Decisions, Descisions (regarding livelihood)

[HappySenior]

Last year I had started an online training course (for real estate) that I dropped out of for a while due to life changes. I've now completed the lessons and have to drill down and review in order to take the final. And then, if I want to get licensed, I have to take the state exam (for a fee) after that. I'm starting to wonder... do I really want to do this?

 

The situation is that I am in my 60's with a a couple of years to go before I can take social security (won't be much, but my living expenses are smaller than most = no mortgage and low property taxes). I have enough to last me two, maybe four years if nothing disastrous happens.  In going through the courses, after seeing all the new rules, regulations and fees since I last held that occupation, I am having second thoughts. 

 

Complicating this is the fact that I have ADHD (and maybe creeping senility) as well as recurring situational depression. Case in point: I went out in a hurry to get some cash for a group gift and went to several places when I couldn't get to a bank. In the process, I managed to lose BOTH my credit card and debit card (in different places).  Of course I ordered replacements right away, and I had a couple other accounts to use in the meantime. The debit card was found, but not the credit card yet - not that it matters since I have the new ones. 

 

That is a good example of how I get flustered sometimes and important things seem to escape my notice. I use a lot of organizational techniques to "treat" the ADHD, since medication is both expensive and fraught with difficulty in getting it.  Most of the time it works, if I am not in a huge hurry as I have developed routines for coping.

 

But I am now thinking that I don't want to get mixed up in an occupation where I could easily have things go wrong, get in legal trouble, or be expensive. If I coast, I could continue to work on things I also love - like photography, research, writing, and computer graphics and maybe do something with those instead.  I do not do well under stress.

 

If it matters, I started the course while I was still married and dividing time in two states. I saw it as an occupation I could do in that situation. It's different now that I have divorced and am in one place, with friends close by and relatives four hours away.  I may have an opportunity after the holidays to do some work with other seniors, and that may come with health insurance which Real Estate usually doesn't. 

I guess the only thing halting this decision is feeling like I am letting down friends and family I told I was doing this. I had to play catch up and went through 25 units of lessons in four weeks, almost giving myself a nervous breakdown in the process.  I'm on the way back up, but thinking about the other things I'd have to do in order to finish up and get a license is stressing me... As well as cold weather.

 

I want to stop before I even start...

 

I guess the truth is, I'm scared to put myself out there and fail. AND I think there are so many other things I want to be doing instead.  

[Foxhall]

If you are not enjoying it, perhaps take a step back,

 

you could always try it again in a year or two if you felt more motivated,

 

keep the mind active though, engage in your photography , research , writing etc, keep your mind sharp and curious.

[Billysland48]

On 12/22/2019 at 7:51 AM, HappySenior said:

Last year I had started an online training course (for real estate) that I dropped out of for a while due to life changes. I've now completed the lessons and have to drill down and review in order to take the final. And then, if I want to get licensed, I have to take the state exam (for a fee) after that. I'm starting to wonder... do I really want to do this?

 

The situation is that I am in my 60's with a a couple of years to go before I can take social security (won't be much, but my living expenses are smaller than most = no mortgage and low property taxes). I have enough to last me two, maybe four years if nothing disastrous happens.  In going through the courses, after seeing all the new rules, regulations and fees since I last held that occupation, I am having second thoughts. 

 

Complicating this is the fact that I have ADHD (and maybe creeping senility) as well as recurring situational depression. Case in point: I went out in a hurry to get some cash for a group gift and went to several places when I couldn't get to a bank. In the process, I managed to lose BOTH my credit card and debit card (in different places).  Of course I ordered replacements right away, and I had a couple other accounts to use in the meantime. The debit card was found, but not the credit card yet - not that it matters since I have the new ones. 

 

That is a good example of how I get flustered sometimes and important things seem to escape my notice. I use a lot of organizational techniques to "treat" the ADHD, since medication is both expensive and fraught with difficulty in getting it.  Most of the time it works, if I am not in a huge hurry as I have developed routines for coping.

 

But I am now thinking that I don't want to get mixed up in an occupation where I could easily have things go wrong, get in legal trouble, or be expensive. If I coast, I could continue to work on things I also love - like photography, research, writing, and computer graphics and maybe do something with those instead.  I do not do well under stress.

 

If it matters, I started the course while I was still married and dividing time in two states. I saw it as an occupation I could do in that situation. It's different now that I have divorced and am in one place, with friends close by and relatives four hours away.  I may have an opportunity after the holidays to do some work with other seniors, and that may come with health insurance which Real Estate usually doesn't. 

I guess the only thing halting this decision is feeling like I am letting down friends and family I told I was doing this. I had to play catch up and went through 25 units of lessons in four weeks, almost giving myself a nervous breakdown in the process.  I'm on the way back up, but thinking about the other things I'd have to do in order to finish up and get a license is stressing me... As well as cold weather.

 

I want to stop before I even start...

 

I guess the truth is, I'm scared to put myself out there and fail. AND I think there are so many other things I want to be doing instead.  

 

Amazing Post.