Matt goes back to work?! (or please help him provide for his family)

         12 Years! It's been 12 years since I quit work and became a stay at home parent. It's also been over 6 years since I wrote a blog post (once the boys became sentient they no longer wanted to be written about). Both are about to happen again. Not sure how regular the blogging will be, but the work thing is definitely happening. A lot has happened in 12 years, 3 brain surgeries plus radiation and a clinical trial for Jill; 4 different schools for each boy; lots of soccer games, so many games and practises and tournaments, for Q; plays and musicals for O; friends coming and going, making new friends, so much growing up for both boys! O is now in high school and Q middle school. What hasn't changed much is me, other than getting older and going grey, or platinum as Jill likes to call it. I've stayed at home and tried to manage things the best I can, keeping everyone fed, happy, healthy and hopefully on target to be happy productive adults. Results are still pending. As the boys have gotten older the thought has crossed my mind about finding work, but the question was always doing what? I've had one (paying) job in my entire life, working for the same retail store for 18 years. So not exactly an eye catching resume! Take the limited professional skill set, a long lapse in employment, my "advanced" age, and the need for flexibility to care for my family and (mostly) their chauffeuring and I quickly became frozen to inaction in finding work. Real easy to get into a downward psychological spiral doubting yourself and your prospects. So I stuck to what I knew, stay at home parent, chef, maid service, laundry and driver. It was easier than what seemed like heading towards pending failure.

        Now I stand on the precipice of changing that. I've been taking online classes to get my real estate license and passed the state exam a few weeks ago. This is frightening and exciting all at once, but mostly terrifying! A friend asked me last year if I had any referrals or knew of anyone interested in becoming an agent. In either a moment of inspiration or insanity, I suggested me. In January we met for coffee to discuss it and I decided to pursue the opportunity. The job fits my lack of skills and need for flexibility, but also seems to fit my personality (outgoing, friendly, honest). I am firmly convinced I can do the job very well and will enjoy it. What I am not sure about, is how to get clients, it seems a tall task. It seems everyone already has a real estate agent they work with and are committed to (not to mention the many, many people who when I tell them what I'm doing, tell me they used to have their license.That's not concerning at all.) . It's like trying to break up a girl from her boyfriend so you can date her. You may be a better boyfriend than the current guy, but it's an awkward conversation to start, you don't know how serious they are, and you don't want to cause problems. Even if it's a casual thing she still feels some obligation to the first guy. I don't want to be a home wrecker, I just want to be their realtor! I'll also have to deal with lacking a certain religious affiliation common to Utah, which provides instant access and client pools. I'll have to study up and develop/sharpen some new skills, but mostly I'll need to roll up my sleeves and work hard. That and rely on my friends to help me out, use me, recommend me, refer me!

       Right now, I'm trying to come up with my "brand", a company name, maybe a slogan, something to distinguish myself and my business. Something that quickly explains my essence as a person and real estate agent/business. I'm also doing my best to learn about the industry, how it works, and how to do the best job possible. This is a massive undertaking, mostly in just getting me out of my comfort zone and into the groove of working a job again! I feel I'm moving at a snails pace, but hopefully will speed up as I get momentum. This blog is my first public pronouncement and I've been sitting on publishing it for a few weeks, because once I do, things become all too real! I'll have made the first step in putting myself out there asking for clients and I may have to do some actual real estate work (hopefully at least). I'm going to try and blog a little more again, maybe throw some stories about the boys in, and chronicle my journey back into working. Thanks everyone who takes the time to read this!