I guess what I found weird is just that having those rules set by an office manager. That's the type of stuff you'd hear from a call center or fast food manager, I feel.I could at least understand that one as I need to be listening for the phone (not just my phone but the boss' too when he's away). I'm waiting for a good day to ask him more clearly if there's SOMETHING I could do to pass the time (study guides, crossword, etc), but it's a moot point as I really want to do something else now.
I spoke to my real estate friend and they really sold me on the idea, to the point that I'm almost ready to actively pursue it. The environment seems to suit my style more: you set your hours, the time you want to speak to clients, etc, but it's important to also keep in constant communication with them via e-mail (which I already do with various online contacts: there's never a moment where I don't have a phone or PC in front of me). About the only con is that there is competition to go after your sale, but (at least as Miami is concerened) there are always people looking to buy property. Plus my parents are experts at renting owned property (they own four buildings), so I could further the real estate trade by learning from them to sell my own bought property.
I used to have a hard stance against commision-based jobs, but based on what they told me, selling even one property in a month would net me more money than I currently make in a year. I feel motivated to pursue this, though I'm still open to considering other avenues.
But yeah, getting up at 6:30 to sit in an office all day? Pretty much done with that (but of course I'm not quitting until I find something else).
I have no experience from the real estate game, but if you have an in and hate your current job, go for it.