Mike Mueller wrote his post What do you Love about your job? and challenged us to write about what we love about our profession. We in the Real Estate Industry love challenges and our industry has challenges galore! And it sure feels good when I take that challenge and turn it into a prize winning ending.
I worked for a Family Law Attorney for many years. Divorces, Child Custody, Temporary Restraining Orders, Adoptions, and personal problems. I worked for a program for many more years teaching classes, writing grants, admin and you name it ...I did it. And...more problems to get sucked into.
Real Estate was a career I thought was unattainable during my younger years. My mom passed Real Estate School and did not pursue it further. My dad lasted two weeks and quit because "it was a totally different language". My self esteem was rotten when I was younger and I always thought "I was not good enough".
I finally reached a point in my life where I was burnt from saving the world. Tired. Drained. When I was sitting and wondering what I would do next my husband said, "Why don't you just do what you always talk about". I then went into the Real Estate Industry.
I love my profession because:
- It still allows me to help others ...yet keep my boundaries (hooray!)
- We have to abide by a Code of Ethics and it gives our industry structure.
- I am working in Hawaii and it is surely a joy to work around such scenic treasures for the eye to behold!
- I can now take care of myself too ...instead of taking care of others and neglecting myself.
- I have the choice to structure my daily schedule around me.
- I love going through the transaction and keeping it fine tuned with all the little details to complete and follow up on. (I get off on that)
- It allows me to be me with no acting on a stage. No puppeteering or commanding and it is my business.
- It is an industry I take great pride in supporting. It's challenging and exciting and keeps me on my toes.
- I love meeting new clients and conforming as a chameleon would to different personalities, situations and circumstances.
- I have the ability to work as a team with other agents, loan officers, escrow officers, home inspectors and whoever is involved in the transaction to make it a smooth transaction. (it doesn't always turn out smooth but I sure try!)
- I also have the ability to know when too much is too much and have the resources to take on more help.
- A closed deal means everyone is happy
- Every transaction brings new learning lessons....and I love learning more. It never stops in real estate.
First time homebuyers appreciate me walking them through step by step.- I love helping other agents and new agents.
- I have met so many professionals in this field. And the majority of them are super nice.
- I love working in my office part time too so I can be around Real Estate FULL time. And again, I support our agents.
- When I run into a snag with a transaction I can get MANY opinions because there are a bunch in my office that extend a helping hand too.
- I work in an office where we are "family" or in Hawaiian it's called "Ohana".
- I know that the market fluctuates and I have to change with the ups and downs and that's okay with me.
- It's one that my husband has fully supported from day one because he sees how rewarding it is for me when he sees a smile on my face.
- My dad was proud of me accomplishing something he did not. My dad was proud of me and got to experience his little girl doing something I was good at....before he passed away.
- Because I'm good at it. I believe that I do everything in a professional manner and in the end......I sleep very well at night.
- *It led me to Active Rain* ......where Ohana is here as well. Where there's an abundance of information, help, support, friendship and a bunch of caring professionals all in one place.
And there are surely a lot more reasons ......but the main one is that at this time in my life.....
It fit neatly into my life like the last piece of the puzzle.
<<CLICK ...The Divine Comedy - Love What You Do>>
http://www.hawaiihomesmarket.com/
http://woohoosally.blogspot.com/
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Realtor Associate ®
Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, HI * (808) 375-1404
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
First....:) I am amazed when I get to be first...it's a challenge as these posts of yours go up so fast.....OK, now to my real comment......
It sounds to me like you are in Real Estate for all the right reasons.....and the fact that you have support from Gary is perfect. All the skills you brought from your other job are assets, as this too is a People Business.........
Now if more people would have this type of Integrity we might just get rid of the "bad" agents.....that don't Love their Profession :)
Kathy: You're funny....leave it to my "support" group to be here for me. :) That's what I feel this whole thing about support and our industry and even Active Rain means. Support, teamwork and thinking in the best interests of the client.
Yeah...people business....always will be for me. Just had to learn to have boundaries and not do the people pleasing thing...which can wack it all out.
Thanks Kathy.
You may not think that you are a people pleaser, Sally, but you please me every time you write one of these wonderful, POSITIVE posts :) You are obviously happy with what you do and I think that one of the most important things in life is to get joy from your career. If not, it's just a job.
Roberta: Hey...I bet you are love what you're doing too! Write a post...click on the link to Mike's post to see what to do...
Lisa: Okay...okay. Exactly! Our work is at least one third of our lives. Gotta love it...
Sally - You've had quite the day..and to come back and write such a positive post about why you love your job..Wow! What a beautiful place you do work in! All that water and no fishing! LOL
Take care and have a wonderful weekend!
Linda: Believe me...it had much to do with my talk with Linda this morning....it's called ....acceptance. Mike I think got me off my behind as well. Thanks Linda...another support person.....who needs to give me a fish already hehe.
Thesa: ah....that's it....funny how I found what I loved later on in life. (personal life too :)
Sally,
I just love this, you always do such a great job. Your comment "My dad was proud of me accomplishing something he did not" was very touching for me.
Aloha
A great list. Your clients can see you love your job. Good luck.
It is clear from everything you write that you are very happy with who and where you are in life. 'Enjoyed your list - many of us can identify with many of those same things, but you state them so well.
Hi Sally,
There is no doubt that you love what you do! Your writing tells all. I'm like you wish I found out earlier in life than this is what I love to do, but better late than never. Nice job my friend. )
Sally, it is always so cheering to read your posts. This is a great list of yours...you are a great Realtor because of your passion!
Lynda: My dad was very proud ..and I'm so glad you enjoyed this.
Randy: Thanks Randy...remember, you make up the reasons for the office as well.
Missy: I suppose everything happens in its own time...this is where I'm supposed to be.
Gita: Thanks so much.
Margaret: Thanks Margaret...I'm sure many can relate.
Mathew: Thanks Matt. You always have nice things to say.
Writing down the things we love about something or someone is such a positive exercise. You must have felt wonderful after writing this post. You love real estate and it shows. Bravo!
Brian: Yup...heard you all the way over there..hehe. thanks.
Suzanne: That's okay...we're becoming seasoned with maturity. how's that?
Neal: Oh stop.... and go take some pictures... you can take pictures of a yard and make it look nice.
Teri: Oh, that sounds neat. My grandparents were old time family oriented and the women didn't work outside the home.
Carole: I presume many will be able to relate to a lot of the list!
Diane: Thanks so much...I bet you are too!
Sally,
You're having so much fun, can you even remember the last time 'you worked for a living'? LOL Thanks, Fran
Julie: Thanks so much Julie...believe it or not...your posts are very timely and inspiring for me! You show the person and the professional too and I like that. I hope all of our posts help anyone who needs it.
Art....aww....thanks...plugged. I sound electrifying hehe.
Sally,
When you do what you love, it shows. I'm sure you're an excellent Realtor because you obviously are in it for the right reasons. Congratulations and thanks for another great post.
Andrew: Hey....anyone who is in it for money first isn't going to be doing everything in their business for the right reasons as well. You're doing well in the industry and your love shows as well.
B & B: Coulda, Woulda and Shoulda....let's just say we're here NOW and that's all that matters. Maybe it was a piece of your puzzle that finally fell into place too!
I've always thought that the happiest folks around are the folks who love their jobs.
Nice to have a job that you love. Although, I believe that I've loved every job that I've ever had.
Lenn: I did in the beginning (love every job) and then it got boring, tedious, unrewarding etc. I started my employment career as a food server (they called us waitresses back then) at 17 years old in 1975 and the only thing I liked were the tips. I did get to wait on Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters at the Airport Dining Room. That was something.
P.S. And this old mind remembers what they had!!! Papaya with toasted coconut sprinkled on top and ice teas. How's that!
Ah...but my mom says I laugh toooo loud and that I have a "boisterous" laugh is what she calls it....ha! I think she may be right. Hey...at least it real?
What a great post. It inspires all of us, especially those of us who have recently discovered Activerain. With so much negative news floating around today, it's great to hear something positive.
William: You're funny lol! No one mentioned but you....then again..you know the music has some meaning in my posts too! I gotta love it William! I am so happy to hear how happy you are and back home where you are comfortable. I think when things happen like that we tend to appreciate more, huh?
Paul: Great! Welcome to Active Rain! Stay around the Positive stuff and you'll be just fine! Write a post so we can start commenting on it!
Hey ...it's the bro! Ah...but my life is life itself....real estate is the icing on my old cake ...ooops...my cake.
Not bad...I happened to run across them looking for an appropriate song....I get into off the wall stuff..usually my son turns me on to stuff.
Joanne: Ah....the importance of having balance. I definitely am all for the best interests of the client. Earlier this year I had an agent refer a listing to me. I listed it...the seller was very demeaning and I almost fired her...instead, another agent in my office helped me. So....referral fee went out and I graciously split the rest 50/50....it was worth it....my hard work didn't all go to waste.
Sally - I like your new signature logo!
Thanks for sharing the concept of Ohana. I miss your earlier posts when you were sharing Hawaiian culture and words. Yes, we can reread them, but you leave us wanting more ...
Sally, has the love-bug bitten everyone in the rain this week? Every blog is about love! Pass me some of that love potion #9...I'm parched over here!
Love,
Lizette
P.S.LoVE is addictive
Sharon: Margaret Woda made it for me! I try to put it on when I remember. I still do! You may be missing a bunch along the way. I try to write at least one a week.
Lisa: Aw...you just do fine on your own..get cracking!
Lizette: Cool huh? Better than neggie stuff. WooHoo!
Vicki: I think you did Vicki! With your former position you most likely got burnt too? We still help people and also enjoy our work now with some time for family, us etc. Welcome to Active Rain and keep on posting!
David: Why thank you and I truly agree! You too!
Ines: I love you back too! No Presidency for me...I like my simple life...Politics would complicate it :)
Christy: Actually, it was a challenge from Mike but I tell you what...it WAS a nice reminder of why I do what I do.....and it also allows me to do other things as well.....like come mingle with you all!
Lola: ....AND....YOU are definitely part of our big OHANA here and surely one of the main contributors and you give so much ALOHA :)
Joan: Oh, Goodness...that's what my cousin is doing in Washington...he's an attorney....before he was litagation..now I'm not sure.
Joan: Thanks Joan....but I bet you can think of a couple more for yourself!
Gail: I know what you mean....out of all the things I have done in my life....this has been the most rewarding inside...and allows me to sleep at night...no matter what kind of snags are going on in the transaction.
Reminds me why I'm in this business! It's a wonderful way to make a living.
Woo Hoo Sally...
This must be one of the greatest post I have ever seen you write.
It's a tribute to ... Excellence :)
TLW...ROAR!
Sally, nice graphics these. And your list of good stuff is a good, fun read. Nice way for us to start our day.
best, as usual...
Incredible detail Sally, I LOVE IT! Your potential clients will love it too and respect you more for all that you do.
WOO HOO!
Bob and Carolin: Thanks
Debbie: Thanks and glad it reminded you. It really is my last piece of the puzzle. I can't see doing much else different in my life that I'll be happy with.
Frank: I came in late in life but it's been worth it....all good things come to those who wait....I think the saying goes like that :)
Deborah: You should just write one for you!
TLW: AWWWWW.....that was sweet.....it's just me and how I feel. Got out of my funk and moved on.
Mr Bolen (s) hehe: Hawaii is great for scenery pics. I made the collage with Microsoft Digital Image Suite.
Renee: Ah...but they know already ha! Thanks for coming by to read and comment. :)
Connie: Thanks for coming by .....I hope it works out for you because it is definitely a rewarding career. It is definitely a joy when everyone is happy at the end of a transaction...
Wow - lots of comments - not sure if I can add anything to all this. I liked your list, it isn't often we see all these truths laid out on "paper" to remind us of the great aspects of RE.
Oh, and I liked that picture of your house along the beach, Sally. When're you inviting us over for a sunset party?
Christy: Challenge is on!!!
EVERYONE! Get up to the Challenge.......
Mike Mueller wrote his post What do you Love about your job? and challenged us to write about what we love about our profession.
Come on! Submit your posts!!!!!
woo-hoo, Sally! Yours was just the post I needed today! thank you! I hope that you don't mind--I linked to it from mine own when I read yours--good stuff, and most inspiring in The Best of Times...
Hey Brad! Yeah...we get caught up in other reading and such and sometimes forget to go back to the basics and old friends. I really appreciate all you are telling me right now...it does mean a lot. I have learned along the way that it takes time to get to know people and to form our opinions....much appreciated with your humble presence on my post...(I just went to yours because I know you're forgiving too :)
Loretta: Thanks for your input!
Michael: We run into each other once in awhile and I thank you for stopping by to give your aloha too!
Sally - I Loved this, "My dad was proud of me accomplishing something he did not". My dad was proud of me and got to experience his little girl doing something I was good at....before he passed away." for many reasons.
The passing of Bruce, the type of cancer he had, and his spirit brought me back to my Father's passing so many years ago.
What a wonderful post - very deserving of that star!
Thanks Mike...you and Bruce's wife Linda are actually the ones who INSPIRED me to get off my behind and get out of the fog. And so did the feelings come up for me too.
Thanks for the challenge Mike. It did me good.
Sorry about your dad too....I feel you.
Katerina: Thanks. You need to do one too I think...it would be a wonderful read to see yours too.
Mike Mueller wrote his post What do you Love about your job? and challenged us to write about what we love about our profession.
Tired of all the complaining on this site, so it is great to know there are some out there loving life and real estate...
Thanks!!!
Sally.......you brought back alot of memories of why i love this business too......thanks.......
duane hosek in the black hills of south dakota
Brent: I have passion for life! And...you gotta love what you do or not happy right?
Duane: I'm glad you have some memories...maybe the feelings were revived?
I don't get on to AR as often as I would like, but when I get the opportunity, I check into your blogs first..Most of the time don't make it past them. Thanks kiddo, I always know where to stop by for a refresher!
(heres a hoky one...CeSals Seashells down by the Seashore! :)