C.A.R. President-Elect Genie BirchEvery day, many different companies are laying off thousands of workers. I think to myself, "What are the people who lost their jobs going to do?" We are living through very scary times. Most of us have never experienced anything even remotely similar to what we are going through.

In this day of instant information, we get instant reactions. Doesn't it seem to you like everything is like a knee-jerk reaction? I am not sure who is making the decisions or why. It is times like these that I am so thankful to be a REALTOR®.

Nobody can fire me except myself. I chose this profession (yes, we are professionals) because I can control my own destiny. I am my own boss. We make the decision everyday as to what we want to do, how we want to do it, and when we want to do it. Yes, we work very hard and for long hours. Yes, most people don't really understand the complexity and intensity of our job—which can be our own faults for not communicating it effectively.

Do not be your own worse enemy. Control your destiny. You are blessed to be able to work as much as you want to. We cannot control the economy, we cannot control the decisions made in Washington that affect us, and we cannot control the companies that are firing their workers. We cannot control the market.

What we can control is how we remain focused on what we are supposed to be doing. Are you feeling a little lost? Talk to an experienced agent. Get involved with the Chicago Association of REALTORS® through committee membership and attend our informational events. Take advantage of the courses that will help you advance your knowledge and career: they are FREE only for a limited time. There is no time like the present.