Pulled Apart

Written By: John Hoxsey
Certified Master Loan Processor (CMLP)

How to be a good processor and have a life at the same time

Your client’s don't think you work hard enough. Your spouse misses you and wants to see you. The lender’s closing department is closed due to a flood and has postponed your loans for several days which will cause much needed pay to be delayed. And this is Monday! What might happen the rest of the week?

On days like this, screaming may help, and staying away from sharp objects is a practical consideration. You begin to wonder where work ends and family life begins. How can anyone possibly juggle the pressures of family, processing, recruiting, staff relationships, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and still remain a sane member of the human race?

Relax. There is hope. Here's what works for me when I feel multiple needs attempting to pull my life apart.

Prioritize. A friend of mine once bragged that he kept a 15-minute slot open in his daily schedule for his wife. My reaction was twofold. First, thank God he set some time aside for his wife. Second, does she mean so little to him that her only contact is determined by a Day-Timer?

Relationships are the foundation of any successful person. Work should not come first. Once you've established the top priorities, prioritize the work-related programs, meetings, assignments, and expectations that crowd your daily schedule.

Make a “drop-off” point for yourself on the way home from work. This could be a landmark, for example a certain tree that you drive by everyday on the way home. When you get to that tree, mentally drop off all of the stress and frustration of your work day, and refresh yourself for your family that you are about to see. Believe it or not, it’s all a mental choice.

Play. Take advantage of your day off and vacation time. I can become obsessed with building my business and building little empires out of my extra interests. I could literally work eight days a week. I recently heard about someone who was trying to build a business and she decided to sleep every other night to free up more time. Her doctor told her that she had better quit and take some time off or she would be facing serious health issues by the time she was 35.

It is a proven fact that we operate with more clarity when we have proper rest and time for relaxation.

Probe. Probe or search for another view. Call a friend. I have friends and family that help me gain a proper perspective when my vision is vanishing. Find a positive friend who's not afraid to tell you the truth.

My first counselor and friend is my wife. In addition to talking to her, I have solid friends that I can run scenarios past. We all need a good friend who'll help us see problems from another angle.

The dream is possible! You can be successful in the mortgage processing business, know your family, and stay “slightly” sane.

Enjoy the holiday weekend, and DON”T think about work.

Remember - Your reputation is your business.

Happy processing!!

About the Writer. As one of NAMP's volunteer writers, John Hoxsey is currently a NAMP member in good standing and is a NAMP Certified Master Loan Processor (CMLP). If you would like to become a volunteer writer for NAMP, please email us at: blog@mortgageprocessor.org.