Would You Recommend Real Estate As A Career?

As an artifact from my prior work life, I teach one section of public speaking at our local college. Since communication is central to what we do, many of my lecture examples come from real estate world. With names changed to protect the innocent of course!

Occasionally a student or two will ask about a career in real estate sales. After explaining what a typical day is like, most scatter like scared deer. Every now and then though a student will show genuine interest and a nice conversation will transpire.

With the advantage of hindsight, if you were young and fresh out of college would real estate be an attractive option? Frankly I love what I do and I hope that it shows in my interactions. But perhaps I am being too optimistic. What are your thoughts on a 21st century career in the business?