How These D&G Brokers Are Balancing a Growing Career and Family Life
Navigating the world of parenthood can be a balancing act, especially when juggling work and home responsibilities. So how do D&G brokers strike the right chord between growing their careers while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and how does the self-employed model compare to traditional estate agency? To learn more, we chatted with self-employed brokers Rob Stanley and Domonique Evans.
Tell us about yourself and your career journey so far?
Rob: I've been an estate agent for 16 years. I started as a negotiator and worked my way up to become a sales valuer, and then a sales manager. I'm now enjoying the broker model, which offers the best of both worlds as both a negotiator and a lister. I've always worked in and around Southwest London. I've lived in Streatham for the past 11 years and have been happily married for the past 8 years.
Domonique: I am 32 years old and a mother of two beautiful children, ages 8 and 14 months. I began my career in property as an administrator for an independent agency. Within weeks, I was entrusted with greater responsibilities and was promoted to a lettings/sales negotiator role. I quickly fell in love with the position and have thrived in it ever since.
How long have you been a parent for?
Rob: It's been almost three years. How time flies!
How long were you on maternity leave, and what is it like returning to work?
Domonique: I've been on leave for 17 months. Returning to work can feel a bit daunting at first, but I'm excited to get back in the game!
How does the self-employed broker model compare to the traditional model when it comes to balancing your parental responsibilities?
Rob: It offers much more flexibility with nursery runs, allowing me to help more and spend extra time on parenting. Bedtimes and bath times have become more regular occurrences, which is lovely!
Why did you make the decision to return to the self-employed model over the traditional model?
Domonique: I chose the self-employed model because it offers more flexibility. I can work at my own pace without being tied to a desk. My success is directly based on my efforts, and I see better financial rewards as a result.
What does “balance” mean to you and in what ways do you feel like you’ve achieved it?
Rob: I'm able to share parenting responsibilities with my wife while still achieving success at work.
Domonique: Balance is key for me. Having young children means that once the laptop turns off, mum turns on! Spending time with my children is crucial. Being able to do simple things like the school run or attending school plays helps me stay grounded and maintain a strong connection with my children.
Do you have any best practices for separating work and family time?
Rob: I work according to set times and deadlines, which helps me stay focussed. Once I've completed my work for the day, I reward myself with quality family time.
Interested in joining us? Reach out to James Redington at:
0207 963 4600
jredington@dng.co.uk