I have been reading through these reports and I want everyone to know that things are exactly the same here in NY. Though we are part of Combined Insurance Company of America, NYS law says we must be incorporated as a seperate entity. Anyway...
I applied for the job after answering a very VERY vague ad in the newspaper. I wasn't told what the job consisted of on the phone, nor when I filled out the application in a hotel lobby. I was taken to a conference room where questions were asked of me. Glass half-full or half-empty types.
After the questions my head was swelled with promises of large paychecks, quick promotions, prestige and the ever popular "ring of diamonds". I still did not know what exactly the job was. But I was excited now! The flurry of the next 2 hours was insane. I was "selected" to go on a field demo where if things "clicked" I would be offered a position. As it turns out the only click there has to be is me saying yes.
Without the time to give it a second thought I was sent to sales training in Latham (within 2 days of the interview) and had my head filled with more glory stories. At the end of it all I was set to go out and make the big bucks.
Then came the next 6 months.
No pay for training. A week to wait for my insurance licence - no pay. And then finally time out in the field — where I had to split whatever income with the manager of the day. WHEN THERE WAS A MANAGER!!! 13 weeks of field training: Week 1: all week with a manager - never happened. Weeks 2 - 7:2 days a week with a manager - nope. 7 - 13:1 day per week with a manager - I was lucky if I got a phone call.
I blindly stuck with it, everytime I mentioned leaving the company my manager would take me out and show me a "good" day. I saw the high pressure. The push for a sale. Lies and deciet. "Can you do this?" I thought I could. Then I couldn't sleep. I came across renewals that didn't understand English let alone the policies. But as I was taught: Take the money and run.
I finally decided that it was not for me. After my manager told me that I was a disappointment and an embarrassment to the company. All because I didn't earn my first award. Whatever.
It's over now. I know this was long, but if you're considering a job with Combined - DON'T DO IT! The money you earn goes right into your gas tank and the money all trickles uphill. You do the foot work and the managers get rich.
Be well.
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