Meet Kaitlin Daley | Servicemember, Real Estate Agent & YouTuber
We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaitlin Daley and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Kaitlin, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Taking risks can be frightening, but some of the most rewarding things in life can be found right on the other side of fear. Going head first into the unknown is almost always a scary thing, and it feels risky. What I’ve learned, though, is that if you’re okay with being a little uncomfortable, you open yourself up to the potential for immense growth and, in turn, confidence. The fact is that choosing happiness over security is a risk in itself, but if you play it smart, you can indeed have both. That is what I am constantly striving for.
In college I changed my major to Film of all things, as I had started getting into making YouTube videos, and the experiences I gained from that decision brought me a great deal of joy. I ended up graduating and changing my mind again, however, which led me to join the Air Force. I wanted to experience as much as possible. Between the ages of 21 and 24, I got married, joined the military, learned a second language, got a dog, moved halfway across the country, bought a car, bought a house, got divorced, sold a car, and fell in love. Many lessons were learned the hard way, but I don’t regret a single thing. Through taking risks, you learn and grow.
For a while I had found both happiness and security in the military, but I was missing something. I realized that I wanted to see an equitable amount of return for the efforts I put forward. So, against the advice of many to stick with what is secure, I’m getting out of the military to pursue a career in real estate and to continue my hobby making YouTube videos to see where it goes.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m currently in the middle of a transition between careers. I’ve been in the Air Force for almost six years as an Airborne Korean Linguist, but for the last few months of my contract, I’m in an internship with Team Integrity of Keller Williams learning to be a real estate agent. Real estate will be a more flexible way to pay the bills while I get back into creating on YouTube again and sharing my experiences.
I feel very fortunate to have had the experiences I’ve had in the Air Force. I love to travel and see new places, and I was able to see seven different states and two other countries during my time in (plus one off-duty trip to Germany). I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, in large part thanks to simply being proactive and having self-discipline. The Air Force doesn’t give you time off to go to school, so any extra education is done on your own time, but I managed to get multiple degrees and also complete the required education for a real estate license. It wasn’t easy, and hobbies were sacrificed, but I’ve just learned that the satisfaction of seeing something through all the way to the end that you’ve worked so hard for is such an awesome feeling.
As much as I’ve enjoyed the Air Force and serving my country, I’m ready to have some freedoms back – to live where I want to, to be able to work from home, to start our family and be a present mother, and to pursue my own personal dreams. I’m excited to travel when I choose, without the need to ask for permission, and to share more adventures. Making the decision to change careers was very difficult, and pretty scary, but I’m excited to pave my own way. These are some of my biggest takeaways, and yes, I know I’m a little cheesy:
1) It’s okay to change your mind and try something new. What you did before was not a waste if you can acknowledge that you learned something that bettered you in some way.
2) If you are okay with the possibility that things won’t go exactly as planned, you can still find joy in pursuit of your dreams.
3) The self-assurance gained from independence and taking control of your own life is almost indescribable.
4) Self-discipline is what separates those who allow life to whisk them around and those who make their own destiny.
5) Beautiful growth can occur when you go outside of your comfort circle and when you stop worrying about what others are going to think.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are a few places I always like to take loved ones in Tucson!
Sites:
– Tumamoc Hill – this is where my husband proposed, and it’s one of the more beautiful views in the city!
– Saguaro National Park – who doesn’t love a giant cactus?
– Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum – best place to see some desert animals up close.
– Pima Air & Space Museum – such a unique experience and so many cool planes.
Eat:
– Culinary Dropout is my favorite restaurant in town. Great food and atmosphere, plus they have games.
Drink:
– The Boxyard is my favorite bar. They also have a bunch of different food options, and there’s just nothing but good vibes!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my husband, Connor. He and I met during our military training, and we spent the first two and a half years of our relationship long distance, stationed across the country from each other. Connor has always encouraged me to pursue the things I want in life and has been 100% supportive from the very beginning. Through his kindness, courage, patience and open-mindedness, he constantly serves as an example for me, and I can’t even express my gratitude for him. He is my rock, my best friend, my partner, the love of my life, and the best husband anyone could ask for. I can’t wait to start our family together.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1kaitlindaley/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/KaitlinDaley
Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@1kaitlindaley?fbclid=IwAR3kSSNaGRykUnrc1iBSFDML5sPGdcRpJGybndm3jmHHd3vFnK75_9Xr1Os
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
