Because I have six children, working outside the home simply isnt an option for me. I would be paying more in daycare/after school care costs than I could even make in a week. And, honestly? Who would hire a woman with 6 children? Odds are stacked against me that someone would be always be sick, and I would have to call off work. Therefore, going out and actually getting a job right now just isnt going to work.

You all know that I run my own business offering blog design, website design, graphic design, and social marketing. I love that, but times are tough for everyone, and my income isnt steady.

I used to be fortunate enough to have a paid blogging gig. But, that went belly up in September, and I wouldnt return to the company if they decided to bring back the program for personal reasons.

I need some kind of income, though. My husband has a great job, but we live paycheck to paycheck as most families do, but theres no money if the car breaks down, or other unexpected expenses arise. And, I like being able to contribute to our household. I dont want my husband to feel like he has to kill himself to support the 8 of us.

Over the past several weeks, I have had 2 opportunities arise as a means of generating income. However, they are both in direct sales. I have a history with direct sales, and its not a good one. I worked with Discovery Toys for awhile and they still owe me $7.85 the only money I ever made with them. And Im pretty sure I only made that money because I was the one that bought something. Then, I tried Avon. I lasted a little longer with Avon, but I really never made much at all. My only clients were friends that lived in Chicago, and I was living in Ohio at the time.

I have no problem hosting parties or giving parties. Lord knows I am the ultimate hostess. I love getting together with friends and having a good time. But, there are 2 problems Ive found with direct sales:

1. I dont have friends that are willing to host parties.
2. I dont like to push people into buying things. I hate when people do it to me, and I dont like to do it to others.

Im sure you can see my dilemma. Whats the point of investing in a direct sales company if Im just going to flop again?

Let me share the two opportunities that have been presented to me and see what you think:

• Scentsy I have a friend that is a Scentsy consultant and she is doing quite well with it. In fact, I have had several people approach me and tell me I would be great as a Scentsy consultant, and should consider joining the company. I have had the opportunity to do several reviews with Scentsy products, and I am always impressed. I do not know of anyone in the local area that is a Scentsy consultant, so that may be an advantage. And the one thing I love about Scentsy is that all of their items are wickless. With kids, that is definitely a plus.

• Pink Zebra Home Now, just the name of this company is enough to make me giggle with glee. And if you look at the consultants package. the products are totally me. I could have a lot of fun with it. I dont know anyone in the local area that sells Pink Zebra, so thats another bonus. BUT, if people dont know the company, will they be willing to buy?

I just dont know what to do. I have prayed and prayed about this, and the answer still isnt clear. So, I figured Id come to my readers and ask for your opinions. Have you worked in direct sales? What have you experiences been? Have you worked for either of the companies listed above? And tell me honestly, can a mom of 6 even do direct sales or is it just one more thing Id be taking on?

I would love to hear your opinions on this.

Angie Vinez (2684 Posts )

Angie is a wife and mother to 8. Her life revolves around cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other household duties. She is passionate about her life in Christ and wants to encourage other mothers in their own walk of faith. Angie is active on many social media networks, loves technology, photography, and graphic design, and loves creating blog designs for other mom bloggers.