Late one night, while feeding my newborn and feeling utterly drained, I stumbled upon something that caught my eye. It was labeled an “opportunity”—a life-changing chance to get in on the ground floor of a brand-new venture. The promise? I could run my own business, earn limitless income, and do it all from my phone. It sounded too good to be true, and I was instantly hooked.
Curiosity piqued, I began to research this new company. It seemed like the perfect fit for a busy mom eager to stay home with her children. With a modest investment, I could launch my own business without the hassle of inventory or home parties. It felt like a dream come true, and I couldn’t sign up fast enough.
I was swept away by videos showcasing the company’s top performers achieving incredible results with their products, convincing me of their extraordinary value. Never mind that these products were priced significantly higher than similar items at Target; I was sold on the idea that I was purchasing magic in a bottle.
But it wasn’t just about me; I thought my friends and family would want in on this fantastic opportunity. They would surely support my side gig as I chased financial freedom, and many of them could become millionaires too. It was a win-win situation!
I followed every piece of advice from my team, certain that we were on the path to success. Social media was touted as the best platform for sales, so I began posting vibrant pictures of the products and linking to my website. I created a group and added everyone from my friends list without asking. Why would I need permission? Who wouldn’t want to join something so exciting? Once they were in, I was encouraged to send direct messages to each person, pitching the products and the chance to become their own boss. Even if I hadn’t spoken to them in years, I was sure they’d be thrilled to hear from me.
At first, I genuinely believed in the products. I loved them, and despite the high prices, I was getting a discount. People were buying from me, and I was earning money while building my team. Everything seemed to be going well, with trips to be won and prizes to earn.
However, it quickly became apparent that I was not the one truly benefiting. Those above me in the hierarchy were reaping the rewards, while I and others like me worked tirelessly to make a few sales. It was disheartening to see friendships fray as I pushed products on those around me.
As I grew increasingly desperate for success, I realized that achieving it would mean exploiting others. I would either be selling overpriced products or recruiting new members to build my team, all while encouraging them to sell more to benefit my earnings. It felt wrong, and the competition was fierce with so many others selling similar products.
Initially, I climbed the ranks quickly, but then I hit a wall right before reaching a level where real income could be made. I learned that this system was designed that way; very few ever break through to significant earnings, while most just scrape by. The reality is that MLMs are predatory, preying on vulnerable individuals—especially young mothers or those seeking financial stability—promising dreams that are often unattainable. In fact, most participants end up losing money.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in MLMs as people look for ways to supplement their income. Unfortunately, many of these companies have made false claims about their products, even suggesting they could help fend off the Coronavirus. It’s truly disheartening to see how they exploit fear and desperation.
While I don’t regret my experience in the MLM world, it opened my eyes to its realities. Those at the top are thriving, having navigated the system early on, while the rest of us are left hustling for scraps. I’ve decided I’d rather live without that side hustle than ever send another “Hey girl!” message.
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Summary
My journey into the world of multi-level marketing (MLM) revealed its predatory nature, particularly how it preys on vulnerable individuals seeking financial stability. Despite initial excitement and growth, I discovered the harsh truth that only a few truly benefit while the majority struggle. The pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, with many seeking opportunities that ultimately lead to loss. I now prefer to stay away from such ventures, valuing genuine connections over sales tactics.