We had the good fortune of connecting with Rickilee Pollock and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Rickilee, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I’ve been a successful Realtor for just shy of decade. I’m grateful that I’m also the mother of two wonderful kids, whom I absolutely adore. Balancing a demanding career, an autoimmune disease, and personal life has been a dynamic journey with unique challenges and rewards. I’m fortunate that I truly enjoy helping people with their real estate endeavors-so much so, that I often get emotionally invested. I had no idea how rewarding this career would be before I got licensed, and I truly love it. I also want to spend as much time with my family as possible of course. The work life balance can easily become a dilemma. When I became a parent, I had to lean into the “life” part much more in the “work life balance” ratio. Parenthood increased the need to be present.
Before children I was a workaholic. It wasn’t healthy. I had a difficult time setting boundaries, prioritizing, and saying “no”. For example, I was sending emails while in labor at the hospital. I was working almost constantly with very little down time. When you’re self employed you can make your own schedule, but that also means you can work weekends, evenings, AND holidays unless YOU say otherwise. The person who has the greatest power to change is ourselves.
I was forced to change my lifestyle after I discovered I have type 1 diabetes. T1D is autoimmune disease in which insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas are mistakenly destroyed by the body’s immune system. Routine tests during my first pregnancy brought the chronic disease to light. It’s not clear what causes T1D. The body’s immune system, certain viruses and genes seem to play roles. It affects people of all races, ages, and socioeconomic backgrounds. I’m living proof that people of any age can get this type of diabetes, but the life-long condition often starts before adulthood. Receiving the diagnosis after age 30 is referred to as L.A.D.A-latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. There is no cure, but glucose levels can be managed through insulin to survive. Rest, exercise, and stress management are more important than ever. My life depends on it. T1D has actually made me more appreciative, and aware of the little things we tend to take for granted. It has helped with mental toughness. Every year I help raise money for diabetes research to help find a cure one day. The mantra I often repeat is “I am thankful for my health, I am thankful for my family, I am kind to everyone, the world takes care of me and loves me”.
We took a family trip to Kauai when I was pregnant with my daughter and my son was 2 years old. I had been involved in real estate for about 8 years at that point, and it was a pivotal trip, because I realized that miraculously, it was the first vacation that did not involve some type of work for a full week. It was GLORIOUS! It felt so good to completely relax, and fully enjoy our time on the beautiful island. It is still one of my favorite places to date. Taking time to rest is vital, and if the need is neglected it can lead to burnout, resentment, and even illness. “Rest, restore, revel in grandeur. Possess the treasured moment. Know, you are the keeper of the pristine,” -Robert E. Wilson. As soon as we returned to Denver I hit the ground running and had a lot of referral business waiting for me.
I’ve become more disciplined about my schedule. I use time-blocking techniques to dedicate specific times for work and family activities. I’ve also leaned on a strong support system. My spouse and I coordinate our schedules and responsibilities, and we’ve enlisted the help of family, trusted child care providers, and colleagues. Additionally, leveraging technology has allowed me to be more efficient and accessible.
I believe that maintaining a balance is crucial for well-being and effectiveness. When I’m able to spend quality time with my kids, I’m more focused and energized at work. Similarly, when I feel accomplished in my career, I bring a positive energy home. It’s about creating a synergy where both aspects of my life complement and enrich each other. While it’s a continuous effort to maintain this balance, I’m committed to making adjustments as needed and ensuring that both my family and my clients receive the attention they deserve. I’m always learning, adapting, and trying my best.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Real estate changed my life in a positive way. Homeownership is such an important goal for many and I’m fortunate that I get to be apart of that. Real estate and generational wealth often go hand in hand. 90% of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.
I lead my business with heart. I actively listen, ask key questions, and possess a keen attention to detail. I focus on my clients’ goals and give them pertinent advice with resale in mind. I’m not just focused on one transaction. I’m focused on the journey we will take for years to come. It’s about building a relationship and helping people. I have always loved learning and I try to learn something new every day. I’m always doing my best, but striving for improvement.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Denver metro has changed a lot since I was a kid, and the food scene has really been upgraded. There are so many amazing restaurants to choose from, but some of my favorites include Sushi Den obviously, The Morrison Inn for fabulous Mexican food and margaritas, Hillstone for consistently delicious dinners, Duo has great food-especially breakfast, My Brother’s Bar has a killer burger, Kawa Ni if you’re craving Japanese and ambiance, Postino for a good sparkling rosé and bruschetta, Firenze a Tavola has great Italian, Happy Camper, Joy Hill, or Hops and Pie for pizza, The Lake House for my favorite Crab Louie salad, I love a good old school diner and Lookin’ Good definitely fulfills that vibe, Magill’s World of Ice Cream for a cold treat, The Taste of Denmark for pastries, The Radiator for coffee/tea (they also have a playground for kids-score!), and Ratio or Little Machine for beer. I could go on and on…
For stuff to do, let’s start with the most beloved music venue in the world-Red Rocks Amphitheater, which also screens movies. A few hours of bowling at Crown Lanes is always fun. If hiking, biking or golfing is your hobby, then you will be in heaven, because there are so many trails and courses or Top Golf. The 16th Street, Pearl Street or Cherry Creek Mall are great options for shopping enthusiasts. The Denver Zoo, Museum of Nature and Science, Children’s Museum, The Butterfly Pavilion, Elitch Gardens, and Water World are all family friendly activities. Not to mention the plethora of playgrounds like Robert F. Clement, Sloan’s Lake, Carmody, Kendrick Lakes and more. With 300 days of sunshine, it’s hard not to like Colorado. I love this state!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues. I’m so proud that I work by referral, and that’s because there are so many people that trust and believe in me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You all know who you are.
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Image Credits
Virtuance, Yellow Drone Media