A few months ago, I was laid off from my job as a software engineer at a fintech company. Ten percent of the company was let go, and my team was heavily affected. Once I got over the initial shock, I had to adjust to the new reality of losing my daily routine. Suddenly, I had all the time in the world, which was initially overwhelming. However, I soon filled my days with running, meeting friends, taking classes, spending time with family, and finally choosing a brokerage to hang my real estate license with.
The timing of everything worked out perfectly. After securing my real estate license last October, I planned to select a brokerage in the new year, envisioning a fresh start for my side hustle. Coincidentally, I had broker meetings scheduled for the day I got laid off and the day after, making that week quite busy. I also planned to take community college classes again, as I had done in previous semesters, and now I could enroll in even more since I no longer had work during the day. Things quickly came together into a loose plan: I would start my venture as a real estate agent and take classes on the side.
With my interest in real estate, I found myself drawn to Construction Management classes. As the semester progressed, I felt this was the right next career move for me. It combined my interests in the building industry, real estate development, and project management. I became a full-time student (6 classes!) and began prospecting for my next role in this industry. With that decision came the bittersweet realization that my software engineering career might be behind me. However, I did what I needed to do to embark on this exciting new chapter of exploration.
With a generous severance, I feel financially stable enough to take a leap of faith and completely switch careers. Without a set work schedule or the immediate need to earn money, I have the freedom to focus on what truly pleases me. It feels like I’m finally in control of my life. Every day is dynamic, and I’m busier now than ever before. I’m thrilled to start each day, whether I’m spending time at home knitting, journaling, getting my runs in, hanging out at the office and meeting other agents, touring homes, hosting open houses, or spending time in class learning about a completely new industry – I love it all.
Life has never felt so free and mine to live.
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