How Stressful Is This Job?

[Michigan CG]

Everyone thinks they have a stressful job. I would rate it about 5 out of 10.

 

[glenn walker]

It depends on your financial position- Appraising is kind of like being a farmer in bumper crop years it's great but in droughts it can be hell, unless you have a significant other that has a real job with real benefits : ) LOL

 

[Deleted member 152047]

Stress is dependent on the person. However, one of the most vital things in commercial fee appraising is time management. For me, the most stressful part of any given job is determining how long the job is going to take me to finish so that I can manage my schedule accordingly. Every job is different and the research requirements (in time) are different for every appraisal.

Everyone gets better at this as time goes on....but some of the most stressful times are when a job goes sideways and subsequently makes you late on several other appraisals.

In regards to FDOT work, they typically cannot compete in pay with a typical commercial fee position. However, you get to work 40 hours and make a salary with benefits....something that does not exist in non-governmental appraiser positions.

Pick your poison. Do you want to work a lot and have the opportunity for more stress and higher pay, or are you good with a relatively low salary with benefits?

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

First it is stressful because there is too much damn work and you are running 100 mph all day.
Then it is stressful because there is not enough damn work.
The middle ground transition times do not last long usually.

Other than that is is money for nothing, chicks for free.

 

[Michael S]

I found it very stressful and ultimately moved to a non-appraisal government position a few months ago. For me a lot of the stress was due to it not being a good fit for me long-term. I think I was a good appraiser and I enjoyed the challenge of a tough assignment but I couldn't get reports out quickly enough to meet the demands of the job. That created stress from being frequently late and then working nights and weekends to try and catch up only to inevitably fall behind again. The last few weeks when I knew I had a new job lined up it did help by knowing that the worst thing that could happen is I get fired a few days before I was scheduled to quit anyways. At the end of the day most of my work was providing some paper for a file and if it was a day late no one was going to die.

I'm an infantry officer in the Army National Guard and have dealt with a lot of stressful situations in the military but those were more acute whereas with appraisal it felt chronic. Now that I have a 40-hour a week federal job where deadlines are measured in months instead of weeks my stress level is far lower. Plus, my overall compensation is about the same with things like paid holidays (haven't had those in about a decade) and paid sick leave.

 

[residentialguy]

Relative to a typical job, a 1.

Are you a Cert General Appraiser? Or are you blowing more smoke out of yourazz?

 

[Tim The Enchanter]

things like paid holidays (haven't had those in about a decade) and paid sick leave.

I have vague memories of these things. WTF is PTO again? I forget.

Nevermind, I still don't want a "real job".

 

[SpartanAG]

My experience is similar to Michaels. I would add: Being independent, the amount of liability I shouldered alone weighed on me. While I understand it doesn't bother everyone to the same extent, it was a significant source of stress in my life. I didn't realize how much it affected me until I took my government job. My stress level is noticeably lower given the lack of liability, guaranteed paycheck and time off. That doesn't mean I wouldn't go back to independent work, but it won't be for lenders. It would be as a specialist.

If you choose to come into this field, understand what you are getting into and have a plan. And for the love of all that is holy, specialize in something.

 

[StayPuft]

Thanks to all who have responded with their insight. Please keep it coming!

I've been researching the field for a few weeks now and understand what I'm up against as far as getting certification. I'm more concerned with the long-term stress of the job and you all provided some great information.

It seems that most agree that independent work offers higher pay with the tradeoff of stress from liability, changing bank requirements, lack of steady work while government work offers a guaranteed paycheck, PTO, 40 hour work week, benefits, and perhaps not as fast-paced although the pay is not as good.

Is there anyone here that works for the government that would say their job is stressful?

 

[StayPuft]

If you choose to come into this field, understand what you are getting into and have a plan. And for the love of all that is holy, specialize in something.

Could you provide some examples of areas where one can specialize in?