Sometimes God has to tap us on the shoulder to slow us down and have us enjoy our lives and Family more.

Tony sorry to hear about your health issues. I can honestly say it was always ME first. Never miss a day without exercise, stop working to eat properly and smell the roses-all of the roses! I refuse to be on call 24/7.

When I got my license in 1992 I used to attend many free seminars to learn. One of the speakers gave good advice and I have always followed it. The speaker said that we will receive calls from prospects that they want to see a house on the day of our child's brthday or another important event and we will be tempted to go or to list a house .But in our final days we will not be thinking of days that we  missed a listing or buyer opportunity but of the times we missed an important event in the life of our loved ones. 

Tony I don't know you, but I'm glad you had your wake up call. I'm happy for your recovery & new outlook, it's very insightful.

I've been preaching for years to Realtors, if you do not take a day off once per week, if you do not have a "tools down" time each evening you are cheating your family, you are cheating your clients and you are cheating your health. I'm hoping to spare a few folks a surgery for a wake up call. While I'm glad for your recovery Tony, unfortunately those that think they can drive a car on an empty tank and flat tires are headed for the same fate.

Why would your family or clients want what's left of you?

They each want the best of you.

Tony, you would not have gone to a heart nor lung surgeon that worked they way you did; 24/7. So, why should Realtors think there's some badge of honor for wearing down to a nub. We owe our clients our best state of mind, We owe that to our families too.

We need to refill our "people fuel" every week. We need to rest & recover like any athlete would between competitions. We need to make our family our #1 clients, and all other #2. Heck, if we just treated our family like our #1 client, for many that would be an upgrade to how they are treated by a 24/7 Realtor. Welcome back Tony.

Work will always be here Tony, your health and family may not. It's an easy enough choice that often goes overlooked when neither seem to be that far away. I remember seeing days spent surviving on coffee, cocktails and cigarettes, not anymore! So, so glad to hear that change is in the wind for you and your family.

I have no answer to your question... but I learned a long time ago (without having to undergo the type of medical issues you did) that I needed balance in life and that real estate is not and should not be 24/7.

No sir I came home early just yesterday to watch one of our great grandsons so my wife could go shopping.  Always set aside time to enjoy the family

I became a widow at 30 because of such strong work ethics and dedication to the job . . .   It was quite the wakeup call for me because I very easily could have gone down the same path. 

I follow the same concept as the oxygen on the plane.  It goes on me first!  I can't be of any good to anyone if I don't look after me

Sadly yes Debbie and I both are much like the old you.  We need to change our ways as life is to short. 

Tony Lewis I hope I am not. I see another few years in this business, then I am out!

Definitely not.  While others may be 24/7/365 agents, we never have been.  When short sales came upon is in 2007 we established business hours (to also accomodate east coast lenders) of 7am to 3pm, Monday - Friday, closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. No regrets.

The reason 'I'm not as dedicated' is because I don't want health issues. Without sounding like a curmudgeon, real estate is tough & we have a hard time seperating it from the rest of our lives.

Hope you listen to the message that's being sent. A review of your biz is needed.

I have a good balance.... work, family and exercising.... especially, the healthy eating and exercising part of my life.... very important or none of it will work....

I love this question ....I know exactly what you are talking about and I am starting to slow down ....I turn my phone off at around 7 every night! Life is toooooo short not to take time off!

Hope you're "on the mend" and taking it easy. Answering a call on Christmas shows you have a good work ethic, but look at the price you paid. 

Tony -- you've received some excelllent advice via the answers here.  I hope you are doing well.  Balance is important -- many of us need that wake-up call.   

Tony,

It is obviously a matter of priorities in your life.  You have to take care of yourself and replenish yourself.  And of course, you have to factor in fun!  A

Tony, I am not that bad, but almost.    6 am to 9 pm, with some time off on Sundays if lucky.    I have read about your surgery, and just shows we do need to slow down and enjoy life more.

Tony Lewis Sometimes it takes a wake up call to get the message.

No! I refuse to sell my soul. Been there, done that, not worth it. And it is quite possible to make a living and have a life. But good health must come first

Tony

I hope you are well on your way to full recovery.  That you will make some changes in your personal and work life.  Best of luck.

No I am not making that mistake and next year I am scaling back even more. I am on a 3 year ease down plan.

Tony,

Rejoice in the reality that you are now able to sound the alarm for those who have a priority distortion.

If one could find a safe place to talk, and men rarely do, the cause for a perversion in work dedication can be found.

And it is summed in words and conviction all men know, few women understand or can or are willing to acknowledge or accept. It compels MEN to continue the Noble quest...and damn the consequences. Here are those words in the heart and mind of EVERY MAN.

"My family would rather I fall dead from the saddle of my white horse than to see me fall from it." 

Men need a safe place to talk, to share with one another, to find strength and encouragement in their collective camaraderie.

The measure of a man should never be in the work they accomplish. Their value, worth should not be measured in goals achieved, milestones passed, and the respect of a society lost in its way, but in the lives they mold, most importantly, the molding of those young lives to whom a mother and father have been entrusted. 

The very best of success to you,

Annette

I like the answer provided by Fred Hafdelin.

Many real estate agents have faulty priorities. 

Fred Hafdelin has this one. 

Thanks for the warning, glad you made it through this.

I'm trying to keep a balance in my life, my family is the most important part of it and they will always be. My health became my priority in recent years as well.....you just have to take care of your body and keep your spirit happy. Otherwise, there is no joy in this life.....

Tony, I hope, you feel better. Take care of yourself.  

No one told you about balance in your younger years.

Health is my #1 priority. Nothing is more important. Enjoying life is next on my list. You got a serious wake up call and thank God you have the chance now to really live WELL.

"Work to live don't live to work" is a great motto to live by.

Many of us are workaholics but some appreciate how much we have to lose... Good luck on changing that life style

No, always God and family have come before work.

Tony Lewis Sometimes, we need to slow down and focus on our health. I am glad you are ding better now.

Tony,
I hope the future is bright for you. I have never been a 24/7 guy even when I was the top boss. Now, I cruise at my own pace.

I am glad you are on the mend and mending your ways! 

I hope you're feeling better. I had one of those "wake-up calls" many years ago, but not like yours. Mine completely changed my life for the better. I don't even recognize the person I was before. Change is good and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Tony Lewis you are brave - a fresh start is helping you, I am sure.

We all want to 'serve' our clients - however, the priority should be - God, Family and Business (or clients).

And once we get that, we are golden!

Hope you're recovering OK Tony, and sorry to hear about that.  I work a lot, and am dedicated to clients & business partners, but I know I need time to recharge, and often.  I work out daily, run before work several days/week, play sports & hike often.  During the week I make sure to enjoy at least some R&R each day...whether it be a half hour of reading or just prepping & enjoying a nice dinner & glass of wine with music playing.  

No one is built to work 24/7.  

I am still a 24/7 agent but I still make time fpor family and relaxation.  Answering the phone all the time I don't lose any potential clients and that allows me to make sure I can take my time off when I need to

Thanks for sharing your story. The important thing is you are here now and cognizant of how your time should be delegated. 

You need a hobby!  My break from real estate is my horse.  I love to ride through the trails and relax.  So maybe you need to take time for your self when you feel better.  So sorry about your health issues but hopefully you are feeling much better.