I am now 5 years into my career as a real estate agent and I'm still loving my job!
As I grew up in Pasadena, Nfld in the 70s to 90s, I always appreciated the time my mother had for me and my other 3 siblings. She was a stay-at-home mom that was there for s all the time with love, support, food, and activities to fill our days. I always wanted the same for my children when I grew up! I completed a degree in Occupational Therapy, hoping that I'd get the balance I so desperately wanted. I would learn that the balance I desired would come from a tradional 9 to 5 job.
Eight years ago, I had my first child (Michael) and at 6 months I had to leave him in the care of a babysitter. Each day was difficult - between getting up on time, packing lunches, dropping him off at the sitters, getting us both out the door, getting home in time in the afternoon, and then only having 2 hours of time with him before he had to go to bed. I felt robbed, my first born was being raised by babysitters. This was never what I had wanted for my family.
Five years ago, after the birth of my second child (Sean), I had an agonizing decision to make - return to a 9 to 5 job and leave my two small children with a sitter from 8 to 6 or find a new career. Despite my love of consistent money and a stable job with a pension, I had to make a decision for my family - for my two infant children (1 and 2.5 years). My close friend had suggested that with my background in Occupational Therapy and personality, I'd be great in real estate. So I took the plunge - I completed the real estate course via correspondence while breast-feeding my youngest. Then I wrote the exam and passed.
In June 2005, I started my career with Exit Realty Metro. I remember saying that I felt like a "fish out of water." Thankfully, my bosses were understanding of my commitment to my children and family - they were my priority. Although real estate agents put in alot of evenings and weekends, I was still seeing my children more than if I was working a 9 to 5 job. I was able to juggle my schedule with my husband's shift work schedule at Air Canada - allowing maximum time for my children to be raised by their actual parents.
In January 2008, I purchased Century 21 Admiral Cove Realty in Bedford, just down the road from my first office. I was able to drop the kids off at school/jr primary, go to work, and be home to pick them up after school. Again, still maximizing Sean and Michael's time with their parents.
In January 2010 however, I decided I didn't want the hassles and stress of running an office so I merged offices with Century 21 Team One Realty under the direction of David Yetman and Patrick Johnson, a move that permitted me to focus my work time on my clients and grow professionally with coaching time. I was introduced to a true "Team" environment that helped when timings of appointments didn't work. My coach now focuses on work time and personal time. I'm able to put the kids on the bus, work, pick them up from the bus, and then work in the evenings when the kids are in bed or when hubby is home to help. The balance between work/play seems to be in sync finally. I feel supported by my office and my family is happier that "mommy" loves her office/work.
My Family in July 2010 - Newfoundland Trip
As I look into the future, I see a growing career in real estate with my family/children prospering in school and after-school activities. I cannot juggle balls, but I'm one of the best "life" jugglers!!
Paulette @ 902-877-8851