What I Learned from Selling Knives Door to Door
It was borderline pyramid scheme, but with some major life lessons.
I nervously sat in a run-down office fidgeting with my resume. I dressed my best — black slacks, blue dress shirt, and a checkered tie. It was my first somewhat legit job interview in college. Prior to this, I worked as a server in the college cafeteria and then as a janitor.
My friend had supposedly gotten me this job interview. Week after week in class, he would show me his paychecks. They ranged between $500-$1000… per week. Back in 2004, that was serious money for a part-time college student job.
I would ask what he did for work, but he was always super vague about it (I later knew why). After about 2 months, he said he could get me an interview and would put in a good word for me. I was beyond thrilled. I thought this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance at making it in the business world.
The manager called me into his office. He skimmed briefly through my resume and asked me 1–2 questions about my major. Then he said I seemed like a hardworking person and he liked me. Plus since my friend had recommended me, I was hired.
I tried to contain my excitement as I smiled politely, shook his hand, and walked out of the office. The interview lasted less…
