Precisely because we are entrpreneurs and have to make sales to stay in business. But I will say, that many in the corporate world today don't work any 40 hours a week, either. I left corporate America in 1989, but rarely had a work week of less than 60 hours for most of the 19 years I was a corporate executive. The only difference was that I didn't have to work often (unless travelling on business) on weekends.

Thomas,

I don't think that real estate agents are the only willing to do that.  We have plenty of friends including family who are self-employed and definitely work as muvh as we do.  

However, most everyone we know and work  with has learned how to work smart, and have a life.  A

Seriously, 80 hours a week?  I'd be lucky if I put in 30 - that's why I'm self employed!  I work smart, not hard

I've worked far longer hours, for less money working for someone else.

To be our own bosses.

Good morning Thomas. I love what I do and do not apologize for being a workaholic.

What's the fun in a 40 hour week...

To have freedom 

You forgot about invest all our profits in an attempt to make even more money.

Because the entrepreneurs I know find ways to do 80 hours of productivity in 40 hours.

Man was never meant to sit idle.... just never meant to work...It is interesting to note that when you are doing something where passion is involved, time takes on a whole new meaning and its brief too. The reality is; time doesn't change. It's your inner/outer parts operating at ideal capacity in a flow mode

Because we make ourselves so busy we do not see what the other dream chasers are doing.

The reality is you grind until your systems are self-sustaining and on autopilot, then off to the beaches and the "I only work 8 hours a week" gloat.

FORMULA: work hard + work hard + work hard + luck = magic

Because we love our job.

To avoid working for the man.  Anything this much fun is not really work.

I have never worked 40 hours a week, LOL, being the workaholic I am, so why not work for myself?  With real estate, we at least can pretend we have flexibility. 

what a great line! 

self employed. One has the passion whether it is 40 or 120 hours matters little.

Because deep in our hearts we LOVE to work and we are willing to work the extra hours to have the flexibility to call the shots ... 

checks at closing

Thinking back when I worked 40 hours per week, and knowing what I make today --- I get paid for the hours I spend working in this business!  

Because its gratifying, doesn't seem like work and where could I make the money I do doing what I love to do!

Because we like to control our own destiny

I don't count the hours and take vacations when I need to reinvigorate, but I sincerely LOVE what I do for a living.

It seems that way, but many others work as hard and long

Love it!  It is sooo true!!!

I dont know Thomas, but I doubt that I could change.

It was a lifestyle of work that was instilled when growing up on a farm, and it stuck.  My kids seem to have developed this habit too.

Thomas J. Nelson, Realtor Becuase of our independence and flexibility to work that many hours a week. lol

To be their own bosses. Besides, 40-hour weeks are at minimum wage (or so). The money jobs require a bit more commitment e.g. law firms or investment banks.

7am-3pm Monday - Friday - no weekends or holidays!! 

but do we actually WORK 80 HOURS???  

I hope you are well compensated for those long hours.

Lots of people(especially today) work lots of hours.  

Love the question ... let me know when you find out lol. 

Why work 40 when you can do it in 60?

Great question. Somehow I don't think of it as work!

Try oprning a Pizza/sub shop or restaurant and tell me how many hours are in a week.

LOL, there is truth to that statement but we aren't the only ones willing to do it. Many self-employed people work very long hours. 

we're not.  My brother is a GM in a restaurant and he works long weeks, but still gets to take off the days he wants.  Most managers and business owners in all businesses do this.

It's not a question of trying to "avoid working 40 hours a week".

The average Realtor, I believe, is in their late 50s.  How many corporations hiring full-time employees will hire anyone in their late 50s or older?

Some folks would rather keep more of what they earn, rather than line someone else's pocket.

Great question! I suppose because I can pick those 80 hours vs the 40??

Because the hours are flexible?  Because who wouldn't want to work 80 hours a week for the possibility of not getting a paycheck at the end? And in all seriousness, I agree with Joe Pryor. We can get a lot done in a short week.