conversation: User (Bricemck): "*A lot of people are telling me I'm wrong rather than answering the question. Would you guys do me a favor and answer the question?  Think of ot as "If" my job is invalidated by the internet. I think it will be, you think it won't. That's fine but help me plan as a contengency because I do not have the faith that you do.*\n\n**One thing I want to clarify.  I know Realtor's are currently adding value, and the job won't be completely invalidated for a long time.  What I'm worried about is online resources like Zillow replacing most of the work that Realtors do.  This would lead to a decrease in commissions, market share, etc. leaving me in a tough spot**\n\nHello everyone.\n\nI am a Realtor in NC.  My 9-5 responsibilities are for property management, however in the slow seasons I help my clients find suitable investment properties for the extra commissions.  I make just enough to handle the bills with the property management salary.  This job is set up to encourage sales and add to the company's investment portfolio.  When not dealing with a divorce &amp; custody battle, I've sold $1 million worth of properties adding about $25,000 to my salary.\n\nI should be debt free by the end of the year, assuming no more hiccups in the custody battle.  I'll establish a real emergency fund after that to get me through any hard times.\n\nI just had a client who had found his house, seen it in an open house, had already gotten all of his loan info, and had his inspector ready to go.  He did all of this through Google &amp; sites like Zillow.\n\nHe just didn't know how to submit an offer.  I make $2,000 when this closes for 30 minutes of work (unless something goes wrong).\nWhich is great, but I can't imagine this will be a position that's around long term when it's becoming easier every day for the consumer to navigate this field.\n\nMy question is, how do I start the transition into another field?  What fields should I be looking into?  I don't really love tech work, but I'm not going to be the type who fights desperately to hold on to an outdated job.  Does anyone have helpful resources on the subject?\n"
  Self: "Really the answer is education, get ahead of the curve by acquiring whatever skills you will need. What that means however is a more difficult question. What type of job do you enjoy and what fields you like. Then look at things that pay in that field, and will continue to exist for years to come, and take whatever education/training you need for that.\n\nWith that in mind, property management is something that will always exist (you might just want to think about how to make more money doing that), and people will always want investment properties. Just because it goes online doesn't mean people won't need help getting there. There is also investment banks/companies investing in properties, they will always need someone to do the paperwork (someone has to do it, and when it's a business that person is getting paid one way or the other, might as well find a way to make it you getting paid).\n\nPersonally, I'd be looking for real estate related jobs because you have experience in it, maybe you're market may be changing and you need to get into corporate stuff or you need to focus on helping sellers find investors. You are obviously more knowledgeable in the field than I am, and you should think and try to determine what you want to be in the future."
  User (Bricemck): "Thank you for your response. \n\nMy market is growing substantially and perhaps commercial is the way to go. My worry is what the web will do and I am not tech savvy enough to keep up at the moment. \n\nPerhaps the answer is to get my head out of the sand and see what's coming first. "
  