Awkward situation

[Rot 911]

Jake, I wish more of us, including me, had your view on life. I am going to work harder to be more like that.

[notfarnow]

Originally Posted by Rot 911

Jake, I wish more of us, including me, had your view on life. I am going to work harder to be more like that.

Ha, thanks. Keep in mind though, it's pretty easy to come across good when you can think before you type something. And it's pretty easy to just post the good stuff. I don't post when I smash my toes to $#it after kicking the battery charger across the garage in the middle of a hissy fit.

I'm just learning the benefits of being more easy going when $#it gets crazy. It's easier on my brain, and on the people around me, if I stay calm and roll with it.

I used to be a lot more high strung, but to be honest I had a hell of a year
- After working for the same company for 9 year, got laid off in Feb 09. My wife was 7 months pregnant
- Against the advice of most sane people I know, I took the real estate licensing course. Drove 70 miles and back every day for 3 weeks in the middle of winter, with my wife about to pop. She was not convinced this was my greatest idea.
- Got my real estate license on April 3rd, and my daughter on April 4th.
- Worked 70+ hrs a week to actually *make a living* selling homes. Working like that takes its tole on the family. My wife remained unconvinced that this was my greatest idea
- Real Estate company I worked for went bankrupt, right out of nowhere, in August
- I lost 11k in earned, unpaid commission, and had another 2 deals go private sale. Total losses around 15k... not easy to swallow in my first year in RE
- Right about that time, I was offered a 9-5 desk job doing what I used to do, but with a better company. Better benefits, 10k more per year. After much gnashing of teeth, I turned them down and continued in RE. My wife was not convinced this was my greatest idea.
- I worked 80+ hrs a week to make up for the lost time, traction and $$
- The company I turned down came back in November and offered me 16k more than I made at my old job. I turned them down again. My wife was not convinced thiat was my greatest idea.
- I never slowed down through the winter. I did open houses on sat & sun to meet buyers. I cold-called people, called friends and family, followed up on weak leads. I moved people into homes on Dec 22, and again on Jan 5. I made it work, because it had to work
- To spend more time at home, I started working more at night after wife & baby went to sleep. Usually worked from 11pm to 2am. That takes its tole
- In the last year, I sold 11 homes, and bought 17. I didn't get paid for all of them, but even with my losses, I matched my salary from my old 9-5. Probably made $4/hr, but not bad when the average agent in this city sells 5/yr.
- This year I am working a "sane" 60-70 hrs/week. Business is starting to come in by referral. I am at home more, I get to wake up and feed my daughter every morning. I get to put her to bed 2-3 times a week. She's just about to walk, and just about to talk, and I'm around a bit more to see it. My wife is starting to think this might not be such a bad idea

So yeah, a set of wheels? no fkin sweat

[dtw]

Thanks Jake, that post made me smile. Good stuff. Best to you and your family.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

That is quite an inspiring story Jake!

[Dueller]

I remember when you decidied to make the plunge into RE. Considering what the RE market was doing, I was nervous for you even considering Cannuck land wasn't hit as hard as US. I think Rob911 was the only one in here that was encouraging. Congrats on making it happen. And the new baby!!!!

So...wife warming up any to your career change?

[mike monde]

Jake,
Nice story thanks for sharing.

[Rikao4]

somehow I know you will her house down the line..

your right D..
Rob911 is a believer in..
'you can do anything'
only one holding you back..
'is you'

Rika