Archive for February, 2011

Question : Need some opinions about Employment and Life Changes…?
For the first time, I find myself at a crossroads I have never experienced before. Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated. (The story will be long…so thanks in advance for your time in reading it).

I am currently a Residential Property Manager, living and working in the Philadelphia suburbs. I have been in Property Management for 13 years (10 years in Los Angeles and 3 years in PA). I have been with my current employer just over 3 yrs. I work for a small company, basically it’s me and the owner. Lets call the owner “B”. My FT salary is not enough to cover all of my monthly expenses, so I’ve been bleeding money every month, since I got here.

I’ve stayed with “B” for a few reasons: First, “B” is self-made millionaire and I am learning how he did it and how he maintains it, which I believe to be an invaluable experience that could not be had anywhere else. Second, I have a strong sense of loyalty and do not want to walk out and leave him in a bad spot.

The first change “B” made (and it was done with no warning what-so-ever) was to cut my hours in-half (from FT to 20 hrs a week). Because of this, instead of the minimal amount of bleeding, that I have been putting up with, it is now substantial and un-sustainable. At this rate I will completely broke in 3 months. Also because of this change, extremely important tasks are not getting done, due to the lack of time. Many facets of the company are already in complete dis-array and it’s only a matter of time before things get even worse. I really hate to see this happening and both of these items bother me equally as much.

About a week after “B” made that shocking change, there was suddenly someone new in the office. A long time friend of my boss’, who is the COO is a software company (currently). Lets call him “A”. “A” immediately took over all the leasing activities and is slowly making other procedural changes to the company, not only to what I do, but with the maintenance guys, as well. “A” stays here for a week, than goes “home” to his other job/family for 4 days, then returns again.

Just this last week, now there is another new person in the office. Lets call her “M”. “M” was presented to me as someone who was there to “help with the filing and administrative tasks”. However, “M” seems to be doing more than that. On Friday I was asked to teach “M” how to do the payables and “A” took her on an all-day tour of all the properties. On a side note: “M” is as sweet a pie to “B” and “A”, but has been abrasive, rude and full of attitude with me.

So, my first question is: What is going on here? None of these changes make any sense. Everything was running smoothly and efficiently before these changes and all these changes have done is create chaos and disaster. (I’m the type of person that would recognize/admit if there was something wrong with my performance. There wasn’t. Everything was in good order, just as it has been for the last 3 yrs).

So, now I’m presented with a cross-roads, as to what I should do now. Obviously, I cannot continue like this and allow myself to spiral into bankruptcy!

But, before you answer that questions, I need add some more information.

In February, I got my license and become a REALTOR. My only real client at this point, is “B”. Who, despite what is going on, is still making offers on new properties (which means commissions for me). Trying to get new clients (other than “B” has been very difficult and has not gone well).

A little about my background:

I have a BS in Business Administration and a BS in Information Technology.

Despite that training, one thing I have always wanted to do is be a truck driver (don’t ask — just something I always thought I would like). I should mention that I have never liked Property Management, nor have I ever been truly happy doing it. I came very close to becoming a trucker years ago, but due to family circumstances I got shuffled into the being a Property Manager and have just stayed with it.

What is available to me right now:

My best friend (and godson) live in Gainesville, FL. Whenever I want to leave, I have a home waiting for me there.

Unfortunately, from what I can tell looking at job boards, Gainesville does not seem to be a hot bed of great jobs and I haven’t the slightest idea of the condition of the RE market there.

On the plus side: I have a home waiting for me, people that are closer to me than my family waiting for me and the cost of living in Gainesville is almost half of what it is here (e.g. most things are half the cost there, versus here in Philly).

With all this being said: If it were you, what would you think and do? Should I try to secure a job
property management maintenance software

Best answer:

Answer by bigTomHanks
Yes try to actively look for a job. From what you are saying it sounds like he is trying to get you to quit anyway so he doesn’t have to pay for unemployment insurance. With your education and experience you are very employable and should be able to find something in Gainesville, FL. Also the lower cost of living and good family really sounds like it would be a plus for you right now. The from what I understand the real estate market in Florida is crappy right now as with the rest of the countries. There have been a lot of foreclosures and the government tax breaks are over so that might not be the most lucrative opportunity right now. On the other hand if you are able to get your real estate experience now you will be posied to take advantage of the next boom and become very wealthy. Your boss right now did not get rich by making others around him wealthy. He is going to do what is in his best financial interest and if he can get you to do the work on the cheap that is all he wants no matter how nice he is to you.