Mom corrals daughter into real estate
Looking at it from a client's point of view, it seems odd.
Because my mother has some nagging health issues I try to be understanding that she wants to work as long as possible, but I also feel she is opening herself up to even more stress. I need to lay down a boundary about where I will help and what her professional responsibilities are.
Your thoughts?
-- Continual Frustrations
Dear Frustrations: I agree that you need to lay down some reasonable boundaries. I wonder, however, if you are capable of doing that.
If you don't want to do something -- for whatever reason -- you need to say so. "I don't want to do this, but if you insist, I don't mind..." is a muddled message.
Your mother has every right to continue to work into her mid-60s and beyond.
If she is asking you to take on more and more of this real estate work, you should tell her, "I can't help you with this. I'm not licensed and this is not my field." (Would you ask your mother to take your place at work for a couple of hours? I assume not.)
As a potential client of hers, I would not be thrilled to learn that the person performing the final walk-through was not qualified or licensed. Worst-case scenario -- a miscommunication during the walk-through could scuttle a sale or land a client in court.
Your assistance should be in the form of encouraging her to take good care of herself, and to keep her skills current.
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