Realwomen.co.nz

Well ladies - my youngest child starts school at the end of the year so it is time for me to get a career up and running. I have been a stay at home mother for 9 years - so I am well overdue to get back into the workplace saddle. I have also been undertaking Extramural study through Massey Uni doing BBS papers.

My work experience/career has been in the Finance industry in the world of banking and credit control. A friend of mine recently approached me to see if I would be interested in joining the BNZ as her second in charge (she is a branch Manager). I was very keen at considering the role which she offered me. The realisation dawned on me that I would be forever juggling school holidays and after school care. As the banking industry within small rural branches is always predominantly women - the chances of me vying for prime school holidays - would be slim.

My husband's associate approached him to see if I would consider joining the Real Estate industry to train as a Salesperson and to take over from her when she leaves in about 6 months time. The beauty of this job would be that the hours I could work would be extremely flexible and I would be guaranteed school holidays and after school hours to look after my children. The position would be commission based and my salary would be dictated by how hard I worked. There are 3 Salespeople in this office - 2 Rural and one Urban. The job that I have been offered is for the Urban.

I am in two minds about this opportunity. It would be an extremely ideal job for me and the children in the sense that the holidays would be mine and I could also work in with my husband. The down side is that I have never had much experience in the sales industry. My biggest worry is how the Real Estate industry is perceived, plus, agents are crawling all over each other in order to get the listings. I live in a town of about 5,000 people and there are about 6 real estate companies in our town with around 5 - 6 consultants each!

I am an achiever and have reached great heights in my past career. I am also a hard worker and I can see that the commission which I have the potential to make will be a direct reflection of my integrity, honesty and dedication to the job. Also, I am born and bred in this town so there is not many people that I dont know. It also helps that hubby and I are very social creatures!

Some advice would be greatly appreciated!