Surviving Inactivity/Quitting and Restarting...

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the experiences of participants regarding going inactive or quitting their roles as Pampered Chef consultants, as well as the process of restarting their businesses. Participants share personal stories about their decisions, challenges faced, and considerations for selecting a new director.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shared their decision to go inactive for a year due to personal circumstances and issues with their current director.
  • Another participant mentioned observing others in their cluster who went inactive and returned, noting they often performed better the second time around due to increased focus and familiarity with the process.
  • Several users discussed the importance of choosing a supportive director, highlighting experiences with directors who were either encouraging or overly demanding.
  • One participant expressed frustration with a director who did not understand the challenges faced by consultants balancing work and personal commitments.
  • Another participant noted the significance of communication and support from uplines in achieving personal goals.
  • Some participants shared light-hearted comments about cooking and personal connections, reflecting on the community aspect of the forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the impact of going inactive and the qualities needed in a director. While some participants have had positive experiences returning to the business, others express concerns about the challenges of selecting a supportive director.

Contextual Notes

Participants shared personal experiences and challenges related to their roles as consultants, emphasizing the emotional and practical aspects of their decisions.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering going inactive or those looking to restart their business may find the shared experiences and insights helpful in navigating their own situations.

Kitchen Diva
Kitchen Diva
Gold Member
Messages
4,892
Hi everybody!! (I did it Chefann!)

Since I always seem to start threads that aren't exactly PC related, I thought I give sticking on topic a try, so here goes...

I have chosen to go inactive for 1 year in order to be able to sign up under a different director from NC where DH and I want to live some day very soon.

My current director is a back-stabbing, gossipy, dishonest, twit- which helped make my decision to go inactive a little easier. In addition to having a twit for a (former) director I have had some fun little family situations pile onto my plate all at once, so PC was something that needed to take a back seat for the time being.

I would like to know if there are any of you out there that have gone inactive in the past, or just quit PC and started up later down the road and what inactivity, or quitting did for your business once you started up again?

Also- what advice do you have in choosing a new director? I have ideas, but am open to the experiences and advice of others.

There is a small part of me that wants to book a show right now- but that won't solve my director problems, or get rid of all the stressful family situations I'm going through right now- so inactivity is a must for me at this time and I am fine with that.

I am curious about your journey's with PC, inactiviey, hanging up your apron, and re-joining again...

TIA :)
 
Kitchen Diva said:
Hi everybody!! (I did it Chefann!)

Since I always seem to start threads that aren't exactly PC related, I thought I give sticking on topic a try, so here goes...

I have chosen to go inactive for 1 year in order to be able to sign up under a different director from NC where DH and I want to live some day very soon.

My current director is a back-stabbing, gossipy, dishonest, twit- which helped make my decision to go inactive a little easier. In addition to having a twit for a (former) director I have had some fun little family situations pile onto my plate all at once, so PC was something that needed to take a back seat for the time being.

I would like to know if there are any of you out there that have gone inactive in the past, or just quit PC and started up later down the road and what inactivity, or quitting did for your business once you started up again?

Also- what advice do you have in choosing a new director? I have ideas, but am open to the experiences and advice of others.

There is a small part of me that wants to book a show right now- but that won't solve my director problems, or get rid of all the stressful family situations I'm going through right now- so inactivity is a must for me at this time and I am fine with that.

I am curious about your journey's with PC, inactiviey, hanging up your apron, and re-joining again...

TIA :)
Click to expand...


JAE isn't on much right now - but she sold for several years, then quit, and then started back up again last year....PM her to ask her your questions - I know she would have some good answers for you!
 
I personally haven't of course, but have seen some in my own cluster that did and others around.They did great the second time around, better than the first because they knew the "routine" and were more focused on what they were doing.For a recruiter, I look for honesty mainly. This is a business so I look at the person as if they were my boss (even though I'm my own boss). Will they provide the resources and support I need (NO MATTER WHAT MY GOALS ARE)? My recruiter is so-so, but I signed under her knowing I'd be in an ED's first line and close to corporate resources if I need. I am very happy with my decision because with either one, I can ask and receive what I need. On the flip-side, they also don't pressure me to do more than I want. I have seen many, many local consultants from another cluster quit due to the director being pushy, selfish, etc. One person wanted to do part-time, but the director wouldn't recognize ANY achievements unless full-time.My director rewards the big things, but says congratulations when you meet your goals, even if it is 2 shows per month.By nature, I am a trainer and encourager so I like cheering on those around me. I had a recruit, but she went inactive before qualifying...not due to any lack of training, just personal I believe. I still try to keep in touch to see when PC is right for her. I was supportive of her goals, whatever they were. That is key.You have to also be open to your upline and communicate what you are looking for.I hope that helps a bit.
 
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Thanks Janet, and Becky, that info is helpful. I will PM JAE and chat with her...

Janet, it's nice to know others have gone through it. The gal I recruited is doing well, but due to some hard times has had to go back to work FT, and with the busy schedules that her children have she is unable to do more than 1 show per month, which I would be fine with, but since going inactive, she is now under my director who is TICKED off at her for going back to work FT and not being able to make the monthly meetings because of her new work schedule...

People like that don't get it, ya know!
 
Lucky you Kacey..............there are some really great Chef Success people here that live in NC!!!
 
I, unfortunately for you, can not help you here! My first thought was that, couldn't PC help right now in your current situation, with limited funds and your hubby not working? But you need to do what is best for you, AND if you are getting no where with your director then maybe this is a good decision. I do not have this problem and my reccomendation for finding a good director is just keep asking on here! Someone is bound to have a good director for you! Good luck, Kacey! I will pray for God's guidance for you!:angel:
 
MissChef said:
I, unfortunately for you, can not help you here! My first thought was that, couldn't PC help right now in your current situation, with limited funds and your hubby not working? But you need to do what is best for you, AND if you are getting no where with your director then maybe this is a good decision. I do not have this problem and my reccomendation for finding a good director is just keep asking on here! Someone is bound to have a good director for you! Good luck, Kacey! I will pray for God's guidance for you!:angel:
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Me-me-me - I volunteer again! ;)
 
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  • #8
erinyourpclady said:
Lucky you Kacey..............there are some really great Chef Success people here that live in NC!!!
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I know- it will be hard to choose. A big portion of deciding who will be what city we end up planting ourselves in, and the rest is who makes the best sweet tea, and who can show me how to make smothered pork chops and biscuits.

Oh, and then there's the part about they need to be funny, honest, encouraging, able to train, guide, coach, mentor, be there for me when needed, pick me up when I'm down, smack me when I'm lazy, praise me when I rock...etc. :)

Hmmm, well what do ya know....you are in NC, too! :) how interesting;)
 
I'm not moving to NC but someone in my cluster is this next year probably...I have the 2nd part down, but I guess I'd better work on my tea-making and smothered pork chops!I'm getting pretty good at biscuits and gravy! LOL!;)
 
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  • #10
janetupnorth said:
I'm not moving to NC but someone in my cluster is this next year probably...

I have the 2nd part down, but I guess I'd better work on my tea-making and smothered pork chops!

I'm getting pretty good at biscuits and gravy! LOL!

;)
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You are too funny, Janet! :) Feel free to share the biscuits and gravy recipe. DH wants me to learn to make that.

I actually have the tea making down, and could help you with that. I was watching this TV show called CLEAN HOUSE last night and the lady on there was going to make Smothered Pork Chops as her first meal in her newly cleaned house, and those sounded SOOOO good.
 
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  • #11
janetupnorth said:
Me-me-me - I volunteer again! ;)
Click to expand...

:) I love you, too! :) You could be my step-director...sort of like the idea of a step-parent. :)
 
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  • #12
I know there are more of you out there in Chefferland that have quit or gone inactive- are you all out partying today? LOL
 
I have a consultant on my team that went inactive for over a year and then resigned (with the same recruiter - it was personal not personalities). This time around she is much more focused and is doing great! Sometimes you need a break.

I also have a consultant on my team who was a consultant some time ago and decided to try it again with me. She is very much a hobbyist but loves being back. I am talking with another past consultant who is considering joining my team.

It definitely can be a good thing. It all depends on YOU!

Where in North Carolina will you be moving? Even if you stay with your current director I would love to have you join our meetings as hospitality if it's near enough for you! And, Janet, same goes for your cluster-mate!

I live between Raleigh and Greensboro (within an hour of both). I have a good director friend who lives in Roanoke Rapids too...

Feel free to email or pm me if you have any quesitons.
 
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  • #14
BethCooks4U said:
I have a consultant on my team that went inactive for over a year and then resigned (with the same recruiter - it was personal not personalities). This time around she is much more focused and is doing great! Sometimes you need a break.

I also have a consultant on my team who was a consultant some time ago and decided to try it again with me. She is very much a hobbyist but loves being back. I am talking with another past consultant who is considering joining my team.

It definitely can be a good thing. It all depends on YOU!

Where in North Carolina will you be moving? Even if you stay with your current director I would love to have you join our meetings as hospitality if it's near enough for you! And, Janet, same goes for your cluster-mate!

I live between Raleigh and Greensboro (within an hour of both). I have a good director friend who lives in Roanoke Rapids too...

Feel free to email or pm me if you have any quesitons.
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Thanks, Beth- I will certainly keep you in mind and take you up on your offer if I'm in your neck of the woods! (I will NOT be staying with my current director however) We have no idea where in NC we'll be moving. I want to either be really close to the coast (blocks away from ocean) or in the Mountains- or within viewing distance of the mountains. I guess where ever my DH lands an awesome job is where we'll be moving.

Part of me hopes that a job will open up in NC so we can just move within a month or two- I've got enough experience that I could be a temp for a while until I find something permanent... I'm tired of the cold weather, the semi-cold people here, the crappy produce in our stores, the fact that they want to base our property taxes on income (which is fine right now b/c we are both unemployed) but once DH and I start working, we'll be in the 6 figures again, and well...I don't wanna know how much that increase in taxes will be) In MN we are taxed to death, regulated to death and governed to death....I'm ready for the southern hospitatily and no snow- or at least not 6 months of snow. :)
 
You'll love NC! There are job opportunities in Raleigh and Greensboro (both about 1 hour from me) and other places. It will happen for you I am sure!

Good luck in your search! I know you'll find the right job, place and team and all will be good. You are in my prayers.


I just sent you an email. Oh, and, PS: my dh SOOOOO wants to move to the coast but right now his job is in Thomasville so not happening quite yet.
 
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  • #16
BethCooks4U said:
You'll love NC! There are job opportunities in Raleigh and Greensboro (both about 1 hour from me) and other places. It will happen for you I am sure!

Good luck in your search! I know you'll find the right job, place and team and all will be good. You are in my prayers.


I just sent you an email. Oh, and, PS: my dh SOOOOO wants to move to the coast but right now his job is in Thomasville so not happening quite yet.
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I love the beach, the sand, the sea shells, the wind, the sound of the waves crashing on shore.... I miss falling to sleep to that sound! I have one of those Sharper Image clock radios with 20 pre-programmed sounds, and their rendition of ocean waves are not quite the same as the real thing!:(
 
If you are determined to go under a new director be sure to check your dates. The 12 months that you need to be inactive are from the date you go inactive not from the last show submitted.

Last show submitted 5/20/08
0 sales June & July, Inactive as of August 1, 2008
Can sign with new director August 1,2009

You probably already know that but just in case. I would also call HO to check the date for sure before sending in the agreement.
 
Kitchen Diva said:
I love the beach, the sand, the sea shells, the wind, the sound of the waves crashing on shore.... I miss falling to sleep to that sound! I have one of those Sharper Image clock radios with 20 pre-programmed sounds, and their rendition of ocean waves are not quite the same as the real thing!:(
Click to expand...
We love it too! We often take a day trip to the beach (about 2 1/2 hour ride) and fully intend to retire within 30-50 miles of the ocean!
 
Kitchen Diva said:
I know- it will be hard to choose. A big portion of deciding who will be what city we end up planting ourselves in, and the rest is who makes the best sweet tea, and who can show me how to make smothered pork chops and biscuits.

Oh, and then there's the part about they need to be funny, honest, encouraging, able to train, guide, coach, mentor, be there for me when needed, pick me up when I'm down, smack me when I'm lazy, praise me when I rock...etc. :)

Hmmm, well what do ya know....you are in NC, too! :) how interesting;)
Click to expand...

I can handle all the wit, praise and butt kicking for ya...but I do not know how to make sweet tea or smothered pork chops.....I am a So Cal girl at heart! I can teach you how to make some frijoles and carne asada though!! LOL!!

You will find the right person because you know what YOU need now!!
 
erinyourpclady said:
I can handle all the wit, praise and butt kicking for ya...but I do not know how to make sweet tea or smothered pork chops.....I am a So Cal girl at heart! I can teachy ou how to make some frijoles and carne asada though!! LOL!!

You will find the right person because you know what YOU need now!!
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Ohhh.... Kasey, I have learned to make great sweet tea (my son's friend's mom's used to be the best but now they say mine is:p ) and my breaded pork chops are famous (not sure if they are "southern" though).

Am I lobbying too much???:chef:
 
I reactivated after 10 years. Combination of reasons (PM me for more details). Now due to chronic health problems, I'm considering going on leave for 2-3 months, based on MD advice--or just push catalog and web shows. Decisions, decisions.The business really can move with you :) You can keep your former customer base very happy if they will order over the phone or net. I have the ATT unlimited calling (found the offer on the net, unlimited local and LD calls for about $50 a month).Good idea to choose your upline carefully. I've been blessed with good people, and good Hospitality Director.IMO it is very unfortunate that PC doesn't offer an option to switch to a new immediate upline, sort of a PC 'divorce", with good cause, written complaint and request. Perhaps limited to once every 3-5 years or something similar. That would weed out some problems, especially if several people bailed from a Director.
 
BethCooks4U said:
Ohhh.... Kasey, I have learned to make great sweet tea (my son's friend's mom's used to be the best but now they say mine is:p ) and my breaded pork chops are famous (not sure if they are "southern" though).

Am I lobbying too much???:chef:
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No, but you'll have competition!

I can always learn a recipe or cooking style...but the other traits aren't always learned! It helps to have them already.

(Not that you don't already have them...just had to kick in my strong points...)

:D

We can duke it out in person when we meet in July and then tell Kacey who won! LOL! :p
 
janetupnorth said:
No, but you'll have competition!

I can always learn a recipe or cooking style...but the other traits aren't always learned! It helps to have them already.

(Not that you don't already have them...just had to kick in my strong points...)

:D

We can duke it out in person when we meet in July and then tell Kacey who won! LOL! :p
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Okay! You're on!
 
Ooooh, oooh, oooh - can I be the ref?
 
Wait a minute - you guys are in two different waves!
 
We are meeting when I am in WI visiting family before I head down for conference.





She just better keep the secrets!!
 
OK - well I can still come up and ref then!
 
dianevill said:
OK - well I can still come up and ref then!
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SURE! We haven't made final details yet. I'll let you know when we do!
 
Sure, join us Diane!And of COURSE I'm keeping the secrets! I'm not ruining ANY surprises for those going!
 
dianevill said:
Wait a minute - you guys are in two different waves!
Click to expand...

Not much getting past you today. ;)

We're probably meeting in Oak Creek or somewhere around there. I'll have my kids with...

We can open up our invite to all in the SE WI area without a problem.
 
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