From Burnout to Business: How Kerri Gibson Turned Real Estate into a Fulfilling Journey

In the fast-paced world of technology, many professionals find themselves at risk of burnout, leading them to seek more fulfilling career paths.

One such inspiring journey is that of Kerri Gibson, a 48-year-old former tech executive from Orford, Quebec.

In 2017, Kerri took a bold leap of faith, leaving behind the pressures of the tech industry to delve into the world of real estate investment.

This decision not only transformed her career but also reinvigorated her passion for work.

Join us as we explore Kerri's path from burnout to business and discover how she and her partner, Philippe, created a thriving real estate venture centered around the transformative power of property renovation and short-term rentals.

Key Takeaways

• Kerri Gibson transitioned from a high-stress tech job to real estate investment to combat burnout.
• Managing short-term rentals requires significant dedication and hard work, debunking the myth of passive income.
• Investing in property renovation not only provides financial returns but also personal fulfillment in transforming spaces.

Transitioning from Tech to Real Estate

Transitioning from Tech to Real Estate: Kerri Gibson's Inspiring Journey

Kerri Gibson, a 48-year-old former tech professional from Orford, Quebec, embarked on a transformative career shift in 2017 that would change her life for the better.

After experiencing burnout from the demanding nature of her high-stress job in the technology sector, Kerri and her partner Philippe decided to pursue a more fulfilling path in real estate investment.

Their journey began modestly with the purchase and renovation of a house in their neighborhood, a project that ignited their passion for property transformation.

This initial venture led them to successfully flip the home and enter the short-term rental market through Airbnb, leading to the birth of their business, Chalets Hygge.

Kerri highlights a crucial aspect of their venture: managing short-term rentals entails much more than just a simple stream of passive income; it demands substantial effort and commitment.

The couple purchased their first rental property for CA$129,000 in December 2017, pouring approximately CA$75,000 into renovations.

This hands-on project proved to be incredibly fulfilling for Kerri, especially in contrast to the pressures of her previous job.

In June 2018, they acquired a second property for CA$188,000, which was easier to manage due to its favorable condition, allowing them to continue their renovations seamlessly.

By March 2019, their ambitious efforts paid off as they successfully managed three income-generating properties, proving that with dedication and hard work, the challenges of real estate investment can lead to significant rewards.

Kerri emphasizes that the reality of real estate investment involves a substantial amount of hands-on work, challenging the misconception that it is an effortless source of income.

Her story serves as an inspirational reminder that with passion and perseverance, a career transition can lead to success and fulfillment.

The Reality of Managing Short-Term Rentals

The reality of managing short-term rentals often surprises newcomers who assume it requires minimal effort for maximum returns.

For Kerri Gibson and her partner Philippe, the journey into real estate investment began with a realization that true success in this field hinges on dedication and hard work.

Their first property, purchased for CA$129,000, demanded a significant renovation with an investment of around CA$75,000.

This process not only transformed a house into a thriving rental but also allowed Kerri to channel her creative energies into something rewarding after stepping away from the relentless pace of the tech world.

As they expanded their portfolio, acquiring a second property just six months later, Kerri found that each rental brought its unique set of challenges and opportunities.

From maintaining high standards of cleanliness to ensuring a seamless guest experience, every detail required attention.

The couple's proactive management style and their willingness to reinvest their earnings into further renovations exemplify their commitment, further solidifying their belief that success in short-term rentals is anything but passive.