Career Changers Continue Turning to Real Estate for Flexibility and Income Potential in New Jersey

As Americans reconsider their career goals in search of flexibility, independence and greater personal fulfillment, many New Jersey professionals are exploring real estate education as a potential path to entrepreneurship or a second career.

Gallup reported that 51% of U.S. employees were either actively looking for a new job or watching for new opportunities. The research identified work-life balance and personal well-being, increased income, job stability and the opportunity to use one’s strengths as leading considerations when evaluating a new position. More information about the findings is available in Gallup’s report, “The Top Four Reasons for Taking a New Job.”

Ocean School of Real Estate, a state-approved real estate school based in Brick, reports interest from professionals in a variety of industries who are considering how their existing experience could translate into real estate. Teachers, healthcare workers, military veterans, retirees, sales professionals and corporate employees are among the adults who may consider real estate licensing when seeking a new professional direction.

“Many of our students already possess valuable communication, organization, customer service and problem-solving skills,” said Kristen E. Johnson, Esq., owner and operator of Ocean School of Real Estate. “Whether they are exploring a full-time career change or an additional professional opportunity, their previous experience can provide a strong foundation for serving real estate clients.”

Real estate is frequently a second or later career. The National Association of REALTORS® reported in its discussion of the 2025 Member Profile that many members who transitioned from another profession previously worked in sales, retail, business or finance. The findings are summarized in NAR’s article, “Income Steady, Even as Market Slows: 2025 Member Trends.”

Ocean School instructors say professionals entering real estate often discover that their earlier careers provide transferable skills. Teachers may be skilled at explaining complicated information, healthcare professionals often bring empathy and service experience, veterans may offer leadership and discipline, and business professionals frequently have experience with sales, marketing, negotiations and client relationships.

The profession can also provide scheduling flexibility, although prospective agents should understand that flexible work does not necessarily mean predictable hours or guaranteed income. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many real estate brokers and sales agents are self-employed and can set their own schedules, but they may work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends. Compensation is commonly commission-based and can vary with market conditions, experience and individual business activity. Additional career information is available in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook for Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents.

“Real estate provides the opportunity to build a business, but it should not be presented as an easy or guaranteed source of income,” Johnson said. “Successful agents must be prepared to develop relationships, understand their market, continue learning and consistently serve their clients. Our goal is to help students begin that process with a sound understanding of New Jersey real estate law and practice.”

To qualify for a New Jersey real estate salesperson license, an applicant must be at least 18 years old, have a high school education or equivalent, complete a 75-hour prelicensure course at a licensed school and pass the state license examination. After passing the examination, the applicant must apply for a license through a sponsoring real estate broker. The New Jersey Real Estate Commission also evaluates applicants’ honesty, trustworthiness, character and integrity. The official requirements are available on the Commission’s Requirements for Licensure as a New Jersey Real Estate Salesperson or Broker page.

New licensing candidates must also complete the state’s fingerprinting process and consent to a criminal history record check. The New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance recommends scheduling the fingerprint scan promptly after passing the licensing examination. Official instructions are available through the Commission’s Real Estate License Candidate Fingerprinting Process page.

Since 1979, Ocean School of Real Estate has prepared students for careers in New Jersey’s real estate industry. The independently owned school is not owned by or affiliated with a real estate brokerage, allowing graduates to evaluate and select the sponsoring brokerage that best fits their career goals.

Ocean School offers state-approved salesperson prelicensing courses, broker licensing education, continuing education and exam preparation. Its scheduled, instructor-led online classes allow students to participate from home while interacting with instructors and classmates in real time.

The school’s instructors bring experience in residential and commercial real estate, brokerage management, appraisal, mortgage banking and real estate law. Instruction is designed to help students prepare for the licensing examination while developing a practical understanding of the responsibilities involved in representing buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants.

“As the workforce evolves, people are taking a closer look at careers that offer independence, continuous learning and an opportunity to serve their communities,” Johnson said. “A real estate license can open a new professional door, but education, preparation and realistic expectations are essential to building a sustainable career.”

More information about New Jersey real estate licensing courses and upcoming class schedules is available at www.oceanschoolofrealestate.com.

About Ocean School of Real Estate

Ocean School of Real Estate is an independently owned, state-approved real estate school located in Brick Township, New Jersey. In operation since 1979, the school provides education for aspiring real estate salespeople, brokers and other real estate professionals throughout New Jersey. Programs include salesperson prelicensing education, broker licensing courses, continuing education, exam preparation and scheduled, instructor-led online classes.

Media Contact

Kristen E. Johnson, Esq.
Owner and Operator
Ocean School of Real Estate
Email: kjohnson@kejlaw.com
Phone: 732-477-8772
Website: https://oceanschoolofrealestate.com/