54 Alternative Careers for Property Managers Who Feel Burned Out
If you wake up and say, "I hate being a property manager,” before you go to work, it may be time to change jobs. You’re also in good company.
AppFolio says that one in four property managers wants to change jobs.
J. Turner Research found that most property managers stay in their jobs for less than two years.
Supervising a residential, commercial, or industrial site can be stressful. Many property managers burn out after dealing with tenants and maintenance issues nonstop. When the workload gets too much, it's natural to want a new job. In this post, we’ll show you how to get out of a property management career and take a different job.
Key Takeaways
Property management can be an exhausting career with a high turnover.
Many property managers change careers when their jobs are no longer rewarding.
Property managers have plenty of opportunities to work in different fields.
There are plenty of career options for property managers due to the transferable skillset.
Why Property Managers Seek a Career Change
Property managers work in high-stress environments with a low work-life balance. Dealing with conflicts and after-hours emergencies can be bad for their health. Property managers have transferable skills that hold significant value in other industries. Services like Hidden Gem Career Coaching can help you plan your transition.
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Feeling stuck in your career? Let our transition experts help you take the next step with a personalized strategy session.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationTransferable Skills of Property Managers
Property managers have many transferable skills, including:
Project Management: Property managers coordinate maintenance tasks, repairs, and renovations.
Customer Service: Property managers often address complaints and manage tenant relations.
Financial Management: Property managers often handle budgets, track expenses, and collect rent.
Negotiation: Property managers negotiate agreements with tenants, vendors, and contractors.
Problem-solving: Project managers often deal with emergencies and unexpected issues.
Property managers who are looking for new work have a head start. Most businesses want to hire good communicators. They can ensure that operations run without disruption.
Top Alternative Careers for Property Managers
Property managers can work a related job in real estate or switch fields altogether. Many property managers switch to careers in operations, office management, finance, and business. Others find jobs in tech, continuing education, or hospitality. Below, we’ve included a list of 54 careers property managers can choose when they’re looking for a new path in life.
Real Estate and Property-Related Careers
1. Real estate agents are go-betweens who work under licensed brokers to rent, lease, and sell properties.
2. Leasing consultants are employees who help prospective tenants view and lease apartments.
3. Real estate appraisers inspect properties and determine their monetary value.
4. Property inspectors verify that buildings meet current codes and safety standards.
5. Community association managers oversee condominium associations and homeowners associations (HOAs).
Why these jobs are a good fit:
Experience in leasing, client relations, and building upkeep helps in real estate. It makes it easier to transition to related roles.
Maintenance and Operations Careers
6. Facilities maintenance managers ensure that building systems, utilities, and structures are safe, functional, and legal.
7. Building superintendents are the primary point of contact for handling repairs. They ensure that residential and commercial buildings are well-maintained.
8. Real estate operations managers ensure that properties function well and adhere to regulations. They also manage tenant relations, maintenance activities, and budgets to optimize profits.
9. Building engineers review construction documents to ensure that structures meet building codes.
10. Energy efficiency specialists find ways to optimize energy consumption in buildings.
Why these jobs are a good fit:
Brick-and-mortar businesses need employees who have maintenance and operations expertise.
Administrative and Office Management Roles
11. Office managers relay important communications and policies from upper management to staff.
12. Portfolio managers maintain their clients’ investment portfolios to maximize returns and cut losses.
13. Property management assistants coordinate rentals, communicate with tenants, and help manage leases.
14. Lease administrators ensure the proper execution of residential and commercial lease agreements.
15. Contract administrators manage purchasing contracts, new hire contracts, rental agreements, and business proposals.
Why these jobs are a good fit:
Property managers gain strong organizational and administrative skills on the job. Office management roles involve reviewing documents and coordinating schedules and agreements.
Customer Service and Tenant Relations Careers
16. Tenant relations specialists are proactive in dealing with tenants’ questions, requests, and concerns.
17. Real estate customer service managers oversee customer service agents who resolve clients' issues.
18. A luxury property concierge anticipates and fulfills requests from residents of high-end properties.
19. A resident services manager provides programming and support services that build community engagement.
20. A complaint resolution specialist finds satisfying customer solutions that follow company policies.
Why these jobs are a good fit:
Property managers frequently deal with customer inquiries and complaints and resolve tenant issues. Their problem-solving skills are valuable in a variety of professional settings.
Finance and Accounting Careers
21. Property accountants manage lease accounting statements and financial statements. They also generate periodic and annual financial reports for management and stakeholders.
22. Real estate accounts receivable specialists track tenant accounts for missed payments. They also post and collect late fees and track total unpaid invoices.
23. Property budget analysts prepare and manage monthly and annual budgets and financial reports. They also analyze expenditures to ensure budgetary compliance.
24. Mortgage loan processors prepare documents and loan applications for submission to underwriters.
25. Real estate financial analysts gather and analyze economic, financial, and market data. They also assess a property's financial viability and prepare reviews for senior management.
Why these jobs are a good fit:
Property managers who can manage expenses and budgets can work in finance roles.
Compliance, Risk, and Legal Roles
26. Property compliance managers ensure that buildings meet health, safety, and environmental regulations.
27. Risk management specialists analyze data, processes, and operations to identify potential hazards. They may document their findings in written reports.
28. Real estate paralegals help lawyers prepare leases, subleases, mortgage notes, and title affidavits.
29. Fair housing compliance officers ensure that organizations follow fair housing laws. They may conduct investigations and track leasing practices to prevent housing discrimination.
30. Contract specialists manage contracts between a company and its clients or vendors. They also ensure legal compliance, mitigate risk, and secure favorable business arrangements.
Why these jobs are a good fit:
Property managers who work with legal documents are suited for jobs in compliance.
Marketing, Sales, and Business Development Careers
31. Real estate marketing managers create marketing campaigns that will attract buyers and investors.
32. Real estate business development managers cultivate business opportunities, relationships, and deals.
33. A real estate firm’s social media manager develops social media strategies that attract new business.
34. Leasing and sales coordinators manage marketing and lead generation. They may also schedule property tours, coordinate administrative tasks, and execute leases.
35. Property listing advertising coordinators promote property listings and create marketing campaigns.
Why these jobs are a good fit:
Property managers running promotions will fit well in sales and marketing roles.
Technology and Data Careers
36. Property management software specialists manage and maintain essential software. They ensure that employees can use technology to do their jobs.
37. Real estate data analysts manage large datasets to identify real estate trends. Their insights support data-driven decisions to get property and manage investment portfolios.
38. Real estate IT support specialists maintain software, hardware, and data. They also provide technical support to users.
39. GIS technicians create documents that help developers identify ideal locations for new construction.
Why these careers are a good fit:
Property managers who use technology every day may find technical roles rewarding.
Education and Training Roles
40. Real estate trainers lead workshops that improve agents' productivity and sales performance.
41. Property management instructors provide educational courses that help professionals manage properties effectively.
42. Leasing consultant trainers ensure that their trainees can lawfully lease residential units.
Why these careers are a good fit:
Experienced property managers can train new entrants using their insights.
Consulting and Advisory Careers
43. Property management consultants help optimize operational efficiency, profitability, and tenant satisfaction. They analyze operations, suggest improvements, and find solutions to pressing issues.
44. Operational efficiency consultants streamline processes to enhance efficiency and responsiveness to market dynamics.
45. Tenant retention consultants promote tenant satisfaction and retention. They maximize occupancy and enhance the quality of life at a residential property.
46. Real estate investment advisors help clients evaluate, finance, purchase, develop, and sell property.
Why these careers are a good fit:
Property managers can use their experience to improve efficiency in many settings.
Hospitality and Tourism Careers
47. Hotel managers oversee hotel operations, budgets, maintenance, and employees. They develop marketing strategies, plan activities, and communicate with guests. They also uphold health and safety standards.
48. Vacation rental managers supervise the operations of short-term rental properties. They work to improve occupancy rates, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
49. Guest services managers oversee operations at a hotel or resort. They also handle inquiries and complaints to ensure guest satisfaction and encourage loyalty.
50. Resort operations managers oversee budgets, staff, and daily operations. They coordinate activities and ensure high levels of efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Why these jobs are a good fit:
Customer service, maintenance, and operations skills are key to success in hospitality management.
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Opportunities
51. Short-term rental specialists (like Airbnb host managers) list rentals and confirm bookings. They ensure that the rental complies with local laws and regulations.
52. Homestagers prepare the interior of a property for private showings and open houses. They make properties appealing to potential buyers.
53. Real estate photographers take photos for property listings and marketing campaigns.
54. Relocation services consultants coordinate accommodation searches. They also help with packing, moving, storage, and transportation.
Why these careers are a good fit:
Being able to work in a dynamic environment is transferrable to entrepreneurship.
Tips for Transitioning to a New Career
Transitioning to a new career can be challenging, so it’s important to plot a course toward your goals. These tips can help you plan for the future:
Seek professional help: Career coaching services can help you identify and market your skills as you explore new career paths.
Network Actively: Use your existing contacts to learn about opportunities in other fields.
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your transferable skills and experience as you apply for roles in different fields.
Consider Further Education or Certifications: You may need extra training to land a job in a new field.
Be Prepared for a Pay Cut (Initially): Some alternative roles may start at a lower salary. They may also offer better work-life balance and growth potential.
Free Career Consultation
Feeling stuck in your career? Let our transition experts help you take the next step with a personalized strategy session.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationTransition Out of Property Management and Start a New Career!
Many property managers like you have transitioned to new careers in other industries. Exploring your options is the first step toward finding a more fulfilling career. Hidden Gem Career Coaching offers personalized guidance for making a career change. With a little persistence, you can find success in life after property management. Ready for a New Career Path? Contact Hidden Gem Career Coaching for a free consultation. Start your journey today!
