With every job, there are pros and cons. Some are more obvious than others.   I think it’s very important to look at those details when you choose a job. Let’s look at some examples.
Imagine if you are a software engineer who programs the software used in microwaves. You put in your 9-5, and you get your bi-weekly paychecks. That’s about it. The knowledge you learn on the job really does not help you outside of the job. (Unless you come up with a new technology that makes microwave much better and you start a new company with your idea)
Now imagine if you are a real estate broker. You put in your hours at work, maybe some weekends too. In addition to the paychecks that you get from the company, you also get a very good understanding of the local housing market as well as the process of buying and selling real estate.  What you learn on the job helps you in your life outside of the job. Another perk is that once in a while, a deal comes around for a very good price, and instead of selling the property, you buy it yourself for a easy flip. A friend of mine works as a real estate broker and that’s exactly what he did. An elderly woman really just wanted to sell the house fast, so he picked it up for an easy flip.Â
Another perk is that as a real estate broker, you are constantly meeting different people and making connections. You may introduce a buyer to an accountant who bought a house through you. That buyer might run a carpet cleaning company. You, in turn, would use their service to clean the house that you are about flip, and you would get a better deal because you had just introduced them to a trust worthy, capable accountant who you personally also use. The point is you meet people through your job. As compared to a engineer sitting 9-5 in a cuble, the hidden perk of a real estate broker job is much more attractive.
If you are still in college, these are very important things to look at when you decide on a job offer. If you are already in the work force, you may consider that the job you have really isn’t helping you in the long run. If you are young and don’t have responsibilities of children or mortgages, it’s not too late to reconsider a different field. If you are a 9-5 guy in an engineering field, you might consider getting your MBA to make a career switch easier. Consider this, a friend of mine made over 100k as a commerical real estate broker straight out of school. (a California State University) It maybe scary to make a career switch, but if you don’t think you are getting much out of your current job either in the size of the paycheck or the lack of perks, you might just take the plunge and start over on the right foot.