Core Insights - The article highlights the challenges faced by real estate agents in first-tier cities, particularly in light of declining transaction volumes and income instability, leading many to seek additional income through part-time jobs like food delivery [2][3][11]. Group 1: Real Estate Industry Challenges - The income of real estate agents has significantly decreased due to a slowdown in property transactions, with some agents experiencing a drop in earnings by about 50% compared to two years ago [11][12]. - The market has become increasingly competitive, with larger agencies capturing market share from smaller firms, resulting in a disparity in income among agents [11][12]. - The current economic environment has made it difficult for agents to achieve high sales volumes, with some offices struggling to complete even one transaction per month [9][12]. Group 2: Part-Time Work as a Solution - Many real estate agents, like Zhang Biao, have turned to part-time jobs such as food delivery to supplement their income, finding it a more stable source of earnings during slow periods in real estate [3][4][10]. - The flexibility of food delivery allows agents to work around their real estate commitments, with some agents reporting monthly earnings of around 3,000 to 4,000 yuan from part-time delivery work [5][6]. - The experience of working as a delivery rider has provided agents with additional skills and insights, although it is viewed as a temporary solution rather than a long-term career path [10][12]. Group 3: Future Outlook for Real Estate Agents - Despite the current downturn, there are opportunities for agents to adapt by embracing technology, such as AI for property matching and virtual viewings, which could enhance their efficiency and marketability [12]. - Younger agents or those willing to transition to new industries may find better opportunities in emerging sectors, although this comes with the risk of starting over [12].