change is good

People are often asking me if I miss working in real estate, and after three months of having a "regular" job, I can safely say that about the only thing I do miss is the fact that Sunday nights didn't seem to suck quite nearly as much.

Now that I'm back in marketing, I like the fact that things are much more reliable, consistent and routine. I feel more comfortable knowing when I'm going to get paid and that it's twice a month, instead of possibly going four months without a check. Eventually, I would like to buy fixer uppers for potential income, but it's different when it's going back into your own pocket.

I also like the fact that when I'm away from the office, I'm really "off." In real estate, I felt chained to my phone, as other agents and clients called all day and night without any regard for a personal life. I can actually plan to go out at night or on weekends, without the angst or disclaimer of "well, a client might call and want to meet," as they often did without any notice. One time, a potential new client called me at 6:4o p.m. on a weeknight and wanted to meet at 8 p.m. that same night, never once asking if I had kids or other plans.

Anyone that says "well, just don't answer the phone" has never been self-employed, for it's far easier than it seems (especially when it's been three months since you've been paid). The 4th of July weekend was the first time I'd had four days off in four years, for people never stopped calling, even when they knew I was attempting to take a vacation.

The trade off is that I can't do all of my errands during the work week, but I still think it's worth it. One of the great things about Seattle is that the employers are fairly progressive and laid-back, so things like doctor's appointments, airport runs or even a kid's baseball game can be worked around without getting much hassle (unlike my previous employers). Agency life is often even more lenient in terms of structuring the work day, as long as the tasks are completed and the desired minimum billing hours are reached. I have some colleagues that work 8 - 4; some 10-6; some 9-5.

As with my move to Seattle, I have no complaints about my transition back into the corporate world. The sacrifices that I was expected to make -- at least as a realtor -- were not the kind that I wanted to. Part of me feels like something is amiss, since my phone rings about a tenth as much as it used to, but I have no regrets.

And that's just how I like it.