Our first canvas story comes from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Carolinas Realty in Charlotte, North Carolina.

It’s the story of Melissa who recently won the Charlotte Regional Realtors Association Rookie of the Year award and quickly became one of this company’s high-performing agents.

How did she do it? By overcoming the fear and uncertainty of a job change that was thrust upon her unexpectedly.

Job Uncertainty Often Drives Change

If your job is going great, most people don’t change. For many years, Melissa had no reason to consider a new career path until one day the status quo was taken away.

I was in the airline industry for 20 years performing everything from the ticket counter to training. I’m not sure how long I would have worked in that industry, but I was given six months notice that I was being laid off.

I had to figure out what I was going to do next.

In trying to find out what I would be good at, I knew that I was good with people, liked people and stuck to goals. My husband says I’ve never met a stranger and if I said I was going to do something, I did it.

As I was searching, an idea came to consider real estate. It seemed to resonate with what my skills were.

I was scared of the work I knew real estate would require. I knew that being a real estate agent all depended on the business I generated. I knew that I would have to put out my very best effort.

And I did.

Hard Work and Diligence Paid Off

Turning an idea into reality is difficult in any circumstance. Changing careers after 20 years of focus in one area can be daunting, but Melissa wouldn’t be stopped.

I followed the plan diligently. I worked very hard and the results followed.

I started in 2014 and can tell you that I am now doing what I love to do and what I am meant to do. I even got a call from the airlines wanting to hire me back! I will not be returning though.

Yes, it offers predictability, but life is way too short to not do what I love. Real estate gives me the flexibility to make my own goals.

When I was young, I was in it for what I could get. As I’ve matured, I’m in it for what I enjoy.

You can read more about Melissa’s story by visiting her website.

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