What if I fail?
What if I’m not good enough?
What if I spent all this time, money and effort and in the end it’s just a big waste of time?
Taking a leap into a new career is no easy thing, and if you’re like me and spent the bulk of your life as an adult being a mom, the leap seems almost impossible. Going back to school, stepping out – in my case, leaving a job that I loved for a career that I thought I might love eventually … all reasons to run for the hills or at least drown in Netflix and pretend the world doesn’t exist.
Now that my kids are growing up and I’m not needed in quite the same way, my thirties have been a little more about self-discovery and a little less about self-sacrifice. Upon reflection, I’m learning about things that I feel passionate about, and in some cases, I’m being reminded of things I used to be passionate about. I’m learning more about the things that make me, me, and also how do I operate in the day to day and not feel like I’m drowning in the process.
Real Estate isn’t necessarily known for kindness. Think of real estate agents, and I bet you think of greasy, commission-driven, greedy people. While my experience has never been like that (as a consumer) and my experience as an agent has been fairly positive … I couldn’t help but think: How can I be myself in an industry that is just so opposite of who I am. If I can’t figure out a way to authentically be myself- I’m never going to survive.
So, I started to think … this gig has been pretty good. And while society has been clear about what equates to a successful career or life, the things that matter to me are a bit different than that. Do I have good rapport with colleagues? Do people trust me? Do I operate with integrity, kindness and generosity? I hope so. Those are the things I use to measure success and while my business might not look the same as someone else’s, at the end of the day I fundamentally believe that there is room for all of us.
Somewhere along the line a quote drifted into my mind that said “If you have more than you need build a longer table, not a higher fence.” The idea that I can operate in this industry, lift others up and not feel like I’m less than, or that I don’t have anything to offer, made me feel like there’s got to be other people who are maybe wondering the same thing. I started to think, how can I include people in the journey, and get to know people along the way. How can we collectively, make our little Valley a more inclusive and even better place to call home?
Thus, The Long Table was born. Each week I will highlight a local woman- both within my own industry and beyond… and we’ll get to know them together. We’re better together. I’m throwing down the gauntlet and saying: Community Over Competition. Women Supporting Women … and my own personal favourite: Relationship Over Real Estate. We’ll never get anywhere if we’re constantly comparing ourselves to other people- especially women. I have a sneaking suspicion that if we shift our mindset, our town (and maybe the world!) will never be the same.
So, grab a cuppa and come join me at the table. I’m so glad you’re here.
LOVED this little visit at The Long Table!
You have set the table so beautifully for us to gather round and discover more about the journey of other women that live and work in our community! 💝 Love your focus and heart BillieJean!
Got my tea ready! Can’t wait to see more 😉
Bookmarking and following! This is an excellent idea!
So proud of you Billie! can’t wait for this! Love and hugs
love this!
Beautiful Billie. You go girl!❤️
Beautiful idea. I’m excited to follow these posts!
Love this and can’t wait to read more!
Beautiful! Can’t wait to ready more. <3
It’s been a minute since I’ve read anything. A blog post, longer. This! As are you; engaging, encouraging, absolutely elegant!💗
#following
You are a strong and beautiful woman inside and out. I have watched your journey from the very beginning and look forward to following this.
Thanks Mom! ❤️
Beautifully said, I look forward to reading more !
What a beautiful example of risk and changing culture through love. Will join in with my cuppa ❤️
Looking forward to the weekly blog.
Inspired by your jouney! Bravo on your new endeavour.
Love your new website. Looking forward to reading your Blog. You are great to work with in our every changing industry.
This is such a beautiful concept Billiejean and your vulnerability so inspiring! I can’t wait to hear the stories of more incredible women in the Bulkley Valley!
So awesome! 💛💛