Passion or Addiction to Real Estate?

Question

Hello, I think like most of us we are trying to make a living and maybe a few of us would like to be very successful. The issue I am having is that I can't tell if I have a passion or just a addiction to this business. I'm constantly thinking about Real Estate and the "next" deal. It's a constant grind, and I can probably say if I go at this pace, I will look like 60 at age 40. I've been in this business on and off for 7 years and I can say that the only time I really enjoy it is when I get a paycheck. Other than that, it's a constant grind. Please let me know your thoughts. Thank you.

Richard S. · Answer

Passion: is for Exotic woods... Creating, shaping, duplications, things that make you go "AAahhh". I enjoy replicating missing casing or a pediment head thats damaged (or maybe a floor plan changed and a door has been added) to be able to duplicate a piece of art from 1800's. Something no store can ever offer these days!! Unfortunately my mind has to be consistently challenged... How about your self? they say hobbies are the best careers? I have heard that people do go to work and love what they do and cant wait to go back. I believe it exsists! I personally most happy rehabbing properties, Seems to fit me best. i have a crime scene rehab starting after the insuarnce issues get worked out, really cant wait...

Richard S. · Answer

I feel your pain. Same boat here. At one point in my career was just pure passion. 10 yrs later, grinding away and continue to do so, even checks aren't doing it anymore.... I know where my passion is, just putting it into play has become difficult. The daily tasks that pay the bills, throwing that safety net away to go to the unknown. Exposes risk to the every day amenities of life. In a economy were unemployment is at its highest in years, monster companies going down like (insert sexual joke here), banks limiting their output of lending, the stock market, US economic woes, etc. All make you say I gotta go to work tomorrow, despite its taxing mental and physical impacts... Well I have the company in a strong selling position (still hesitant, but pressing forward), and will be venturing off out into where ever destiny takes me. For I have come to a point that I have to risk losing it all, unless someone can tell me where to find the control buttons in life. When I lye on my death bed, not going to regret if the mortgage was paid off, but will certainly regret if I continue to work just for money ... Good luck!!!

Account Closed · Answer

I know how you feel. My shrink says I need to get 7 hours sleep every day and taking his advice has helped me a lot (for a while I was going on 3 hours a day for 2 yrs). I still dream about real estate though. If you feel like sleeping during the day then close your eyes and take a nap. Some of the most successful people I know take 20 minute naps in their office throughout the day. Whether its addition or passion, there maybe no difference, the important thing for you to remember is that you have only 1 life. Sleep when you need to, eat when you should (not fastfood twice a day). Whole grains and fruit I guess are talked about these days... organic is fashionable but seriously we are what we eat, if we work hard we deserve to eat better. Also you should plan on working until 80. If you have that kind of mentality then it really is passion. My dads a dentist and he is already 70+ and refuses to retire. If you have drive and passion like that (even if its for money [my dad doesn't like teeth that much...]), then I see success and long life in your future.

Bryan Hancock · Answer

If you don't love it you should get into business doing something you do love. Grinding your way through is not really a good way to live life.

Account Closed · Answer

Wow, I never thought of it that way. I guess I'm passionate about an addiction..... Now I'm going to have to find a REA = Real Estate Anonymous. But I still enjoy it too much, does that mean I haven't hit rock bottom yet? I think it's passion and yes, the paycheck is the payoff. But I love it.

Greg P. · Answer

Richard, I think you if started a exotic wood business it could definitely BOOM. Not much competition and with the internet booming and all. I'm possibly looking to get into clothing or maybe just do real estate. I'm in a tight spot as well. Good luck to you. Sorry for the delayed response.

Greg P. · Answer

What is your passion Richard?