Women who transitioned to being stay-at-home moms within the last decade have faced unique challenges. While we entered the motherhood journey amidst the rise of social media, which made connections easier than in the past, we also found ourselves in the midst of a booming trend that many of our friends — and many of us — fell prey to. This trend has not only wreaked havoc on our finances but has also strained friendships, leaving us feeling disillusioned rather than empowered as the “boss babes” we were promised to be.
You know what I’m referring to — the MLM (multi-level marketing) industry. From leggings to health supplements, there seems to be an MLM for everything nowadays. While many have become aware of the scam, I, too, was lured in back in 2013 when I was overwhelmed with parenting duties and yearning for a break. I remember a friend inviting me to a presentation on “healthy living” — as a new mom, I was eager to learn about nutritious recipes and meal prep tips. Instead, I was met with a pitch to purchase overpriced products and urged to join their sales team.
These presentations often masquerade as casual get-togethers, promising a fun night out but usually leading to guilt-inducing sales tactics. The pressure to buy something from a friend can be overwhelming, especially when you know deep down that the product isn’t necessary or within your budget. And once you’re in the room, it’s hard to escape without feeling like you’ve let your friend down.
While MLMs have been around for a long time, social media has transformed them into something more insidious. The old-fashioned approach of receiving a flyer or a straightforward invite has been replaced by covert tactics that make it difficult to discern genuine friendship from a sales pitch. Many people are left feeling cornered, sitting through pitches that often leave them feeling foolish for not joining the “team.”
The reality is that most MLMs are not profitable. In fact, studies by the FTC show that 99% of participants lose money. Many women find themselves in debt after buying into the scheme, only to discover that the promised riches and lifestyle are a mirage. Instead of the dream life they envisioned, they often end up alienating the friends they once relied on for support.
A recent discussion on Reddit illustrated this painful reality, revealing how friendships can dissolve over MLM pitches. One user recounted how a long-term friendship ended after repeatedly declining offers to buy products. The MLM participant’s response was dismissive, showcasing how these schemes can turn friends into competitors or even adversaries.
So why do so many women engage in MLMs, risking relationships they value? An article from the Washington Post sheds light on this phenomenon. Many women seek flexible income opportunities that allow them to balance family responsibilities, yet these opportunities often come with hidden costs, including the potential for lost friendships. MLMs promise a sense of community, success, and validation, making them alluring to those who feel undervalued in traditional work settings.
The toxic atmosphere surrounding MLMs has even made women wary of forming new friendships, as they fear being targeted for their products. I recently faced this myself when I met a fellow mom who hesitated to connect further, concerned I might try to sell her something.
In conclusion, it’s clear that MLMs can lead to more harm than good. They often result in financial loss and fractured friendships. The allure of quick success and camaraderie can blind women to the long-term consequences. So, it’s best to steer clear of these schemes and prioritize genuine connections over questionable business ventures.
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