I've been a Property Manager in the UK for about 4 years now. Personally I find the job very rewarding, but it certainly has its downsides.
I quickly realised that abuse was just part of the industry I'd have to accept. Whether the landlord or the tenant, most times you're only involved if something has already gone wrong.
But I know the law and I know my morals, and I will not compromise them for any landlord or any tenant - so when I have to deliver bad news to one party or another, and that inevitably results in abuse over phone/email, I always know I at least stand by the decision that's been made.
Thankfully I've a knack for helping people see both sides of the coin, which helps me avoid most escalation nowadays.
What I hadn't encountered, at least before today, was abuse outside the workplace just for my job title. I guess more attention is on the industry with all the law changes in the news, so maybe that explains why today lol.
I did not expect a mutual friend (well not anymore haha) to be so horrified & disgusted by the fact I'm a Property Manager. I was so shocked that I didn't even know how to respond, I just sat there and listened to her berate me while other people tried to intervene on my behalf. In the end I had no choice but to get up and leave because she was causing such a scene. Since I got home I've been really shaken up, and don't know how to process it!
Has anyone else experienced abuse outside the workplace for being a PM? How do you handle that reputation when you feel you're always fighting to do the right thing for everyone?
Thanks for your time & advice✨