Have you ever asked yourself "Is this all there is?" and upon reflection realized that the work you are currently doing may not be what you want to do long term?
For nearly a year I've wrestled with that question and pondered the alternatives. I have come to the ultimate conclusion that I need to make a fundamental change in my life. No longer willing to work 24/7 in this business, I've decided to take a sabbatical from assisting buyers and sellers while I pursue new and different challenges and opportunities. I will not be giving up the benefits of my real estate license, but will operate on a referral basis through Professional Referrals, Inc. - referring to top agents locally and across the country. 
I truly believe that sometimes you have to take some time to immerse yourself in another environment in order to see your life from a different perspective. To listen to what your heart and soul are telling you and to be inspired to embrace the next stage of your personal journey.
So it is with excitement and optimism that I make this announcement. I've never been someone who does things half way. I immersed myself fully into my career as a real estate agent and was (happily) very successful. I gave it every ounce of my time, energy, resources and effort. I have no regrets. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the best of the best, my colleagues at RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest, and all of my wonderful real estate friends and clients over the years. That being said, I feel that it is only right to give 100% to my future endeavors as well.
Working in this business has been both a pleasure and privilege for me and I hope to continue to share insights based on my professional experience and/or to put you in touch with other resources to help guide you in your journey. I'll still be here blogging away - writing, training, consulting and sharing my take on the local real estate market as well as tidbits about my favorite people, places and things to do in Lake Zurich and the surrounding communities - simply from a slightly different perspective. I hope you'll stay tuned.
Kelly, you're the best and I always appreciate very much your insight into EVERYTHING. You are a very honest person. Good luck with whatever direction and new path you have decided on.
Sometimes a new direction is needed to gain perspective. Good luck with that.
Kelly, good luck and I hope that success finds you in whatever you choose to do!
Really? Wow - I didn't see that one coming at all! I wish you nothing but the best in whatever you decide to pursue Kelly, since I'm sure that you'll be a star no matter what.
GARY: Thank you & stay tuned, I'll still be around!
THOMAS: I agree. Thanks!
TONY & DARCY: Thank you.
LISA: Thanks, Lisa...don't I look relaxed already?
Kelly - Congratulations on your move! I wish you great success! :)
Best of luck to you, Kelly. I have enjoyed reading your blog, so please do keep on writing.
Kelly you had me worried for a minute - I JUST subscribed to your blog and like it very much!!! I will say a prayer for you in your new career but, selfishly, I am glad you will still be here!
DEBI: Thank you! Sometimes change is the best thing!
BRENDA: I will - please keep reading!
TAMI: No worries, I'll be around. And thanks for the kind wishes!
Kelly -
Best of luck in the future.
It saddens me that this is the 2nd blog post I've read today in which a young eager professional Realtor is leaving the business (at least temporarily).
INNOVATIONS: It shouldn't sadden you...I'm transitioning from a very successful venture towards an even more successful venture. This is GOOD news! :)
Kelly - I am both happy for you and sad that it had to come to this. But, many Realtors are approaching that crossroad. I totally understand. I believe you will be successful at anything you do! And, remember the sabbatical you need to take is due to the market and not you. Good luck, and don't become a stranger! ....BTW, nice pic!
CAROL: I've had a successful year. This decision is not made because I have to, but rather, because I want to. I'm ready for new challenges. So it's a very good thing! And I'll still be around, you can bet on that!
Kelly - i know that feeling. I had a great year too. I even beat last years numbers. But, it's become a different business over the last year and it's very draining. The tought of going back to a 9-5 job with weekends off is very tempting to me right now! If only there was a job market!
Hi Kelly,
After having breakfast with you this morning, I was very happy for you and very jealous of course that you were going to start a new chapter in your live and do something that was more fulfilling. This is an awfully draining business, and it can get to ANYONE after sellers are constantly yelling and the buyers are not always telling the truths. I'm sad for me since you Kelly are my role model for the perfect realtor. Remember I told you the story that I was very impressed with the realtor of a home in Lincolnshire... they had the best brochures, signage, etc and then lo and behold when I met you, I realized that you were their realtor.
I will miss sharing stories with you, and discussing what to do in certain situations. Kelly, I am so honored to be your friend and for those of you who only know Kelly by reading her blogs, she is everything she writes about BUT EVEN BETTER! She is truly both a great person and great realtor.
P.s. I hope kelly you will be back.... You are AWESOME!
Yes Kelly you do look more relaxed - love the new picture. I hope you will still be around because I really enjoy reading your blogs. Your insight and reflections on life are always inspiring. Please keep us informed on your path and I pray for your success in your new adventure.
By the Way - RE is "My New Adventure" - I was in RE class on my 50th Birthday and the past 6 years have been a real Roller Coaster and Learning Experience - and I Love It!
My Very Best Wishes for your continued SUCCESS!!!
CAROL: Yes, it is draining, particulary when you are an agent that truly cares about your clients. The allure of nights and weekends off, taking a vacation without files, laptop and cell phone, nights without tossing and turning as I wrack my brain trying to come up with new and different ways to get my clients homes sold, going to a movie without leaving in the middle because you're in negotiations...they say this business is flexible, but really you, the agent, have to be the flexible one and work when your clients need you...not to mention a steady paycheck, yes, it all sounds pretty good right about now! :)
JUDY: Now you've made me tear up. You are so sweet and that was such a nice thing to write. We will still get together, but may have to have lunch or drinks instead...that doesn't sound so bad, now does it?
KATHY: Thank you - and I wish you much success as well! I love real estate, and plan to keep my toes in the water, just in a slightly different way.
Kelly, I am so shocked to read this post. Best of luck in your new endeavors and please do stay around here on activerain...it would not be the same without you! If you ever need anything, I am happy to help.
DEBRA: The 24/7 nature of real estate isn't for everyone. I love the real estate biz, but am already feeling more relaxed...and of course I'll be around. I just wrote my next post! :)
I am surprised to say the least! Another local RE/MAX agent leaves for different pastures. Well good luck with your future direction, I wish you the very best. I am here for any divorcing clients you have, I am a Certified Real Estate Divorce Specialist and about to get my CDFP designation too.
JONATHAN & CORINNE: I love RE/MAX! It has been a fabulous place to hang my hat. I've helped several divorcing clients...that's always difficult.
I wish you the best of luck in your new adventures! I hope everything works out well for you.
Kim, RE/MAX EXCEL
KIM: Thank you very much! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. ;)
Hi Kelly. Congrats on your decision and good luck with whatever you are doing.
Ken
Change takes courage....good for you! I hope you find this next chapter to be filled with hope, happiness and most of all satisfaction!
KEN: Thanks!
JODDIE: It was a little nerve-wracking making the decision, but so far...very worth it!
Hi Kelly...Well, now I have read the post. I still do not know what you are up to but I'm sure you'll have a great time with it. Please share with us someday. I'm nosy!
Real estate was something I thought of off and on for many years and finally got my license when I was 49. It has not been that overwhelming because I have tried to pace myself as much as possible. I've limited listings and buyers so that I could work hard for them yet not work too hard overall. Once in a whle I have to juggle a little more than at other times and yet it still remains fun for me after 21 years.
Best of luck and please, please continue to share your writings and comments with all of us. (Your photo only with me!)
Kate
KATE: It sounds like you've achieved the perfect balance. How wonderful! I'm ready to begin the next chapter in my life. ;)
Kelly...We are fortunate when we have choices.
Now about that photo of yours.......................
Kate
KATE: That photo was taken by my husband on our 20th anniversary trip. We were both so relaxed and happy at that moment...and that's what I want my life to be. So I changed my picture to remind me to follow my happiness every day. No more "real estate agent" photo for me! And you can't have it!!! ;)
Kelly...No wonder you look so happy! Guess I'll just have to find someone else to browbeat for a photo.
I'm so happy you are happy. Truly!
Kate
Kelly??? I am so sorry to have missed your post. I have been limiting my time on activerain because it was just too much. I wish you nothing but success in your business. Do you have to go into a office everyday? Did you sell your business, past clients, current clients, etc....
Share your ideas, we all need a change! I am tired of waiting, I think I might do something else after Christmas. Waiting on my prayers and God to lead me. Thanks for a great blog!
KATE: Thanks!!!
MISSY: It's really a combination of things. Current clients needed to be referred to great agents who would take excellent care of them, some future clients as well, some stuff was sold, some I'm retaining...I'm going to concentrate on referring and keep my toe in the water while I embark on an entirely new adventure...which is yet to be decided upon. The world is full of opportunity!
KATHY: I've been thinking about this change for a year, so I wish you the best of luck in your decision. One of my clients told me this: "never chase a paycheck, always take the road to happiness, and follow your bliss." I like that. :)
Kelly, on my break from the rain I missed this entirely. You're right on in chasing your bliss. Who knows...you may decide that road's not for you. But if you never head down it, you'll never know will you? Best of luck!
COLLEEN: You never know until you try...but I'm confident this is the right decision for me. Thanks for the kind wishes!
Kelly~ Wow ! I just read your post. I can understand what you mean though about being able to slow down and enjoy life a little bit more! Doesn't Re/max have a place for referral only agents? Or is it your license still with them now? Vickie McCartney
VICKIE: My license is with Professional Referrals Inc., although my old RE/MAX office is somehow affiliated with this company...
Wow Kelly! I am amazed. Good for you! KM
KRISTIN: A very good friend of mine lives in San Antonio. I hope to visit one day and head over to the Pottery Barn outlet she always talks about... :)
Thanks for the well-wishes, btw!
Hey, Kelly -
Congrats on the change - always listen when a fellow Chicago Veteran Realtor does something like this.
Wish you well - keep us all posted. Let me know if there is anything you ever need.
Might try to contact you live later on - OK?
DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO