Expert Opinion

Is the Old Generation Becoming the New Generation?

There are a lot of new terms out there to describe my generation … baby boomers, silver collars, dinosaurs, and yes, even “old geezers”.  Never thought I would reach that status, but here I am teetering on the edge of old-geezer-hood.

I prefer another term emerging in the workplace … “experienced resources.”  The experts are telling us that the earliest baby boomers have just reached retirement age and that the total number of experienced people in the workforce is likely to fall even further over the next few years.  Companies may experience a decline in the experienced workforce that in the past has enabled businesses to keep running for years.  According to a survey recently conducted by AARP, however, most baby boomers expect to work in retirement or past retirement age.  This is good news for companies who may need help and can draw from experienced resources to meet employment needs.

What does that mean to the real estate industry?  We’ve recently seen an emergence of the older generation wanting to “get into” the real estate business.  Real estate generally interests most people and anyone with sales experience in any industry can easily adapt to selling real estate. 

As a commercial real estate broker, I like working with the younger generation and teaching them “tricks of the trade”, but as I approach the retirement age myself, I find it more and more appealing to work with the “experienced resources.”  Why?

Generally, statistics show that the older generation has strong work ethics.  They come to work early and stay late, they don’t complain much, and they do their work with enthusiasm.
Seniors are not trying to advance up the ladder … they’ve already “been there – done that.”  Their egos don’t get in the way.

Seniors actually want to work.  They’re ready to get out of the house, to interact with people, and do something useful.

The older generation is known for its dedication to doing a good job.  Whatever they take on, they’re going to do it to the best of their ability … for self-satisfaction, if for no other reason.
And lastly, seniors can handle a lot of different situations … demanding management, annoying co-workers, complacency … they’ve seen it all and take it all in stride.

Real estate may be the perfect work scenario for the “silver collar” generation.

Although learning the real estate business can be challenging, it is rewarding as well.  There’s virtually no ceiling on income and opportunities abound for real estate investment.  There is also the excitement of helping people have a part in the so-called “American Dream” and being a part of making his or her dreams come to life.  Honestly, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the business. Once real estate gets in your blood, there’s no denying it … and there’s always another deal out there on the horizon.  There’s nothing like the sense of satisfaction when a deal comes together.  This “silver collar” knows from experience.

Randall Bentley has been serving the Greenville area as a commercial real estate broker for nearly 30 years and would love to talk with you about helping you with your real estate needs.