I keep seeing MLM distributors say they "replaced their income" or "fired their boss." So I decided to do the math. According to income disclosure statements from major MLM companies, the median active distributor earns $500-2000 per year in commissions. If they spend 10-20 hours per week on their business (prospecting, posting, calls, events, deliveries), that is 520-1040 hours per year. At $1000 per year earned, that is less than $1 per hour. Federal minimum wage is $7.25. Even the more successful distributors making $5,000 per year are earning far below minimum wage when you factor in hours. Am I wrong in this calculation? What am I missing?
I keep seeing MLM distributors say they "replaced their income" or "fired their boss." So I decided to do the math. According to income disclosure statements from major MLM companies, the median active distributor earns $500-2000 per year in commissions. If they spend 10-20 hours per week on their business (prospecting, posting, calls, events, deliveries), that is 520-1040 hours per year. At $1000 per year earned, that is less than $1 per hour. Federal minimum wage is $7.25. Even the more successful distributors making $5,000 per year are earning far below minimum wage when you factor in hours. Am I wrong in this calculation? What am I missing?
Your story mirrors mine almost exactly. I want you to know that it gets better. I left my MLM 2 years ago and it took about 6 months to stop feeling embarrassed. Now I can talk about it openly and even laugh about some of the ridiculous things I did. Healing takes time but it happens.
This is such an important discussion. I have been in the MLM industry for 3 years and everything you said resonates with me. The gap between what we are told and what actually happens is massive. Thank you for being honest about your experience.
Your story mirrors mine almost exactly. I want you to know that it gets better. I left my MLM 2 years ago and it took about 6 months to stop feeling embarrassed. Now I can talk about it openly and even laugh about some of the ridiculous things I did. Healing takes time but it happens.
I felt this post in my soul. The loneliness of being the only one still working while your team goes silent is crushing. But remember - you are building skills and resilience that will serve you regardless of whether you stay in MLM or move on to something else.
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