AIBU?
AIBU to ask how hard a job as a very part time estate agent can be?
PeppermintDrop · 06/09/2022 09:00
Because I'm on the brink of turning down a very much needed job due to nerves and a lack of confidence!
I work for myself but need a little extra money right now as do a lot of us, so this seemed ideal.
It's only 8 hours a week, just as a sales negotiator and showing people round houses etc etc
Problem is, I suffer with anxiety sometimes and I've got myself in a tizz. I'm not great with computers and I'm terrified I won't be able to do any of it - from turning on the computer to actually using it!
Showing people round houses is something I would be comfortable with - having to update something online ... what happens if I can't do this and they think I'm an idiot?
I'm about to turn it down because I don't want to make a fool of myself but a small part of me is telling me to try and overcome these nerves
WWYD
PeppermintDrop · 06/09/2022 09:58
Thanks for all the comments, it does help.
Bizarrely, I have got through life to date and I manage to run my own business - this however is with a business partner who takes away the finances and invoicing from me!
I do have some 'issues' - poor social skills deep down - so I have to work hard to overcome these so no one spots them and that's what has sent me into a spin, coupled with real concern about not being able to 'work' the system or update it or whatever I'll have to do
I'll buy a nice notepad today and I'll jot down everything as this will help me feel more in control
nutellachurro · 06/09/2022 10:00
titchy · 06/09/2022 09:27
How have you got through life not knowing how to use a basic word processor
Lord help when it comes to excel or updating Rightmove listings!
Yay how to boost someone's confidence - aren't you a peach.
Word isn't a basic word processor btw, and OP said she isnt that familiar - not that she's got no clue. She uses an iPad - there's no difference in terms of ability level between doing something in an iPad and doing it on a computer.
OP as I always said to my anxious ds - try it for three weeks. You can quit after that, but you have o give it a go first.
5 year olds can use word...
namechangetheworld · 06/09/2022 10:04
I had this exact role for quite a few years, on Saturdays after my eldest was born. I had absolutely no experience and I'm not hugely computer literate either. It was great fun (especially getting to nose around other people's houses!), and I'd gladly go back to it given half the chance. I wasn't expected to do much computer work at all - as a (very) part timer I was mainly expected to carry out viewings and answer the phone. My boss did all of the tecnhical stuff - Rightmove listings and floorplans etc. You'll be fine, it's actually an enjoyable and rewarding job.
DanielRicciardosSmile · 06/09/2022 10:17
Pretty much everyone at my work has a little notebook that we use to make notes on processes. I call mine my Idiot's Guide. You'll be absolutely fine writing things down, no one will think anything bad. More that you're keen to pick it all up. Good luck!
PeppermintDrop · 06/09/2022 10:23
@namechangetheworld yes that's exactly the role! Weekend negotiator so just Saturdays.
I'm very comfortable showing people round houses - less comfortable being asked to knock up a floor plan so good to know that potentially they won't be on the cards 😀
nutellachurro · 06/09/2022 10:24
PeppermintDrop · 06/09/2022 10:21
@nutellachurro you can stop now - unless you really, really want my attention?
You probably missed the bit where I mentioned I'm just about to have spectrum screening? I'm sure you did .
Maybe you don't understand, it's fine some don't
But this is an ONLINE FORUM
Where people can post if they like
You as the original poster don't get to decide who and when people post
Maybe that's something you can pop in a notebook for next time
titchy · 06/09/2022 10:29
5 year olds can use word...
Don't be a ducking arsehole and try to imply OP is thick as mince because she said she didn't have a lot of experience with word processors etc.
And I doubt many 5 year olds can manage anything other than typing onto document - and Word is so much more than that.
PeppermintDrop · 06/09/2022 10:30
@SlowHandClap thanks! I think off the back of the comments I'll try and give it a go
I'm really not stupid - can't be, but have a successful business. This is just a stupid crisis of confidence. I didn't expect to be getting a little job outside of my work but the £400 extra a month would cover my energy bills so needs must and all that
feministqueen · 06/09/2022 10:34
Congratulations on getting the job OP! Take it. Don't turn it down. If you decide it's not for you then you can quit but if you don't take it then you'll never know. They wouldn't have offered it to you if they didn't think you could do it.
I used to be an EA many years ago. I loved it. I'm sure you will too
JustAWeirdoWithNoName · 06/09/2022 11:01
Congratulations OP! As PP have said, they probably won't ask you to do loads of IT stuff - I imagine a lot of that will be done by the more full-time staff. I expect that your role will be mostly viewings as Saturday is obviously the most popular viewing day!
Tell Mr Anxiety to keep his mouth shut - you will ace it!
nutellachurro · 06/09/2022 11:03
titchy · 06/09/2022 10:29
5 year olds can use word...
Don't be a ducking arsehole and try to imply OP is thick as mince because she said she didn't have a lot of experience with word processors etc.
And I doubt many 5 year olds can manage anything other than typing onto document - and Word is so much more than that.
Oooh we have someone else who can't read
Got a good collection on this thread
I was replying to someone stating word isn't a basic processor, with the fact that 5 year olds can use it, so yes, it's pretty basic.
Once again, read comments before replying in future - will make you look less silly
Acunningruse · 06/09/2022 11:10
Go for it! I used to be an EA and I absolutely loved it. Just to re-iterate what others have said, as a saturday viewing agent, your exposure to the IT systems will be very limited, if at all. What I would advise though, is getting that notebook you mentioned, and making notes in it after each viewing, as you'll be surprised how quickly the people and houses blur into one! Just a couple of lines in the car after each one. Something like: 10am, 4 Crawley Gardens, Mr and Mrs Smith, loved the garden, concern re 3rd bedroom size. That way when your boss says "what did the Smiths think?" or "how did it go at 4 Crawley?" youve got the info to hand.
Oh and familiarise yourself with the area, if you aren't already- or buy a sat nav- it was an absolute must when I was an EA.
saveforthat · 06/09/2022 11:13
nutellachurro · 06/09/2022 10:00
5 year olds can use word...
titchy · 06/09/2022 09:27
How have you got through life not knowing how to use a basic word processor
Lord help when it comes to excel or updating Rightmove listings!
Yay how to boost someone's confidence - aren't you a peach.
Word isn't a basic word processor btw, and OP said she isnt that familiar - not that she's got no clue. She uses an iPad - there's no difference in terms of ability level between doing something in an iPad and doing it on a computer.
OP as I always said to my anxious ds - try it for three weeks. You can quit after that, but you have o give it a go first.
5 year olds can use word because word existed when 5 year olds were born. I regularly help older people who have never really used a computer or only for certain things. Not saying the op is that old just that your example is stupid. One colleague I used to work with got so worked up about making a mistake (because of the reaction from someone like you), she left but could have been fine given time. Now fuck off and leave this thread to folks trying to help.
Bestcatmum · 06/09/2022 11:21
You don't achieve anything in life without occasionally removing yourself from your comfort zone. Just do it. You can ask for help, they will be expecting you to ask things.
I got a job in an office once with no idea how to use a computer or a spreadsheet, I just asked the temps how to do stuff. It was horrible for a few weeks but I learnt valuable new skills.
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