interviews over, decision made

I remember starting at Gillette.  It was the summer of 1981.  I was fresh from Chicago, having just earned my MBA at Kellogg.  I was 30.  Old, I thought, to be starting a new career.  I was being paid $28,000 — a fair salary at the time.  And of course benefits, but who thought of them as worth much.  I was sad about leaving Chicago, and walking away from a relationship that was going nowhere.  I had mixed feelings about Boston, but was excited about my job.

I never thought then, that 32 years later, I’d be starting over again.  Only this time, my starting salary would be zero (actually worse than zero, as I would have to pay something), and no benefits (which does matter now, as I am paying far too much every month for health insurance).

I accepted (if that is the right word) Coldwell Banker Bellmarc’s offer to work with Janice in the UES office. They have one of, if not the, best training programs in the city.

I go to the company’s downtown office today to fill out the paperwork and pay $325 in start-up costs and another $225 in annual dues to Real Estate Board of NY (which I am required to join). 

That part was expected.  The next part isn't.

I am handed 11.2 pounds of reading material, including three books.  (I know the weight because I put it all on a scale when I got home).  

Not only do I now have to carry all this stuff home on the subway, I have to read it all too.

The training consists of completing:

    15 online modular programs

    10 on site classes

    25 open house visits with follow-up write ups of each

    a hot listing exercise of some sort

    and a final exam

I had no idea there was this much schooling left to go.  Ugh!

In the packet of materials I see a handout showing appropriate dress.  I hope this doesn’t mean I now need to buy suits — and maybe a briefcase too.  And just how high are those shoes the model employee is wearing?  Yikes.  So much still to learn.