phone off at 7:00 or 8:00PM, don't turn it back on until 8:00AM the next morning.   Take Sundays off with no exceptions.   You can have a life outside of real estate!

Sep 18, 2017 12:17 PM
Rainmaker
711,852
Lynnea Miller
Bend Premier Real Estate - Bend, OR
Premier Real Estate Service in Central Oregon

Have you thought of working at a title company? Or within a brokerage in admin?

Sep 18, 2017 12:00 PM
Rainmaker
2,071,025
Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

Don't we all get tired time to time?

Sep 16, 2018 12:05 PM
Rainmaker
1,598,452
Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

I don't know

Sep 16, 2018 11:56 AM
Ambassador
6,393,154
Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

We are looking for an Admin Assistant, send me a resume.

Sep 18, 2017 07:43 PM
Rainmaker
544,014
Dave Halpern
Dave Halpern Real Estate Agent, Inc., Louisville, KY (502) 664-7827 - Louisville, KY
Louisville Short Sale Expert

Sell your database and procedures to a successor agent to create passive income. Stay on as a consultant for a while.

Sep 18, 2017 04:42 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

You have many answers here

Sep 18, 2017 04:19 PM
Rainmaker
4,160,356
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Many good answers.

Sep 18, 2017 02:53 PM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I left teaching because I wanted what you are thinking of leaving, and I have it....teaching was a job with too many vacations.... too many days off....and for too little money.... I loved teaching, but I can mentor in the real estate business... I hope you find what works for you.... it sounds like you need "set hours"... punching a clock... start at 9 and end at 5..... or 4 or 3...

Sep 18, 2017 12:46 PM
Rainmaker
290,969
Allie Angeloni
Long Realty - Oro Valley, AZ

It sounds like you have decided to make a career change - I hear what you are saying, and I know others will comment back that you need to set parameters and timeframes for doing business.  It sounds good in theory, but in real life it's not always practical - we don't want to lose nor disappoint clients.  When a job consumes you even after years of doing it, a change may be what you need, right now.  How about Property Management or working with New Construction or at a Title Company?  All of your knowledge and experience would be very valuable in those areas - I wish you luck.  You may decide to eventually go back, so 'Never Say Never'.  This is a huge decision, so giving it thought and talking about it is so important.  I know you will make the right decision for you.  I know in past career fields I have just burned out where I no longer enjoyed the people I worked with (my boss), nor some of my tasks.  I knew at that point it was time for a change, and I never looked back.  I think being involved in real estate is different, and being able to have time for family and yourself, without that worrying stress is very important!  Don't leave AR though . . .

Sep 18, 2017 12:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

Passing out bowling shoes? Who knows? At this stage, it must be something you sincerely enjoy

Sep 18, 2017 11:47 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

John Pusa nailed this one!

Sep 19, 2017 04:32 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

You can control your life by not letting in 'unnecessary issues'!

Time Management is the answer for you.

Sep 18, 2017 10:25 PM
Ambassador
5,229,945
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

OH, I couldn't have said it better than Allie Angeloni! Agents turn their phones off and their potential buyers call those of us who answer our phones - all day & all night long! When you care about your clients and they know your hours, if they phone you after hours, it's important to THEM and they need you.

That said, when you have little ones, life is tough when you feel torn between the two. I think you're making a wise decision as family IS the most important thing - second only to your faith.

I believe that working at an attorney's office, a real estate office admin or as a loan processor would be a great move for you. I would also recommend that you keep up with your CEs so that when the children are out of the house, you can resume your career.

Best of luck to you, whoever you are and whatever you decide to do. 

Sep 18, 2017 08:18 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

My lenders also have weekend hours. Maybe a better solution is to take on a team member and schedule time off on a rotation basis.

Sep 18, 2017 04:10 PM
Ambassador
3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Find a real estate related job with the city of county.  

Title Company

Escrow

Sep 18, 2017 03:21 PM
Rainer
352,976
Teri Pacitto
Compass - Westlake Village, CA
Real Estate, Your Style...Your Home...My Specialty

Set your schedule and stick to it.   We are not in a business that runs us;  we run the business.  I have been ful time in the business for 29 years and believe me if I did not take a day or so off I would not be doing this either.  

It wil involve hiring others for your business and that can also be another agent or someone to cover you for your off days. 

I don't think anyone expects anyone to work 365 x 24 hours a day.  

This business can get the best of you if you let it.  

Sep 18, 2017 02:53 PM
Rainmaker
206,670
Chuck Mixon
The Keyes Company - Cutler Bay, FL
Cutler Bay Specialist, GRI, CDPE, BPOR

Before leaving Real Estates all together, try this.  Tell all your customers that you will not be available on weekends. If they agree turn your phone off 5PM Friday and enjoy your weekend.  You have let your customer know you are only available Monday - Friday, and they seem happy. 

Grab a new agent in the office maybe to help you on the weekends for showings and give them a good referral fee.  You do have solutions  just look deeper.

Sep 18, 2017 02:01 PM
Rainmaker
7,835,407
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

An alternative is to form a team with agents who will cover for you on your days off.

Sep 18, 2017 01:12 PM
Rainmaker
80,668
Luke Acree
ReminderMedia - King of Prussia, PA
Making Agents Memorable

Maybe try redfin

Oct 18, 2017 09:01 AM
Rainmaker
5,868,472
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Since you know the business, why not be an assistant that works Monday through Friday?

Sep 21, 2017 07:47 AM
Ambassador
3,164,269
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

I would say processor for a lender, or working for a real estate firm because you certainly would have an edge, but as a parent... the being flexible to be off for field trips and ball tournaments far outweighed the hours of the job.

Sep 20, 2017 02:25 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Commercial real estate.  That tends to be a M-F 8-5 type of gig.

 

I was like you when I started too, now I have a hard and fast rule about not working after 7pm.  I just spent the last week on vacation, I made maybe three phone calls the first day and sold a house in multiple offers that had fallen out of escrow the night before.  Contracts were emailed, clients printed, signed and scanned them and I emailed them back.  Everything else waited until I got home 7 days later.

Sep 19, 2017 10:36 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Try working as an assistant to a Realtor.

Sep 19, 2017 07:34 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Good luck.

Sep 19, 2017 04:40 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

I would say become a nurse, but they work weekends, or become a doctor, but they don't turn their phones off.  Sorry I'm at a loss.

Sep 19, 2017 03:52 AM
Ambassador
2,436,099
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

It sounds as though the difficulty of balancing work you love with family and self has become too stressful. That's totally understandable! I know when I am doing work, which I really want to do, when family wants me to do something else, which I also want to do, frustrates me to no end. Perhaps you can try setting some limits with your current business first and see if you can make it work. Perhaps take Sundays off and let someone fill in for you all day long. Tell your clients when they hire you that you don't work on Sunday. 

If that doesn't work, would you be able to purchase investment properties and manage those? 

Or maybe do title work?

Good luck!

Sep 19, 2017 03:17 AM
Rainmaker
1,045,440
Dave Martin (703) 585-4687
Fairfax Realty - Fairfax, VA
Making Realty Dreams a Reality #WeWillGetYouHome

Before leaving have you considered getting an assistant?

Or simply making it clear to your clients what your hours are?  Real estate is important but its not LIFE and DEATH serious. Many things you can't do anything about after hours anyway. Educate your clients to understand.

This doesn't mean neglecting your clients though.

Sep 18, 2017 09:35 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,801
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Most new agents I know started working at elite real estate by the hour, realtors with benefits, salary and even with stock options, and insurance and vacation.  They laugh at us having to live on transactions. A couple college students went to work at Facebook, Google or Apple making 6 figures as interns(un-benefitted).

Sep 18, 2017 09:25 PM
Rainmaker
716,049
Richard Bazinet /MBA, CRS, ABR
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Phoenix Scottsdale. Sellers, Buyers & Relocations

Well, I think you have a lot of great suggestions, from construction companies, to title, and home warranty companies. Maybe even teach real estate at a local college.

Maybe work in a team? Or perhaps with partners? And learn how to turn off your phone. I do. When I take a day off or two, I'm off. Period. It does not have to be a 24/7 business. It's not for me.

I've had clients that asked me why I didn't call them back on Sunday. I'd say something like... I was doing the groceries, doing my laundry, at a BBQ with my family, at the lake with my skijet, visiting friends, watching NASCAR, at the ball game, or just plain  "I was off on Sunday!" What are they going to say??

Sep 18, 2017 08:50 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,623
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Sep 18, 2017 08:13 PM
Rainmaker
4,936,033
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

You make your day off and stick to that.

 

Sep 18, 2017 05:58 PM
Rainmaker
900,128
Olga Simoncelli
Veritas Prime, LLC dba Veritas Prime Real Estate - New Fairfield, CT
CONSULTANT, Real Estate Services & Risk Management

Paralegal is a good career; you could work with a real estate attorney. Don't neglect your children, now is when they need you!

Sep 18, 2017 05:22 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

Good luck in youd decisions

Sep 18, 2017 03:22 PM
Rainmaker
2,182,502
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

This should be based on your passion 

Sep 18, 2017 03:00 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

Find a headhunter.

Sep 18, 2017 01:39 PM