Be Realistic About A Direct Sales Career

ocregister:

Q. I’m leaving the company I have been with for nine years to be a working mom at home. I’ll miss my job, but I think it will be for only a few years. I know some women who have started home-based businesses and I’d like to explore it. How risky is it to go into direct sales?

A: Your career move involves two types of risk. One is financial. You need to assess this in your research: What kind of realistic income can I earn? How much will I need to invest to get going? Which companies are solid and reliable, and which might be scams?

The other risk is one you hint about – the future of your working life.

Stepping out of the work force presents true career risks: Are you jeopardizing future earnings? Are you forfeiting the security you had with longevity at one company? Will you be able to get another job of that stature if you’re absent from the field for a few years?

I imagine that you wrestled with your decision. Thousands of working moms have done the same thing – teachers, managers and corporate presidents.

It appears that you made the decision because it’s right for you now, to spend more time managing your home and your family. You’re embracing that decision by looking for a good balance, how to remain active in the working world while playing more with junior.

My advice: Be realistic about the risks and do your homework, but don’t look back. Network marketing is now being taught at Harvard. The skills you learn will be useful in some way in your future career.