Life is full of changes. Some are by choice; some happen whether we’re ready or not.
I recently made the decision to step out of a full-time salaried position with the real estate brokerage where I’ve been for the last ten-plus years and return to working directly with buyers and sellers as a RealtorĀ®. My main reason for doing this was the desire for flexibility with my schedule that would allow Eddie Dale and me to start traveling a bit more with our fifth wheel. We’re moving toward that major lifestyle change known as “retirement”.
Honestly, I had forgotten how time consuming real estate can be! It is the “busy season” and we’re caught up in raging red hot market – competition for business is extremely tough. Even though there is limited time actually required in the form of appointments and showings, there is all the “behind the scenes” work and preparation that sucks me in. I am very detail oriented and get caught up in the busy work. Getting reacquainted with the process and planning strategy for growing my business often has me feeling like I should be doing something MORE. In short, I get so focused on work that I begin to lose focus on balance.
Balance – the teetering between two worlds, without toppling uncontrollably one way or the other. Tricky business, to be sure.
Reality check! I am happy to have a moderate, perhaps modest, amount of business to supplement our income. I don’t need – or want – to eat, breathe and sleep the business. Instead, I want to enjoy what I am doing, not feel overwhelmed because business totally eclipses everything else.
I am learning (again, it seems) to set aside time to focus on something else. Possibly a small project around the house, writing for a bit, picking up a book to read a few chapters or even taking a stroll through the neighborhood. These are the things I can do to keep from being overwhelmed by work and I am grateful I have the opportunity to steal little snippets of time here and there to help maintain balance.
Have you found the secret to balance between work and play? Between hustling and resting? As for me, it seems to be something I have to relearn over and over again…
Welcome to the porch... 