If you do the research, statistics will tell us that the average person will have between 8-11 different jobs in their lifetime. I have had an interesting cross section of employment over the years and every job I had was a learning experience that enriched my skills in some way.
My first job - Teaching riding lessons at age 15. Since my mommy had to drop me off for lessons, my employer had the foresight to ask that I put together a public resume of sorts to highlight why a teenager not much older than most (and significantly younger than some) of the students was qualified for the position. There was some questioning at first but after a while the students and their families were quite happy with what I had to offer and the job was a sort of springboard for my lifelong passion for teaching and coaching which has allowed me to travel extensively in North America and abroad as an Equestrian.
Some of the people I met during this time are now clients in my current real estate career!
Most Extreme Job - As a professional athlete I experienced the most intense emotions related to my career that I ever will for certain. Having a partnership with an animal that does not speak requires you to communicate in non verbal ways. You must learn to listen to & understand your partner and convey messages in their language, not your own. This creates an amazing bond and trust in an animal 10x your size and exponentially stronger. Creating this language is different with each animal and can take trial & error. The end result being a mutual trust and familiarity that is unique with each equine partner.
Working in the family business in the male dominated construction industry made me tough and able to stand my ground. I would routinely be sent out to carry out tasks that were more often performed by men, and would be scrutinized and questioned on my work during and afterwards. I have always been outspoken and in many cases the 'Old Boys' would brush off my opinions and directions as silly or "not the way things work around here dear." In order to be heard, I needed to be louder and more assertive than most. Challenge taken!
Most boring job - watering lawns at a construction site where a builder was developing a subdivision. My only task was to turn a hose on & allow the water to run for 30 minutes, then turn off and move to the next location to do the same thing.
Working in the fine dining industry made me appreciate the work that goes into sourcing, creating, producing and delivering a product or experience that exceeds expectations. Being part of a team where the sum is much greater than its parts is very rewarding. There is a certain high that is achieved from being very good at something and working seamlessly (and tirelessly) to produce that level of achievement daily.
Real Estate has been an amazing journey and continues to excite me. Starting this year off in great fashion I am feeling excellent about what's to come. I have learned a great deal leading up to this point in my career and I will continue to learn in the years to come! It's a very exciting time to be in this industry and I am looking forward to serving my clients in the future! Here's to 2016!
I am travelling to Moncton this week to attend the Atlantic Sales Rally and Awards Banquet for Exit, wish me luck, I am hoping to come home with some tangible recognition for my successes in 2015!
