A Profession Between Fascination and Overwhelm
Is property management a job with a future? Or one that wears you down?
This post was triggered by a deeply saddening event: a fellow property manager took his own life – overwhelmed and burnt out.
I want to speak openly about the challenges, downsides, and opportunities of this profession. Because while I truly enjoy my work today, that wasn’t always the case
A Shocking Wake-Up Call
It started with a coffee chat with a colleague. He told me about a well-known manager who was successful, connected – and burned out to the point of suicide.
That hit me hard. And reminded me just how mentally taxing this profession can be if you don’t set boundaries – or have the right support.
Why I Never Wanted to Be a Property Manager – and Why I Became One Anyway
I was trained as a real estate agent and spent years exclusively working in sales. Property management? No thanks – too much stress, too little appreciation, and poorly paid.
But the market changed. And I realized that property management offers stable income, consistent demand, and growing recognition – when it’s done right.
Over 1,000 Units – And New Challenges Every Day
Today, together with my team, I manage more than 1,000 housing units. That means: hundreds of landlords, tenants, service providers, tradespeople – and new challenges every single day.
Sounds like a lot? It is. But it’s also exciting. And sometimes, that’s what makes the job fulfilling.
The Human Factor – Managing Expectations
As a property manager, you’re responsible for your clients’ most valuable assets – their properties. Expectations are sky-high.
What many don’t see:
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A shortage of qualified tradespeople slows things down
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Ever-changing laws (e.g. heating regulations) create extra work
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Every issue, every question, ends up on your desk
And yes – sometimes you just want to scream.
Why So Few People Choose This Career
Years ago, the job of property manager was poorly paid – lots of work for little money. Today, the situation is different:
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Employees now earn respectable salaries
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Management fees have risen (30–35 € per unit, sometimes flat rates)
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Skilled professionals are in high demand
But: the expectations have also risen. To succeed in property management today, you need:
✅ Stress resilience
✅ Communication skills
✅ Legal and technical understanding
✅ Organization and structure
What Makes This Job Worthwhile – My Perspective
Despite all the pressure, I love what I do. Why?
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Because I get to keep learning: from heating systems to building law to digital tools
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Because I carry real responsibility and make a difference
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Because I help real people with real problems
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And: because property management provides reliable income in self-employment
The Tough Truth – Not for the Faint of Heart
The downsides?
📉 Constant availability expected
📉 Pressure from clients, vendors, and authorities
📉 Emotional toll from constant conflict
📉 Little praise – lots of complaints
But that’s why this job needs strong people. And the fewer people who are willing to do it, the more valuable you become as a professional.
Growing Recognition – Also Financially
The industry is evolving:
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Management fees are up
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Clients value reliable, personal service
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Digitalization makes processes smoother
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Good managers are rare – and more needed than ever
If you’re entering the field today, you’ll find a secure, essential job with future potential.
Why I Do This Job With Pride
I used to try doing everything myself. Today, I value my team.
Working with people like Bettina or Andreas, sharing responsibility, solving problems together – it’s what makes the job fulfilling.
And when a client says: “Thank you for caring” – that’s what makes it all worth it.
Conclusion: Not a Dream Job for Everyone – But a Job with Purpose
This job demands a lot.
💥 Patience
💥 Knowledge
💥 Energy
But it also gives a lot back:
💡 Deep insight
💡 Real trust
💡 Long-term opportunity
My Message to Anyone Who’s Struggling
If this job is too much for you: it’s okay to step back. No job is worth your mental health.
But if you’re someone who can manage with heart, head, and grit – then you’re needed more than ever.
Thanks for Reading – and for Your Support!
If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it, leave a comment, or visit my YouTube channel “Immobilientagebuch”.
Because I truly believe: we need to talk more openly about this profession.
