So, you’ve reached your midlife, and maybe you’ve hit a slump in your career. It’s time for a change. Real estate might be the perfect solution to switch things up without much risk — and have the potential for large rewards.
One of the aspects of real estate that makes it so easy to switch to another job is that you don’t need a specific schooling background to start.
If you were previously a(n)…
Office manager: you can use your data and record management skills as a real estate agent.
Teacher: you can use your communication and people skills to work with clients and focus on family homes with great schools nearby.
Lawyer: you can use your persuasion skills in sales and your knowledge of the law to make sure properties and clients are being treated fairly.
It’s a field that anyone can learn to work in and there are a variety of job options based on your interests. It truly has something to offer everyone.
You could be a:
Real estate agent - great for people who enjoy interacting with people and making sales. You can choose between a buyer’s agent or a seller’s agent.
Leasing agent - great for people with good communication and marketing skills. You would work with property owners to find the right tenant to lease their rental property to.
Broker - great for people with management skills. Similar to real estate agent, but instead you would be managing and mentoring real estate agents.
Property manager - great for people with good problem-solving skills. You would work with the property owner to manage a property and communicate with tenants.
Realtor - great for ambitious people who like being a part of a larger community. Same basic idea as a real estate agent or broker, but you become a member of the National Association of Realtors who abide by a specific ethics code.
Showing assistant - great for more extroverted people who are looking for a stepping stone into the real estate world. You would take clients around and show them different properties they may be interested in.
Plus, many more options!
Why Should I Switch to Real Estate Now?
Real estate is an ideal career to have in your midlife because it allows for freedom and flexibility in your schedule. These two aspects of the job, freedom and flexibility, are usually the main reasons people make the switch to real estate. Being able to work your schedule around the needs of your family and personal interests ranks very high, as does the freedom that comes with being responsible for yourself. You have the potential to be your own boss, which after years of working under management you disagree with, can be an enticing thought.
How Do I Know If it’s Too Late for Me?
While you should use your best judgment, as the old saying goes, it’s never really too late. But, be honest with yourself. Working for yourself takes self-discipline and motivation. If you are at a point in your life where you feel spent, burned out, and really need a break instead of a career change, then you should consider a sabbatical or retirement instead.
On the other hand, if you are still enthusiastic about work and feel excited for what you can contribute to society through your career, then a switch to real estate could definitely be the right move for you.
For context, according to the National Association of Realtors, the median age for a Realtor as of 2017 was 53 years old. It seems that if you are in your midlife, you will be among your peers as a real estate agent. It is not commonly people’s first job either, so you would be jumping in just like everyone else did.
Worth the Risk
If you are looking for a midlife career change in Virginia, odds are you probably had a job with a steady income before this. It’s helpful to have some money saved up when switching to real estate just to cover the initial costs that it takes to get your name out there, but it’s not necessary.
It takes some time to build up your network and make the connections that you need in the field, but don’t let that discourage you. After a short period of time it takes to transition, a career in real estate is worth the risk and investment.