We follow a model where we have to cover expenses and then hope we do a good enough job to get reimbursed.
At first, I was nervous taking a $300 dining shop. I could afford that, but would never spend that much on one dinner (maybe ten or more combined!). The job paid, but it was nerve wracking. All of those similar jobs have paid, thankfully.
I was listening to a podcast about a woman who took a 25k cruise. First of all, you need a 25k credit line. How many shoppers have that? Then, you will spend much of that time writing about it and not truly enjoying it. Imagine that doesn't get accepted? Now you are out 25k and did not enjoy the cruise. How could people take these risks?!?
The most I have lost was around $28. I did not take a picture that I needed. I filled out the entire report and took the other 8-10 pictures, but I missed one. The report took at least an hour. That was $28, not thousands that you could lose out on a cruise or a hotel.
How much of a risk will you take? What is the most you have lost?