Going On Vacation

Most real estate agents are self-employed. And when you’re self-employed, it’s sometimes difficult to go on vacation. While a real estate agent can usually find an agent from their office to cover for them for a few days while they’re away, the covering agent doesn’t really know their clients and the clients don’t really know the agent covering. There is something missing on the comfort-level front. Typically both sides can suck it up for a bit though and things are fine.

However, when you’re a control freak, and a self-employed real estate agent, it’s really difficult to go on vacation. Enter, Amy.

I am admittedly a control freak. And this usually serves me well in my real estate career. Except when I need a break. I don’t really like to take breaks because I want to know what is going on at all times and handle whatever needs to be handled. But everyone needs a break in order to keep functioning properly. So, earlier this year I made the proclamation that I was going to go on at least a 3-day vacation this summer. It had been 3 years since my last vacation. Three days seemed manageable. I would only go to Maine. A few short hours from my home. I would have internet and phone access so I could manage emails and phone calls like normal. I would really only need help from an agent if a new listing came on and a buyer needed to see a house or two right away. I lined up my coverage and told all of my clients about this arrangement and they were fine with it. “Have a good time away.” “Enjoy your vacation.” “We’ll be fine and will contact you when you get back.”

What exactly happened on my vacation? Well, I ate fried seafood. I went to the beach with my daughter (during off hours so as not to sunburn our trademark ghostly white skin) and enjoyed watching her play in the sand and surf. I went to “the” LL Bean. I ate ice cream. Everyday. I sold 4 houses. No one fired me.

I need to tell myself that vacation is possible. Vacation is good. Perhaps I will be ready to go away again in another 3 years.