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As a father of two daughters who are both active in sports, a husband, and a realtor who runs my own team, life can get pretty busy. From managing client calls to cheering at basketball games, it’s a juggling act that can sometimes feel overwhelming. But one thing I’ve learned over the years is that working from home as a self-employed parent offers a unique kind of freedom that allows me to balance both my professional and personal life in ways that I never could have imagined in a traditional office setting.
For anyone considering making the leap into self-employment or working from home, I can tell you that the benefits go far beyond just skipping the daily commute. Here’s a look at how being a self-employed parent in real estate has allowed me to find more focus, flexibility, and joy in both my career and family life.
1. Flexibility to Shape My Own Schedule
One of the most rewarding aspects of being self-employed is the freedom to shape my own schedule. As a realtor, my days are often unpredictable, filled with meetings, showings, and client calls. But I also have the flexibility to structure my time so that I don’t miss out on the important moments with my daughters, whether it’s a last-minute basketball game or a weekend tournament.
I don’t have to worry about taking time off or requesting a schedule change; if my daughters have a game or an event, I can plan my work around it. I’m able to catch up on emails and calls during their practice times or after they’re tucked into bed. The flexibility of working from home allows me to be present for my family while still running my business effectively.
2. No Commuting Means More Time for Family
Anyone who’s ever spent hours commuting knows that it takes a toll on your energy and time. As someone who works in real estate, I used to spend a significant portion of my day driving to appointments, meetings, and showings. Now, with a home office, I can take that time back and invest it in more meaningful activities with my family.
Whether it’s having breakfast together in the morning or catching a quick walk with my wife and dog after work, this extra time makes a huge difference. I get to be more present, and that makes a world of difference in my relationships with my family. Instead of being burned out from a long commute, I’m able to transition straight from work to family time with ease.
3. A Work Environment That Works for Me
When you work from home, you get to design a workspace that suits your needs. In my case, it’s an office setup that keeps me organized and focused, but also close enough to my daughters’ playroom and family spaces. I can quickly check in on them if needed or even throw in a load of laundry during a quiet moment in the day. There’s a comfort in knowing that I’m only a few steps away from my family, even when I’m on an important call or working through a busy afternoon.
The flexibility of being able to move between work and family spaces in my home allows me to stay productive while staying connected. And because I’m running a real estate team, it’s crucial to have a space that keeps me organized and efficient. With a dedicated workspace at home, I can stay on top of all the moving pieces of my business without distractions.
4. Cost Savings and Financial Freedom
Being a self-employed realtor comes with its own set of financial challenges, but one significant benefit is the cost savings. Without the overhead of commuting, buying lunch out, or maintaining a physical office, I’ve been able to save money, which I can reinvest into my business or use for family activities.
When you’re self-employed, you also have the advantage of tax breaks related to your home office, which is a nice financial perk. But beyond the numbers, not having to pay for things like business attire or constant office supplies gives me more room in my budget for things that matter most—like taking my family on vacation or supporting my daughters’ extracurricular activities.
5. Increased Productivity and Focus
It’s easy to assume that working from home would lead to distractions, but for me, it’s the opposite. Without the office noise or constant interruptions, I can dive deep into my work and stay focused for longer periods. I get more done in less time. Whether it’s negotiating a deal, reviewing contracts, or checking in with my team, I can get into a rhythm that allows me to accomplish more in a shorter window.
There’s something about being able to control your environment that leads to a higher level of productivity. If I need quiet to concentrate, I can create it. If I need a break, I can take a walk with my dog or have a quick chat with my wife to clear my head. It’s these small moments that keep me sharp and focused.
6. Greater Autonomy in My Career
As a realtor and team leader, one of the things I love most about working from home is the autonomy it provides. I make the decisions about my business, the direction of my team, and the clients we serve. I’m not bound by the rigid schedules or corporate red tape of a traditional office job.
Being self-employed allows me to be strategic with how I grow my real estate business. Whether I’m mentoring a new agent or brainstorming ways to market a new listing, I get to be creative and hands-on with every aspect of my work. The sense of accomplishment that comes with knowing I’m building something from the ground up, while also being there for my family, is incredibly fulfilling.
7. A Better Work-Life Balance
As a father of two daughters, maintaining a work-life balance is critical. Working from home allows me to be more present in their lives, whether it’s attending a school event, helping with homework, or watching them play basketball. At the same time, I can still run a successful real estate business. I get the best of both worlds—I’m present for my family, but also able to meet the demands of my career.
It’s not always perfect, and some days are more chaotic than others, but the ability to control my own time and prioritize what matters most is something I’ll never take for granted.
8. Teaching My Daughters the Value of Hard Work
Finally, one of the most rewarding aspects of working from home is the opportunity to show my daughters the value of hard work and entrepreneurship. They see firsthand what it takes to run a business, balance priorities, and stay committed to goals. I’m proud that they get to see me work hard, but also that they understand the importance of making time for family.
By working from home, I can teach them important lessons about resilience, responsibility, and managing multiple roles. It’s not just about showing up for them—it’s about being a role model for what it means to pursue your passions and create a lifestyle that works for you.
Final Thoughts
As a self-employed parent in real estate, working from home has been a game changer. The flexibility, the extra family time, the ability to control my environment—these are all things that allow me to be a better father, husband, and business owner. It’s not always easy, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
If you’re a parent considering self-employment or working from home, I highly recommend it. The ability to build your business while being present for your family is something truly special. And if you ever need help navigating the real estate market or balancing your own business with family life, my team at Eagle Homes and I are here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s make it happen—together.
