It’s a familiar feeling: after ten years in a particular line of work, a job that was once filled with excitement, discovery, and challenge has now become little more than a rote activity, a daily grind you need to get through in order to pay the bills and put food on the table.
If you’re tired of your job and thinking about a career change — even late in life — you’re not alone: it is becoming increasingly common for Americans to change careers multiple times over the course of their working lives, either because they feel they have hit the limit of what they can get out of their job, or because they simply no longer find the work rewarding.
While career changes are becoming more common, this doesn’t make the prospect of switching to a new industry less anxiety-inducing. It is often easier to accept the frustrations of a job you don’t like than to face the uncertainty that comes when you take a leap into the unknown.
One of the reasons why becoming a real estate agent is such a popular second career choice is because it is possible to get started part-time. This means you can continue to do your full-time job while undertaking the training necessary to become licensed, and can slowly build a client base without having to give up your regular paycheque.
If you’ve been thinking about switching careers but are worried about giving up your financial security, here are three reasons why real estate might be a good fit for you:
1. Study for the Licensing Exam on Your Own Time
In order to become a real estate agent, you need to pass the licensing exam in the state you plan on practicing in. Most people take an online course covering real estate practices and law in order to prepare themselves for the licensing exam.
If you want to see how quickly you can become a realtor check out some of the online course offerings of major online real estate courses. In most states, you can take these courses on your own time, and can even take final exams online as well through ProctorU.
2. Work with a Broker
While many real estate agents plan on eventually working independently, upon being licensed you will work with a broker who can provide you with legal and administrative support as well as mentorship and advice while you get used to the ins and outs of selling real estate.
3. Build on the Networks You Already Have
One of the many advantages to becoming a real estate agent later in life is that real estate is all about connections. If you’ve had an active career and been involved in your community for years, that means you have a large pool of potential clients to draw on. Age, experience, and deep roots in a community give you a serious edge in the world of real estate.
Starting a second career late in life can seem scary, but it doesn’t need to be: when going into real estate, you don’t have to gamble everything on a career change. Instead, you can study real estate law online, become licensed on your own time, and dip your toes into the market without having to quit your day job. And if you do decide it is right for you, you can work with a broker while you learn the ropes.
Don’t let concerns that you are too old hold you back from a dream job. Start exploring your options for becoming a licensed real estate agent today.
