Join Now
MaineGirl011108 
6:09am, November 12, 2009
I'm pondering whether I should start working. I know that it won't last because the depressions still hit me so hard. I have, however, found an employer that I would have no qualms about leaving in the lurch.
The job is selling air purification systems. The company used to be called Electrolux and sold vacuum cleaners door to door in the old days. They have now migrated to selling air purification systems. The products are awesome, but terribly overpriced. This is because the sales rep gets one sixth of the price as a commission, then the store gets a cut of the profits, and the factory gets a share too. I don't know if there is a better unit on the market. They claim there is not. Even so, I'm not sure I can stomach selling people things that are so expensive.
The company has changed their name from Electrolux to Aerus, in order to reflect the fact that they now specialize in air purification systems. I have researched other units, and they are a little less expensive. However, with other units you have to replace the filter and UV light every six months - which costs about $230 plus tax (with the other brands of purifiers.) The Aerus unit only requires replacement of these things once per year.
I'm still not decided one way or another. Neal said he would do the hard part for me - which is where you have to set up appointments to show the products. Since we have no friends or famiy here in Maine, he will have to go door to door. I thank the Lord that Neal has no fear of rejection, like I do.
Money is good, though. They sell a whole house unit for $1800, and my commission would be $300. There is a one room unit w/ aromatherapy for $600, and I think my commission would be $100. When you finish the 90 day training period, then they guarantee you $600 per week salary. They seem to like helping people make money and improve their health conditions like asthma and allergies. However, they are bullshitters about some things, so I resent their "pie in the sky" presentation to new recruits. They weren't even going to tell us what the units cost - they were going to leave that little snippet out until I asked the question.
Please tell me, my dear friends, what do you think?? You all know that Neal and I sold all our furniture before we came to Maine. We also gave away everything that wouldn't fit in the car and 5 large boxes that we sent to ourselves. My computer got crushed. It killed us financially to have to replace my computer when Neal's not working and we're living on $1040.00 per month. Thank the Lord for public housing! Our rent is only $302.00 per month.
I am grateful for the wisdom of my friends here on DS. Please help me make this important decision.
Comments
That is a tough call, and ultimately you are the one who h as to make it. I think the guaranteed income sounds pretty good and am surprised at how much they are willing to guarantee. I could never do sales like that, though. My daughter does phone sales and she is very good at it, but I just couldn't do it. Have you ever done anything like it before? Do they pay you during the 90 day trial at all? Is there a required number of sales you must make while on probation in order to qualify for the position at the end of the training period? Jobs are so scarce that it is hard to turn one down, but if it doesn't suit you, you could be setting yourself up for big disappointment.
womanontheverge
Thanks W of the V. This is a great help. I will ponder on what you said and get back to this journal entry and tell you all what I decide.
MaineGirl011108
The income sounds like something you need and the fact that you go into depressions would make this an easy job for you to walk away from, but I don't think you should go for it on the account that you sound very resentful towards the company and you sound as though you have mixed emotions about the whole thing. As my parents said, if it doesn't feel right don't do it. If however you decide that you can't find another job that you like and would be able to walk away from in the event of a depression and you would like to work for these companies then take it. But as it stands it doesn't sound like your heart is in it.
LilyMaid
Well, I made the decision not to take this job. I had the intention to do it, but kept putting it off. That tells me that you both were right, my heart wasn't in it.
I have an interview tomorrow for a temporary job filling internet orders of Christmas ornaments made here in Maine. They are so cute. The job, if I get it, only lasts until Dec 19th. This is perfect for me because we are hoping to meet Riley and her father in Tennessee for her Christmas break. The timing of this job couldn't be better.
It pays 12-13 dollars per hour. I have to give one third to the housing authority, but will use the rest for our trip to TN and to pay back my aunt $400 and my ex mother in law $57. Depending how much I make. My aunt says that I don't have to pay her back. But if I don't pay her back then I can't borrow from her in the future. I'll pay her back.
With the budget we're living on, we need a line of credit in case the car breaks down. It is a good car, but it is a 1995 Subaru. We call her Suzy Subaru ;-)
MaineGirl011108