Many people have told me recently that I'm crazy but I think I have finally come to my senses. It's been a long year with lots of ups and downs.
This time last year I was made an offer I couldn't refuse. I was offered a position as the Eastern and Southern Region Sales and Operations Manager for a wholesale lender. I was honored to be offered this chance when jobs were scarce, especially in the mortgage industry. This job gave me the opportunity to work in a different segment of the industry, behind the scenes if you will. It offered me the chance to work on a national level and enhanced my knowledge of secondary markets. I remain grateful for the faith that was placed in me and for the wonderful education I received. One of the things I loved about this position was being able to talk to mortgage brokers and lenders all over the country. These are my brothers in arms, their stories are mine.As much as I enjoyed the camaraderie, I felt like something was missing.
I posted my first blog entry on Active Rain in April of this year. I became addicted to the community. I am not always as Active as I would like to be but I'm trying. What do I love about this community? I love signing on in the morning, looking at the dashboard and knowing that I am connected to people just like me. I love reading the stories of good closings and the challenging ones, hearing your horror stories and your triumphs. I love seeing the advice given and the advice asked for, seeing the community help each other and heck, I love the occasional squabble.
The more Active I became the more I realized how removed I was from what I really love, how far I really was from being in the thick of things, how long it had been since I had qualified a borrower or attended a settlement. I missed all of that so much but I was apprehensive to make another change. As we all well know, this is a tumultuous time to be in the real estate industry and any change is nerve wracking. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Sometimes ya just have to jump. With the support I have received from the Active Rain community (those who knew I was making a change and encouraged me, those who have never heard of me but who's stories inspired me) I jumped. I resigned my prestigious (and salaried) position to become, once again, your 24/7 loan officer.
I'm taking this show on the road, I'm takin' it to the streets. If you are a member in the Lehigh Valley, expect a call from me. Heck, if you live in the Lehigh Valley and I happen to catch your eye in the grocery store expect to be handed my card. If you are one of my many on line social networking associates, don't forget I do mortgage loans for a living, I'm very good at what I do and I'm available to discuss your needs or those of your clients.
I may be crazy but I've never been happier!
What a wonderful story and congratulations.....If you are happy, you did the right thing.....much success!
David- Thank you so much! I am VERY happy and success will surely follow.
Bravo Miss Forbes!!! Today was the first day of the rest of your life! None better in this business! I for one am very happy you made the decission you did. Enjoy
Scott- Your opinion is hardly unbiased but thanks!
Beth~ Life is too short. Do what makes you happy and makes your heart sing! The rest will follow.....Hey! You live in PA - what a great place to live too!!
Beth - You are just like me and Dano? Scary, to say the least! Congratulations on making the move, I know you will be very happy and successful!
Congrats Beth... BTW - Did you have a running event last weekend?
Beth,
Congrats to you but more importantly congrats to all your future clients. They will definetly be in great hands!
Beth... I could tell in your voice on Friday that you were beyond being happy in your new choice. I always thought what it would be like on the wholesale side, and as you mentioned, I myself could never leave the retail side. Set aside from management, I always want to be down in the trenches. I love helping people ahieving their dream homes. I just recrieved a very thankful e-mail today, how much she has appreciated my help, that she hadn't received the same from a previous loan officer. It makes you feel special.. and you will do great.
Beth, congratulations on the move. At least this one is a "choice". So many do not get the opportunity to make them now. I look at everything as a new opportunity anyway.
Welcome back to the trenches, my dear.
Congratulations on having the guts to do what you love. That is a rare quality that I deeply admire. I'll be cheering you on, my friend! GBU~
I would like to add you as an associate. I also subscribed so I can follow your blog. I wish the VERY BEST for you. GBU~
So ya finally did it. Congratulations Beth! I wish you all the success you deserve and I look forward to a day very soon when I can send biz your way:)
Mwa!
That was a great story and always remember that it is better to be happy and chas your dreams than to be doing something that hate only to receive a paycheck. I commend you and wish you all the best. If I can be of any help, please feel free to reach out to me.
Jennifer - You meant my way, right:)
Thank you all for you kind comments! I will respond individually when I have a few minutes. As you can imagine, getting the new office up and running is a bit time consuming!
Beth - Congratulations! I always find it inspiring to see people doing what they love. Thanks for providing that inspiration and good luck getting going again.
Happiness can never be replaced, even by a salaried position. You go get 'em girl!
Hi Beth, I wish you the best. That's was gutsy, and I admire you for going for it!