Advice on Switching Careers

[Bill Gray]

For the last 8 years, I have been working in banking. I have spent my time working my way up the ladder from starting in loan servicing, to becoming a loan officer, now working in fraud and risk management.  Unfortunately, I am just extremely unhappy with the atmosphere I've been in since joining the banking world.  It is too political for my liking.  I have been successful in moving up the corporate ladder but my income seems to be topping out at a more rapid pace than my promotions.  I also dislike the 9-5 sitting in an office.  I'm now 30 years old and looking to make the gradual jump into the real estate. I have been researching different routes and avenues but curious to get first hand accounts from others what their experiences have been.  I have excellent drive and motivation, and I feel my background in banking gives me an advantage to understanding the different types of loans and the finer portions of the lending aspect, since most people seem to finance homes. 

I am crazy to leave a decent paying job, with benefits and retirement to escape the horrible day to day? I see so many stories of people being discouraged and getting out of real estate within 2 years.  Just looking to see what others have gone through in making a similar jump?