Login
iscover
One of the most common questions in real estate is: “How do you manage work/life balance?” But the idea of balance is a misnomer. Real estate isn’t a job – it’s a lifestyle, writes Adrian Bo, CEO of Adrian Bo Real Estate Training and Auctions.
Rather than chasing balance, agents should focus on achieving work/life harmony to build a sustainable and fulfilling career.
Understanding work/life harmony
Real estate doesn’t operate within a nine-to-five structure. Deals still need to be done after hours, buyers may need urgent answers, and even when on holiday, the occasional email or phone call may be necessary. Instead of resisting this reality, the key is to integrate work into life in a way that feels manageable and rewarding.
However, work should never completely consume life. Without clear boundaries and proper planning, agents risk burnout – a common issue in an industry where long hours and high expectations are the norm.
The importance of planning time-off
The best way to ensure work/life harmony is to plan personal time with the same level of commitment as work appointments.
Bo recommends that agents block out time for themselves each year on the 1st of January for the next 12 months by scheduling a minimum of three weeks off, anywhere up to seven weeks depending on what chapter they are up to on their real estate journey. This could be for:
- Family time
- Personal wellbeing and mindfulness
- Recharge breaks to prevent burnout
By actively prioritising time away from work, agents can operate at a high level while maintaining long-term sustainability.
Setting boundaries with clients
One of the biggest challenges in real estate is allowing clients to dictate your schedule.
Many agents feel pressured to say yes to every request, including late-night appointments and weekend meetings. While client service is critical, setting reasonable boundaries is just as important.
If a client requests a meeting at an inconvenient time, agents should confidently offer alternative options instead of saying yes by default. A response might be:
“That time doesn’t work due to family commitments, but I can offer you three other times that I believe will be just as convenient for you.”
This approach allows agents to maintain professionalism without sacrificing personal priorities.
The consequences of ignoring work/life harmony
Failing to manage workload and personal time can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and declining performance.
Many agents push themselves for short bursts – working 16-hour days for months or years – only to hit a breaking point. The long-term effects of burnout can lead to:
- Health issues due to prolonged stress and fatigue.
- Lack of motivation and enjoyment in the profession.
- Inconsistent career longevity, with some agents leaving the industry entirely.
Just like a car requires fuel, maintenance and regular servicing, real estate professionals need proper rest and recovery to perform at their best.
A sustainable approach to a long-term career
Achieving longevity in real estate isn’t about working the hardest in short bursts – it’s about building a sustainable rhythm that allows agents to perform at their peak while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.
By scheduling personal time, setting boundaries with clients and recognising the risks of burnout, agents can enjoy a long and successful career without sacrificing their health and happiness.
Adrian Bo is the CEO of Adrian Bo Real Estate Training and Auctions.
You are not authorised to post comments.
Comments will undergo moderation before they get published.