I'm a quiter
Oh, people. I've learned my lesson. Nothing good comes from stalking. Also? I have nerves of the finest silk, not steel, and am not cut out for the high stress world of newspaper delivery.
First of all (why yes, this is a long list of bitching. sit down, put your feet up), I could not get to sleep. Couldn't nap, couldn't sleep. Awake. As in, still awake today, from yesterday. Whoo boy, am I going to be cranky this afternoon when I go grocery shopping. (word of advice? stay away from Hannaford's this afternoon. I'm just sayin')
Second, I had NO IDEA so many people had vicious barking dogs they left out at night. It's warm, but not that warm people. Also? If you leave specific instructions that you want your newspaper tucked between your front door and the screen door? Then don't leave a barking pit bull tied up next to said door. Because my wimpy ass? Is not delivering your paper to that door. It will be on your driveway where I can safely chuck it from my car without being eaten alive by Kujo.
Third? Lights people. It's dark at night, and I don't fancy killing myself on your rickety steps/stairs/yard. And the people who live in apartment buildings, with no lights in the corridors or stairs and want the paper delivered to their third floor door? With no lights? Woman all by herself in the middle of the night? No way. Not going to happen. I've seen the movies, I know what happens to lone women who go up the stairs instead of out of the house. I could practically hear the scary music playing.
Fourth. (almost done, I promise) If you want your newspaper stuffed through the mail slot, do me a favor and don't have one of those nifty spring loaded mail slots that keep the drafts out. Because, when I shove the large Sunday paper through, it snaps shut on my finger, neatly slicing 1/2" of skin off the top of my finger. (sorry about that, not a pleasant discovery for you this morning, I'm sure.) It's bled through two band aids, and I'm not really fond of bleeding.
Lastly, the pay. I was told I could make $350-400 a month doing this. While not a ton of money, it would certainly help. However, while talking with my trainer last night, I realized something. That is before I 'buy' the papers to sell to my customers. As in, I'd actually bring home much less.
And that means it's just not worth it to me. Although the timing of this job would have been perfect, not leaving the boys home alone (awake), I just am not going to do it. The pay and the scary unlit apartment buildings did it, but the injury certainly didn't help either.
4 Things People Said:
I'm glad to hear you aren't doing it. My sister did it when she was a kid (in the afternoons though) and the newspaper company totally ripped her off. It is way too much work for very little money, esp when you are responsible for buying the papers then collecting your own pay.
Hey, me too. I'm such a quitter.
I also discovered how much newspaper routes sucked in the fourth grade. So not worth it.
We bought the papers. The rubberbands. The plastic bags. the newspapers and then had to go door to door to collect with people who would rarely pay or answer the door. I lasted one week--they didn't have penalties back then.
It's a shame you didn't have one as a kid because you would have found out what a scam it was.
I think I made more money when I sold Pampered Chef. Now that my friend is saying something.
Now, my kids went around our street yesterday for their swimathon and made $280 in one hour--most of it in cash. That's the way to go. Have your kids go around soliciting for the Woman With Kids Foundation. I bet they'll make more than silly old newspaper route, eh?
I'm joking, m'kay? Don't do it. Maybe have them sell candy bars instead....Hehehe.
Wow, what a scam. And they wonder why print media is dying.
So are you putting in your 30 day's notice?
I'm sorry it didn't work out. It sounded like a good idea, in theory.
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