When most people hear “work-life balance,” they think of predictable schedules, remote flexibility, or protected weekends. In commercial real estate (CRE), balance looks a little different.
That’s because CRE is a broad, relationship-driven industry. Some professionals are on the deal side, where transactions move at unpredictable speeds. Others are in property management, asset management, or corporate functions, where schedules are steadier but client needs can shift unexpectedly. Across roles, balance doesn’t mean clocking out at five every day — it means adapting to the natural rhythms of the industry.
The Nature of Balance in CRE
Unlike industries with fixed project cycles, CRE often follows the pace of people, properties, and the market.
- Different Paces by Role: An acquisitions professional may have intense stretches during deal closings, while property managers may face spikes around tenant issues or budgeting cycles.
- Client-Driven Schedules: Responsiveness is part of the job — whether to tenants, investors, or partners. Balance requires factoring in other people’s timelines, not just your own.
- Market Cycles: External factors — interest rates, development timelines, or leasing velocity — can temporarily change workloads, then ease once projects stabilize.
A 2023 survey of CRE professionals found that nearly 40% work 46–55 hours per week, while another 30% reported closer to 36–45 hours — reflecting that some functions demand more flexibility than others.
Rethinking Balance in CRE
1. Focus on Flexibility, Not Rigidity
Balance in CRE rarely comes from a strict 9-to-5. Instead, it comes from adjusting your schedule to meet demands while still protecting personal priorities. For example: taking an evening investor call but starting your next day later, or attending a networking event midweek but blocking Friday afternoon for family.
2. Prioritize Quality of Time
Because hours can shift, the quality of personal time matters more than the quantity. Turning off notifications at dinner or reserving one uninterrupted weekend day can create more meaningful rest than simply clocking hours.
3. Use Industry Cycles to Your Advantage
Every CRE role has busy and quiet seasons — deal flow peaks, leasing cycles, or year-end reporting. Proactively use slower stretches to recharge, pursue professional development, or carve out extra personal time.
Practical Steps for Professionals
Set Thoughtful Boundaries
It’s unrealistic in CRE to say, “I’ll never answer after 6.” But it is realistic to block out certain non-negotiables — like mornings for a workout, Sunday mornings with family, or email-free dinners. Communicate these clearly and consistently.
Lean on Your Team
CRE is collaborative. Strong teams mean you don’t always have to be “on.” Agree on coverage during busy stretches so no single person burns out.
Invest in Well-Being Like You Would a Deal
You wouldn’t run a deal without a budget or a timeline. Treat your health the same way: schedule rest, exercise, or downtime as seriously as a client meeting. Many top performers block it directly on their calendars.
Reframe Flexibility as an Advantage
Unlike industries tied to a desk, CRE often offers variety — property tours, investor lunches, or client meetings outside the office. When viewed positively, this flexibility can be a perk, not a burden.
A New Definition of Balance
In CRE, balance isn’t about fewer hours or working remotely three days a week. It’s about adaptability — knowing when to push through high-demand cycles and when to pull back to recharge. It’s about focusing on quality of personal time, leveraging team support, and reframing flexibility as part of the reward of the career.
The bottom line: balance in CRE doesn’t look like it does in other industries — and that’s not a weakness. Done right, it’s a strength. Professionals who master this fluid approach often find themselves not only thriving in their careers, but also living fuller, more sustainable lives.