I need some genuine DU advice

[againes654]

Currently I work for a GM dealership. I am the "Internet Manager". I do all of the Internet sales for the dealership. I quote prices, estimate trade values, and do alot of the "legwork" before a customer comes into the dealership. Once a customer comes in, I turn them to a sales consultant. At that point, I am out of the process.

I am only paid on commission. I make a set amount IF a customer buys. I do not get paid for the "legwork" that I do, the follow up, or any of the clerical work that my job generally requires. If my commission check does not equal what minimum wage would be, I get the difference.

I have yet to make more than minimum wage. My check for the first half of this month is $400 before taxes. I will get the other $56 dollars or so at the end of the month.

Basically I am not making it. My husband works at a job that he makes $8 an hour, but after taxes and his child support his check is $214.

I am stressed at this job. I want to stay and try to make it work, but with the economy the way it is, I don't see things getting better. I can always go back to waiting tables, but that isn't going to pay me much more.

I had my daughter when I was a senior in HS, and I didn't go to college, so I have limited myself to low paying jobs. This job makes me feel good, until I get my check, and then I end up in a crying fit.

I know what I want to do, and I think I know what I should do. I know what my husband wants me to do. I would like to know what you all think.

I apologize if this is inappropriate to post, but I know that you all can be so compassionate, and I need some of that right now.

[KitchenWitch]

1. I think you should negotiate for a base plus commission situation

Seriously.

[againes654]

3. They won't do it

I worked for this same dealership last year, and at that time I quit to go to another dealership that was offering a salary. Needless to say, the grass is not always greener. I am back under some different circumstances.

The owner feels that he is spending too much every month to get me opportunities i.e. leads from sources like GM and AutoTrader. He feels that is somehow part of my pay.:eyes:

[KitchenWitch]

4. In that case, I would seek employment elsewhere

Even if you have to wait tables for awhile. Seriously the owner of the dealership is screwing you big time.

[againes654]

6. I know,

it really sucks. I guess I really have no other choice. I hate being backed into a corner

[KitchenWitch]

9. I hear you.

:hug:

[redqueen]

2. I don't know what to suggest...

I didn't finish HS but I went to a secretarial school right after getting my GED and have been working in admin jobs since then, aside from brief forays into sales / recruiting. If you like admin work, the pay isn't bad, and it's steady work.

Before I went to the school, I worked as a telemarketer and managed to earn on average $8/hr (including commisions). Perhaps, if you like sales, you might consider moving into another sales type job which will pay you base + commission.

[againes654]

5. Actually I hate sales

which is why I turn the customer when they get here. I just do the internet and phone part of the deal. I live in a small town, and "good" jobs are hard to come by. I wish they would pay me hourly plus a bonus for the number of appointment I set and those that show up. I don't think they will do it though.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

7. I have no advice, my dear againes654...

Just these: :hug: :hug: :hug:

OK, one piece of advice...listen to KitchenWitch!

She is a very smart lady, and knows what's she's talking about...

Hope your situation improves, and quickly!

[againes654]

10. Thank you

You are all smart, and so kind. I know I probably sound like a whinny baby. I am literally sitting here in tears wondering what to do. I think I am going to put in a call to my old manager to go back to waiting tables.

Thanks for your advice and your hugs!!! :hug:

[Tyler Durden]

8. I almost KILLED to get out of the Auto Industry...

After working in it off and on (mostly on) since 1970, I suggest you do the same.

I'll give you the same advice I gave my two boys: go into the technical end of MEDICINE, that is, Respiratory Therapy, X-Ray Tech, or if worst comes to worst, Clinical Laboratory.

Regular, mostly well paid work; better in Respiratory and X-Ray. Two years and you're on line, and you can get grants to take the classes, MOST of which can be online and after hours. MOST of one year will be clinical for Respiratory and X-Ray, but some hospitals which teach the courses will PAY you, and considerably better than minimum wage.

[againes654]

11. That is great advice, thank you!!!

I am going to go back to waiting tables and get some sort of degree while I do that.

Yes, the auto industry is bad. It is hard and stressful, and more than a roller coaster. It is what I know though. Oh well, I guess time to learn something new.

[KitchenWitch]

12. Another industry to avoid - particularly right now - is mortgage and real estate

:scared:

[gmoney]

13. Go to the Mercedes dealership near you...

Tell them you're an experienced "customer concierge" and that you can help their busy customers make all their purchasing decisions online or over the phone so all they have to do is come in and pick up the new Mercedes... or have it delivered to their mansion. AND tell the dealership that you can train other people to do it, too. You'll be able to name your price. (BTW, never call it a car, always call it a Mercedes)

Rich people are doing just fine in this country, and if you can find a way to exploit them, you can live pretty well, too.

If not Mercedes, BMW, or whatever luxury dealership is not too far away.

[againes654]

14. Hummm that is something to consider

Thank you. I will sure look into that.

[Burma Jones]

17. What Tyler said

This, or Office Manager for a Medical Practice, or something else similar, is a great idea. My Sister-In-Law has a HS diploma and makes over 80K as Office Manager for a Physicians Group. They treat her with respect and appreciation - they sent her and my Bro on a Caribbean Cruise last month and make sure she's invited to staff dinners etc...... She also knows how to finesse the Health Insurance Companies.......

Stay in there and you'll succeed....The only stupid people out there are those that stop trying to learn - and that ain't you.

[AllegroRondo]

19. Another good area - pharmacist

there is a HUGE shortage of pharmacists right now, and the training programs are similar in duration to the technical medical ones.

Another one, if you are good with numbers, is accounting. You can get a 2 year accounting degree, and theres a big shortage of accountants.

[LeftyMom]

15. Even retail work pays better than that

Don't get me wrong, retail work sucks a fat one, but if you can't pay the bills on what you're doing it might be something to look into.

If you can massage your skill set from this job into something that'll get you a nice office job, better yet.

[grasswire]

16. the path to your freedom is education/training

My dear girl. You don't say whether or not you have children, and that is a huge factor here. But the path for women out of poor jobs is training. You must brainstorm your way out of this dead-end situation. Example: Think about how the trends are going in our country right now. There's a huge increase in the number of aging people who need services that you can train for. It's a growth industry, even if the economy tanks.

Some of these fields would be available by home study, such as medical transcription. Others, such as home health aide or physical therapy aide, would require some schooling. And, of course, there are many other jobs aside from personal care, just waiting for you to dream up.

But I'll swear that EVERY community college and EVERY training school has funding available for women. You would surely qualify for grants that wouldn't have to be repaid! You could also consider a student loan, which you could pay back when you are making more money.

And this might be a personal comment, but in this day and age a woman can't rely on a married partner for security in old age. You must seize your own future. The fact that your husband has very little left after paying his child support means that perhaps he needs to take a second job, part-time, to help you through training time. And then when you are making more money, he could get some additional training.

What would be your dream job?

[againes654]

25. You are so right

Yes, I do have children. I have a step-daughter-15 and my daughter is 11. My step-daughter does not live with us. I am really going to have to do some thinking on this, because I really don't know what I would want to do. Not that I can afford to be too picky right now. I have heard some great sugestions in the replys to this thread. I thank you all for your thoughts, sugestions, and kind words.

As my sister told me today, I am not going to quit right now, because it is much easier to find another job if I still have a job. I am going to do some serious soul searching, and thinking.

:hug: :hi:

[Lex]

18. A friend in the similar situation started as an entry-level bank teller

and was promoted over time. She's doing pretty well and loves her job and hours and bennies.

[flvegan]

20. Well, since you're in charge of quoting prices and trades, I have a plan for you

That guy that wants the 2008 Z06 Vette and has the 1978 Bandit Trans Am ("super cherry" in his words) to trade? Easy:

Quote the price of the Vette at, oh, I don't know, $20,000.00. Sure it's a wee bit under the MSRP, but you need to make a sale. Then, quote his trade as having a value of $10k. It's a "collector's item" you see. Now, the customer just needs to come up with $10k or financing for $10k. Should be easy considering the equity is around, what, $60k?

Sale made, commission paid.

Also, I'd advertise to construction companies. Tell 'em your having fleet blowouts on all the big trucks, both regular and commercial grade. 75% off the sticker. Bet you sell them all!!!

[againes654]

24. You are too funny!!

:yourock:

[CharmCity]

21. Here's some GM advice

Husband worked for GM's mortgage arm. Signed a contract that promised a signing bonus. They paid half, and for every sale he made, they deducted it out of his sales commissions.

The good news: they offered health insurance. The bad news: he had to pay for it out of commissions.

He worked for them for eight months. I don't think he made any money at all, despite making sales. Nothing better than getting paychecks for $0.00. For months.

The only thing that surprised me was that we didn't get a bill from the bastards.

Whenever I find GM tschotskes around they house, I throw them out. Hate that company.

So you wanted advice? Here it is: get another job asap.

[cuke]

22. The pet industry

Dog walker, pet sitter, dog groomer, etc

[dembotoz]

23. internet manager is a good tiltle

you are good with a computer
you are good with people enen over a computer, your customers come in.

look for some kind of customery service type thing

some pay really fairly well.
be selective