Is it a good idea to work as a real estate agent while in college?

Understanding the Why Behind Realty While In College

Have you ever found yourself sitting in those dreaded 8 am classes after a night of studying or, ahem, 'socialising', with the awful rumbling of your stomach as a reminder of your decision to skip breakfast for an extra 20 minutes of blissful sleep? Well, I certainly have. But what if I told you, there's a different kind of hunger pangs that you should be feeding instead? Not the ones bred from an empty stomach, but rather the ones that come from an empty wallet. Yeah, that certainly grabs your attention, doesn't it? That's where the idea of balancing a job as a real estate agent while being in college comes into the picture.

Has this thought ever crossed your mind? Or maybe you're knee-deep in your college years, and the idea has just piqued your interest now? Well, either way, buckle up, folks because we're about to dive headfirst into the pros and cons of moonlighting as a real estate agent while chugging through those cumbersome textbooks.

The Reality of Balancing Studies with Real Estate

Now, I know what you're thinking. 'Bastian, that sounds all well and good, but is it really feasible?' Guess what? To answer that, we need to delve a little bit into the nitty-gritty of real estate as a career itself. So let's put on our Sherlock Holmes hats and dive deep. Real estate, like any other field, has its perks and drawbacks. Yes, the commissions are fantastic. They'll have you seeing more zeros in your bank account than you see in your calculus assignments. But it calls for immense dedication, networking and, more importantly, time.

Here's the thing, you'll find that in the real estate industry, building relationships and networks is the key to success. It's almost like how Joe from the next dorm claims he'd do anything for an extra slice of pizza, including helping you with that daunting physics assignment. Now, imagine if you did Joe a favour, and he was so grateful that he referred a friend to you? One who just happens to be looking for a summer home? That's the power of networking.

Banking on the Boons of Real Estate in College

However, don't let the intensive effort and time commitment deter you from considering this gutsy career move. As the old English proverb goes, "Where there is muck, there’s brass". There's a good reason why many ambitious youngsters are taking up the challenge. You're already interacting with an extended networking circle, thanks to college acquaintances, social events, and roommates who can't stop talking about the next big party (even during your 3 AM study sessions).

Just like that little black dress or suit that never fails to impress, seizing the opportunity while being in college to be a real estate agent can be your unstoppable secret weapon. It's a beautiful symbiosis, really. College gives you an instant network of like-minded individuals who can become your clients or refer you in the future. In return, working in real estate as a college student can teach you lessons you'd otherwise need years of corporate ladder-climbing to acquire. In fact, some might argue that you will learn skills like negotiation, critical thinking, salesmanship, human psychology and, let's not forget, the art of handling rejection. Sounds like they should be worth college credits alone, right?

A Choice Worth the Chance?

Now, at this point, you might be feeling overwhelmed with all this information. And, I feel you. Trust me, I remember grappling with my own decisions back in college too. It was during a Tuesday afternoon when my son, Leighton, asked brush in hand, if blue was the correct color to paint the sun in his drawing. And in that moment, overwhelmed with my own grown-up decisions, I leaned down, smiled, and told him, "Honey, it's your world, you can color it the way you want it". And that, my friend, is also true for your college days. Whether you decide to pick up a real estate license on top of your degree might feel scary, but it's your world, and you can color it the way you want it.

As long as you remember that real estate is a demanding field and goes above and beyond weekends hosting open houses, you should be okay. Expect late-night calls from clients, having to rush out to close deals or show properties at a moment’s notice, and spending a fair share of your holidays working. If you can balance this with your college workload, then you might have just found a lucrative way to fend off those wallet-induced hunger pangs. And who knows, you might end up liking it enough to make it your career post-college!

The Final Brick in the Wall

In my humble opinion, if you can juggle it all, working as a real estate agent while attending college is an excellent idea, but it's important to have a thorough understanding of what it entails. It's not for everyone, but if you're ambitious, love to network, and don't mind burning the midnight oil, this could be a fantastic opportunity. Remember, juggling is an art, whether it's juggling multiple tasks or juggling real estate and college work. So if you decide to walk down this path, remember to keep your cool, work hard and, most importantly, have fun! After all, isn't that what college is all about?