Think about all of those rom-coms you’ve watched (don’t worry, your secret’s safe with us). How many of them star successful business women making their way up through the ranks of a massive corporation, only to find that they have no personal life and no connection to who they used to be?
While that may be more of a caricature than an accurate representation of the industry, the trope exists because, to a certain degree, it is true.
Why Corporate America sucks: a closer look at corporate culture
Not every corporation fits the stereotypical image of “corporate America,” but there’s a reason that many people believe these corporations care more about their profits than the people who work for them.
Did you know that Americans work 200-400 hours more per year than their counterparts in Western Europe? Why are we so overworked?
In many cases, corporate employees are expected to prioritize the company above all else. Family life and free-time take a backseat to the success of the company. Meeting goals matters more than work-life balance.
And let’s not sugarcoat—the reward is not always worth the cost.
Those who seek a lifestyle of excess, luxury, and absolute financial security may be willing to put in extra hours and dedicate themselves to the corporation. But parents and young professionals who want time for family or want to do more with their lives might find this a very difficult environment to work in.
Does that sound like you?
The alternative to working in Corporate America
Imagine having a job where you can choose your own hours and take on as little or as much work as you like. In this job, your hard work is rewarded and your position is secure. You get paid even if you aren’t “bringing in the big bucks” all the time—and it’s not a dead-end job. This job has plenty of opportunities to move up or advance your career through skill-building and training.
Now, does that sound like your dream job?
Then it’s time to ditch corporate America and start working for yourself.
If it sounds daunting, don’t worry. You can be an entrepreneur without all the hassle of trying to come up with a new and unique business idea that you have to get off the ground all on your own. You don’t need a business background or a fancy degree—you just need to do something that you’re good at and passionate about.
Why you should become an entrepreneur
When you become an entrepreneur, you get to have complete control over your own career. You set the hours and you set the goals. You also have the convenience of working from the comfort of your own home office (or even your favorite coffee shop).
There are lots of opportunities out there for freelance workers and contractors, most of which can be done remotely. A quick search online will reveal job openings for writers, illustrators, computer programmers, photographers, designers, and even virtual assistants.
You can actually make good money doing this kind of work. For example, Carrie French is a copywriter. When she started freelancing, it was because she needed a casual job to help her pay for schooling. It ended up turning into a full-time career, earning her $310,000 per year.
So, sell your services to clients, find a contract job, be your own boss, and pursue something you really enjoy.
Maybe that something could be working in direct sales.
What are direct sales?
Direct sales happen when a manufacturer uses sales representatives in a non-retail environment to sell their products directly to customers. Direct selling includes anything from the good old-fashioned door-to-door salesmen to makeup catalogs and cookware parties. But, these days, many direct sales happen online.
Direct selling is like freelance sales work. You work as a contractor, promoting and selling products to people in your network and beyond. While some employers may feel that they “own” you because they pay you, direct sales companies empower you to make all of the decisions for yourself.
Like freelancers, direct sales representatives have a lot of flexibility in their jobs. That means that you can have the perfect balance between work and family/personal time (so that you don’t end up like the main character in a rom-com).
You also have the opportunity to do more than sales. Take up a side hustle, learn new skills, or get a degree that will let you take the next steps toward the career of your dreams—whatever feels right for you. The options are endless.
Corporate America sucks, so try something different
The American dream has changed. In 2020, 3.2 million Americans decided to start their own businesses, half a million more than the previous year. Back in the day, people wanted the prestige and wealth that came with a high-profile corporate job. Providing for yourself and your family was more important than being there for them. Corporate culture has been shaped by the sole desire to succeed and reach higher in the power structure—and it sucks.
There are so many other opportunities to make money without the stress and long hours of a corporate job. As an entrepreneur, you can have full autonomy over your career and your life while still making more than enough money to pay for your education or support your family.
As a direct sales company, Vector Marketing offers plenty of employment possibilities for anyone who wants to escape the world of corporate America and work for themselves instead.
Are you ready to start your entrepreneurial career with direct sales? Learn more about working with Vector Marketing.