I do not have a job. I own a business and have a career. I think the surprise for many in real estate it THAT reality, it's not a job, it's owning a business.

Well unless you work for Redfin LOL.

PAYING SO MUCH TAX on everything stands out to me. I understand working, saving and spending, but having a partner who commands 30-40% of my income (or else) takes getting used to and still does. 

psychology 

Before I got into this business, I had no idea how much time I would spend on the telephone for various reasons.

Being a therapist

Currently it is publicizing my son's book William Piotrowski . WHAT BIGGER JOB IS THERE THAN PARENTING? What job is more important than parenting?

From 30 years ago when I got in the business... technology.  We had "secret MLS" books, and wrote contracts on paper on the hood of the car with a pen.

I didn't realize how much time would be spent running a business or marketing myself. 

Hand-holding

I'd say that would be ''hands holding'', I feel often as a therapist navigating between mood swings, getting better and better in it. 

I agree with Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets 

It is definitely NOT a JOB.  I own and manage my business. As such that differentiates dramatically from a JOB. 

What I did not realize over 20 years ago when I embarked on my real estate career is how many incredibly incompetent people there are in the business.

What that boils down to is "X" more time required of me to spend working on a transaction when the other side does not know what they are doing or knows what they are doing and is too lazy to do it. 

Yes, I know. There are some people in the camp of believing that statement is negative.  I agree. It is a negative aspect of real estate. Yet is very real from my 20+ years of experience. 

Being a teacher, social worker and psychologist for clients.

My primary role is to help others become a bit more successful, if I accomplish this then some of that success finds it's way back to me.

Counseling & educating.  And I love it!  :)

As a retired guy, I would say watching my grandchildren. And, I like it!

Herding cats, fighting fires, talking people off the ledge... no amount of education prepares you for it.

The amount of time on the phone