Comments | lethrdadchicago: 'Bye Real Estate

lethrdadchicago

'Bye Real Estate - THIS IS BIG!!!!!!

Mar 29, 2008 23:45

This afternoon, I had the opportunity to show a "unique fixer-upper opportunity" to a potential buyer in Berwyn, the suburb just south of Oak Park. Today marks the first day of the third year of my ill-fated Realtor career. The house was a beautiful old place that's been heavily vandalized and is vastly overpriced. It will take six figures worth of ( Read more... )

Comments 31

mrdreamjeans March 30 2008, 05:13:38 UTC

There is no such thing as a perfect decision, but this feels right. Now you can examine your education and experience ... combine it with an open mind, a supportive partner and a keen, adventurous spirit to come up with a new career.

A couple of thoughts ... You were trained as a lawyer, correct? What were the parts of that profession and training that you liked? Are there elements in this background that could be the seeds to plant along another career path? You've held elected office. Could you be a fierce advocate for men and women who have been let down by the system because they are Gay or Lesbian?

Your empathy, compassion and integrity come through in everything you write. As I'm doing, I hope you continue to try to make a difference in all that you do .. for all those you touch.

HUGS!

lethrdadchicago March 30 2008, 20:46:32 UTC

You are such a sweet man, I saw your post just before I went to bed last night and it really filled me with joy. My leanings are precisely in the direction in which you point right now, I would so love to be able to advocate for those who most need it, be they mentally ill kids, GLBT families or others, or ??? My mom called today, out of the blue, with an attorney contact who might need a legal researcher for death penalty cases. That could tide me over until I find something else, I suppose, although it's not really my cup of tea overall. I became an attorney in order to become an integral part of the legislative machinery in Washington DC back in the late 80's, early 90's. Did that, loved it, moved on. I'm in a very different phase of life now, after coming out in the late 90's. Don't worry, I'll be joining you -- and all of those who, like you, work hard to make our world a better place -- very soon, just stay tuned.

citycraig March 30 2008, 06:24:47 UTC

Congratulations on freeing yourself! Too many people suffer through careers that aren't fulfilling. Real estate seems like it would be a very suffocating career right now for anyone anyway... YAY for YOU!

lethrdadchicago March 30 2008, 20:37:06 UTC

Thanks a lot, man. Yeah, it took two full years but snip, cut. I have a meeting with my managing director on Tuesday, I have to decide if I'm gonna fill him in or just let things slide for a while. You never know!

(The comment has been removed)

lethrdadchicago March 31 2008, 17:30:59 UTC

Life, as you and I know better that some my friend, always has lessons along the way if you can spot 'em. I have been able to be home with my kids for the last 2.5 years, and weathered some pretty nasty health issues. As I was discussing with my mom last night, Lord knows what I would have done without my fabulous man Jim at my side. It's about time I started pulling down a few more $$ and became more productive in society. If I can also continue to be home when my kids get home from school three days a week, that would be ideal. We'll see if that can happen or not, I'd love to be able to pull that off at least until my kids are both in high school in two years.

hugthecub March 30 2008, 13:20:40 UTC

i hate selling anything - even trivial stuff like garage sales.

if you haven't read it already, "what color is your parachute?" is a life-changing book when it comes to career moves - i highly recommend it.

lethrdadchicago March 31 2008, 17:27:25 UTC

I actually have an older copy lying around here somewhere, I should take a glance through it. I know generally the direction I want to take, but it wouldn't hurt to take some pointers. Thanks for the suggestion, that's a good idea.

geometrician March 30 2008, 14:48:31 UTC

Well done. Congratulations!

http://money.cnn.com/2008/03/25/news/economy/nurse/index.htm?section=money_latest

lethrdadchicago March 31 2008, 17:21:18 UTC

Thanks, my friend. Very interesting article about nursing. Unfortunately, I'm in the squeamish category when it comes to blood and such. I need to figure out how to somehow use my writing and advocacy skills. As always, however, I greatly appreciate your help, input and encouragement.