@risinghorizon wrote:
I've thought about why I mystery shop. It is not so much the money, as I could survive without it. What if I stopped mshopping? No! I cannot even think about it for a minute. I read some people's comments that if they did not need the money, they won't mshop. If I won a million, I don't think I would completely give it up. It's in my blood. People who have not had that experience won't be interested because it is too much work, too much energy involved, etc. There is a way out. Be selective of what you do and who you work for.
The reason some are hesitant to take a leap is because it has not gotten into their blood. They think of all the work involved and the measly compensation as the final fruit of that labour. It is easier to make a speedy retreat. But it is not the best way to map a future.
As ICs, when we want to relax, we can do it, on our own terms. When we want to challenge ourselves, we go ahead and face more hurdles. We are the authors of our destiny. This is just too much for some new recruit to handle. It is the mystery of being an IC. It is hard to stomach for a newbie who is used to being taken care of by the family, the society, the company, the government, etc.
Boy, did this strike a chord. I don't need the money. I'm comfortable. Maybe too comfortable. I have a hard time talking myself into leaving the house. There are people out there! *shudders* Taking on a shop gives me a reason to leave the house. Even if at the last second, that little voice inside me says, "You don't want to go out there. THEY'RE out there. Stay home where it's safe.", I push myself out the door to do the shop because I said that I would. I won't go back on my word. That's sacred. So it gives me that little nudge that I need to get me out there, get me out of my sweats, and maybe even put on a little make-up and try to rejoin the human race for a while.
Today, I got the results of my first shop report. I got a 10/10. It gave me the reassurance I needed to do the next one. Just one. But I went out, and I did it. Didn't really even have the butterflies I had on the first one... well, maybe a little. lol But I came home, and I typed out my report. My husband said wow. All this narrative for a second hand store? Really? I said, "You know me. When you ask me what happened, don't you always complain that I detail everything to death until your eyes glaze over?" He agreed. That's what I do. I told him I LOVE this stuff. I mean, I really LOVE it. I've been bitten, and I'm wondering if there could ever be any turning back now. Doesn't feel like it. This is going to sound stupid, but I think I was made to do this. lol I've got two degrees in Respiratory Therapy, and I've finally found my calling doing mystery shops. lol
Think about it. I don't HAVE to do anything, if I don't want to. I could just stay home, and nobody is going to give me a hard time about it. But if I want to go out and engage with people, I can do that. I have a reason now. And sure, for me, it's a lifestyle thing. It's not about the money. If I do decide to go, we can have a nice bite to eat out. Or like today, I visited an old college professor that was about forty minutes away from my house. When I was finished visiting, just a couple miles down the road was the shop I had agreed to do. The lousy $12? Guess what? It paid for my gas to come and see my professor. And then I had a grand time writing out the report. I actually had a good time writing the stupid report. Oh yes... I believe this job was made for me! Color me happy. I. am. hooked.