As The Holy Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3 and The Byrds sang in 1965, “To everything there is a season. A time for every purpose under heaven.” 

Of course, the passage (and song) goes on to say there’s a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck what is planted. In business, there’s a time to rest and a time to grow, a time to remain and a time to move on. 

In early 2020, I made a huge decision to leave a well-established team where I had thrived for the first several years of my real estate career. However, over time I became less happy, less content, less settled within that company. A feeling of unrest settled in my heart and it became clear that it was time for me to move on. 

That realization was terrifying! What if I make a mistake and burn a bridge, then fail on my own? How do I even make such a big change? I’ll need a website, a new email address, signs and business cards… Am I even capable of doing all of that? It was overwhelming to think about, yet I was resolved in my decision.

For every individual, the reason for discontentment varies.

Here are a few things to consider when determining if you’re ready for a season of change:

1. Are you content where you are? If you aren’t, is it because of the company or career field, or is it because you aren’t performing to your best ability? The grass always seems greener on the other side, but truthfully the grass is usually greener where you water it. If you’re doing your part and you aren’t being appreciated, challenged, or experiencing growth where you are, you should make a change. On the other hand, if you simply aren’t happy because you’re underperforming, that isn’t going to get better elsewhere. 
2. Do your goals and values align with the company’s goals and values? If you stand for something that your company doesn’t support or encourage, perhaps it’s time for you to establish a company that does. Not only for yourself, but as an option for other likeminded individuals. 
3. Is your life revolving around your career or is your career revolving around your life? One thing that I hear often is that people aren’t happy with their schedule. They feel as if they spend their whole life working and have no control over their days. If the demand placed on your career is too heavy, maybe it’s time for a change. Something I love about real estate is the ability to control my own schedule. Yet, even certain brokerages and teams place rigorous requirements on their sales associates. You can always change companies, industries, or positions if it means a better suited situation for you! Life is short. Find freedom! 
4. Could you gain better financial benefits if you made a change? Realize your worth. If the company you’re with takes more of your commission than what they supply you with in benefits, it might be time to move. Within commission based fields such as real estate, your actual paycheck does not equal profit. Some companies take a larger portion of your commission but supply you with a lot in return. That can be more beneficial than “keeping” a larger portion of your earnings but having to pay out of pocket for business expenses. Weigh your options carefully! Be thorough in your analyzation of what your company offers for what they charge.

And, sometimes the reason for making a change may have very little to do with the company you’re with. Sometimes the reason is solely you. That’s not a bad thing! Perhaps you’ve grown as much as you can within your company and it’s simply time for change. Maybe you have more to offer than what the team needs! If you’re ready to establish a name of your own or if your heart is drawn to something else, go for it!

Although leaving the big team I was on was scary, it was the best decision I have ever made in my business career. This year, 2020, has been a strange year for everyone between a global pandemic, murder hornets, companies going out of business, and more. However, I’ve thrived. I know in my heart I made the right decision. I’m excited for more growth in 2021 and I’m looking forward to a new season!