Flexible work can look very different when the workday has no clear edge. Real estate is often associated with independence, yet the profession can also require availability at times when many other jobs have ended for the day. The National Association of REALTORS® reported in its 2026 Member Profile that 66% of its members were women and 86% worked as independent contractors at their firms.
That structure can give agents considerable control over how they organize their work, but it does not necessarily mean predictable hours. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that real estate brokers and sales agents often work evenings and weekends to accommodate clients, and some work more than 40 hours a week. The agency also reports that earnings may be irregular, particularly for newer agents.
