Complaint Review: Combined Insurance Company Of America - Chicago Illinois

I just quit yesterday (9.15.08) I left a message on my DM's phone and he came and got everything today. This company in general is a good one for some people. I also was told I would get 500 a week on top of my commission due to the fact that they understand that this is a hard business. That was a lie I didn't know until my 3rd week. I was also told that my sm would come out with me anytime I needed him. Ha ha that didn't happen either. I also don't believe we should be selling to the poor which is what we were doing. Also I know my DM and SM were doing things that are illegal as in replacing existing policies. I hope that if anyone who already works there or is planning to treds with great caution. Just make sure you do everything by the book and remember that selling is an art that not everyone can do. This is true even if you were told that it is all in the numbers. It is not. It depends largely on you, and your abilities. I quite because I have a sick child, as well as two other children an a husband who stays at home to care for our sick child. I needed a job that I can rely on a paycheck. Double check everything that you are told before you say I ACCEPT.

I just quit yesterday (9.15.08) I left a message on my DM's phone and he came and got everything today. This company in general is a good one for some people. I also was told I would get 500 a week on top of my commission due to the fact that they understand that this is a hard business. That was a lie I didn't know until my 3rd week. I was also told that my sm would come out with me anytime I needed him. Ha ha that didn't happen either. I also don't believe we should be selling to the poor which is what we were doing. Also I know my DM and SM were doing things that are illegal as in replacing existing policies. I hope that if anyone who already works there or is planning to treds with great caution. Just make sure you do everything by the book and remember that selling is an art that not everyone can do. This is true even if you were told that it is all in the numbers. It is not. It depends largely on you, and your abilities. I quite because I have a sick child, as well as two other children an a husband who stays at home to care for our sick child. I needed a job that I can rely on a paycheck. Double check everything that you are told before you say I ACCEPT.

I just quit yesterday (9.15.08) I left a message on my DM's phone and he came and got everything today. This company in general is a good one for some people. I also was told I would get 500 a week on top of my commission due to the fact that they understand that this is a hard business. That was a lie I didn't know until my 3rd week. I was also told that my sm would come out with me anytime I needed him. Ha ha that didn't happen either. I also don't believe we should be selling to the poor which is what we were doing. Also I know my DM and SM were doing things that are illegal as in replacing existing policies. I hope that if anyone who already works there or is planning to treds with great caution. Just make sure you do everything by the book and remember that selling is an art that not everyone can do. This is true even if you were told that it is all in the numbers. It is not. It depends largely on you, and your abilities. I quite because I have a sick child, as well as two other children an a husband who stays at home to care for our sick child. I needed a job that I can rely on a paycheck. Double check everything that you are told before you say I ACCEPT.

I just quit yesterday (9.15.08) I left a message on my DM's phone and he came and got everything today. This company in general is a good one for some people. I also was told I would get 500 a week on top of my commission due to the fact that they understand that this is a hard business. That was a lie I didn't know until my 3rd week. I was also told that my sm would come out with me anytime I needed him. Ha ha that didn't happen either. I also don't believe we should be selling to the poor which is what we were doing. Also I know my DM and SM were doing things that are illegal as in replacing existing policies. I hope that if anyone who already works there or is planning to treds with great caution. Just make sure you do everything by the book and remember that selling is an art that not everyone can do. This is true even if you were told that it is all in the numbers. It is not. It depends largely on you, and your abilities. I quite because I have a sick child, as well as two other children an a husband who stays at home to care for our sick child. I needed a job that I can rely on a paycheck. Double check everything that you are told before you say I ACCEPT.

I worked at combined for about 3 years as an agent and sales manager. I also know how the District Managers compensation works. Essentially, he gets a bonus if he keeps so many pads in the field. If he reaches a certain level he gets a bonus. He doesn't care at all about you and is just trying to keep you on the books long enough to get a bonus check. If they fall below a certain amount of agents in field they also start getting yelled at(or talked to and motivated), so he is getting bitched at by his bosses, and/ or potentially losing bonuses. What you do is call the company direct tell them you've quit and your District Manager refuses to get collect your stuff, also tell them if you are contacted further you will contact your states department of Insurance, about there practices. They will drop you and you'll never here from them again, the District Manager will get in trouble, though the real problem is the regional managers and higher are sending down these orders in a sometimes direct way off the record, and on the record suggesting it. The overall problem with combined is upper management, there are some good people there but until the top is removed. 90+ percent of regionals and higher it is a systemic mess. The higher ups give the orders and threaten the District Level with forcing them on the road, or changing there coverage area, or charging them for hotels when they are forced on the road, or making them get on 3 conference calls a day. Obviously the District Manager doesn't want that, so he tries to keep the in field up anyway he can, that is what is happening to you. I left after three years, and more empty speeches than one should have to endure for a lifetime. Overall the company is managed by bad people with low ethical standards, a good percentage at the bottom are just trying to deal with it for whatever reason.

I worked at combined for about 3 years as an agent and sales manager. I also know how the District Managers compensation works. Essentially, he gets a bonus if he keeps so many pads in the field. If he reaches a certain level he gets a bonus. He doesn't care at all about you and is just trying to keep you on the books long enough to get a bonus check. If they fall below a certain amount of agents in field they also start getting yelled at(or talked to and motivated), so he is getting bitched at by his bosses, and/ or potentially losing bonuses. What you do is call the company direct tell them you've quit and your District Manager refuses to get collect your stuff, also tell them if you are contacted further you will contact your states department of Insurance, about there practices. They will drop you and you'll never here from them again, the District Manager will get in trouble, though the real problem is the regional managers and higher are sending down these orders in a sometimes direct way off the record, and on the record suggesting it. The overall problem with combined is upper management, there are some good people there but until the top is removed. 90+ percent of regionals and higher it is a systemic mess. The higher ups give the orders and threaten the District Level with forcing them on the road, or changing there coverage area, or charging them for hotels when they are forced on the road, or making them get on 3 conference calls a day. Obviously the District Manager doesn't want that, so he tries to keep the in field up anyway he can, that is what is happening to you. I left after three years, and more empty speeches than one should have to endure for a lifetime. Overall the company is managed by bad people with low ethical standards, a good percentage at the bottom are just trying to deal with it for whatever reason.

I worked at combined for about 3 years as an agent and sales manager. I also know how the District Managers compensation works. Essentially, he gets a bonus if he keeps so many pads in the field. If he reaches a certain level he gets a bonus. He doesn't care at all about you and is just trying to keep you on the books long enough to get a bonus check. If they fall below a certain amount of agents in field they also start getting yelled at(or talked to and motivated), so he is getting bitched at by his bosses, and/ or potentially losing bonuses. What you do is call the company direct tell them you've quit and your District Manager refuses to get collect your stuff, also tell them if you are contacted further you will contact your states department of Insurance, about there practices. They will drop you and you'll never here from them again, the District Manager will get in trouble, though the real problem is the regional managers and higher are sending down these orders in a sometimes direct way off the record, and on the record suggesting it. The overall problem with combined is upper management, there are some good people there but until the top is removed. 90+ percent of regionals and higher it is a systemic mess. The higher ups give the orders and threaten the District Level with forcing them on the road, or changing there coverage area, or charging them for hotels when they are forced on the road, or making them get on 3 conference calls a day. Obviously the District Manager doesn't want that, so he tries to keep the in field up anyway he can, that is what is happening to you. I left after three years, and more empty speeches than one should have to endure for a lifetime. Overall the company is managed by bad people with low ethical standards, a good percentage at the bottom are just trying to deal with it for whatever reason.

Combined have a high turnover rate. Under combined employment agreement; if you don't make any money at all for the company for 3 weeks straight they will let you go. So if they know you want to quit but they wont let you quit, just dont show up or answer their calls because they will try to make you feel guilty about how much they invested in you and stuff. Go look for a new company to represent that will give you a little bit more freedom. PMA!!!

How is everyone PMA? haha Give me a P! Give me an M! Give me an A! I hate doing all their stupid cheers and tell that stupid joke haha. Yeah before I even start the Manager who recruited me lie to me that I will be getting a salary of $500 a week plus commission for the first 13 weeks. And I fell for it instead the only time where you make money is on PAL weeks which mine PAL lasted only 1 day and I was on my own the rest of the way. But yeah they didn't want me to quit also so I turn off my phone. But the fun part about the company is the 2 weeks sales training it was fun.

My suggestion would be to send your kit and materials directly to the company.

I have to laugh at the positive comments for Combined Insurance. When I read the rip off reports about Combined it's like re-living a bad dream. These stories all ring true and I have seen it all myself. I was with Combined for over 4 years. I know the company well. I have heard all the same stories from policy holders and agents alike that are written here. The only good thing I can say about Combined Insurance is that they did get me into the insurance business, but, I don't think that's really a compliment... Selling the 12$ ADP made $30 for the agent and 1$ a month residual after 12 months. In comparison if a policy is sold from any other company the premium is generally multiplied by 12 and the agent will make $144 if the commission is advanced, if not then $12 for 12 months. That's a big difference. I haven't sold a policy for $12 for over 8 years, but I remember it well. I now own an insurance brokerage selling all lines of insurance. The residual income I accumulated with Combined was not vested as most companies are so I lost that when I left. It took 1 month to replace it selling normal insurance, such as group health, life, annuities, long term care, Medicare supplements, liability, workers comp, disability, dental, vision, cancer, business, and so on. I'm sure the positive comments are from people who have a good work ethic or you still wouldn't be where you are. That being said I would suggest putting that work ethic to better use. The effort that goes into selling a $12 or $18 policy is the same as a $9000 policy. The difference is the larger policy is actually wanted and needed by the client or required by law, such as a liability policy or a group health plan. The commission is a great deal more as well. For instance: group health commission is usually 5% of the premium per month. One business may pay 20,000 per month, that's $1000 commission per month every month. With just one example you can see why your selling skill can be put to better use. Individual health pays 15% of the premium per month. Medicare supplements are 23.5% per month...forever as long as the policy is in force. The commissions are vested as well, meaning even when I retire, quit, or die those commission checks will keep coming as long as the premiums are paid. There are tons of money to be made in the insurance business with reputable companies "none of which are listed on this site and for a reason". When I think of Combined and the things I saw and the business activities I feel like I need a shower. Meeting in fast food places, food courts, motels, is not professional. I can honestly say I have never had a meeting with AIG, Mutual of Omaha, Prudential, ING, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Coventry, New York Life, Genworth, Progressive, West Coast Life, United Health Care, Wells Fargo, Guardian, Aetna, or any of the other companies I represent in Burger King. There is a whole other side to the insurance industry, a good side. I love what I do, I look forward to going to work and I don't have to worry about "selling" anyone. With my residual income there is no pressure to sell so closing becomes very easy and fun. I can't say the same about my time with Combined. In closing, I wish everyone success and it is achieved by those who try and keep trying with a positive mental attitude...

I worked for CICA for a 3 month span that started horribly, but has given me some awesome life lessons. I responded to an ad, set up an interview, and then was told I would be given a call. I interviewed in a bordering state, so instead of sending me to my home state for training (where CICA has a training center 2 hours from my house) they send me to Nashville, Tenn over 7 hours from my residence. I was there for 3 weeks due to scheduling issues on tests, where I endured a cheap motel, $20 a day in food, yet some of the best training around. During training I revealed to the instructor that my RM who interviewed me informed me the only way to get the job was to fake a residency in the bordering state by using a friends address, and then I could easy switch it back over after I got licensed. The instructor blew his top, forcing me to write all the information and sign it to prevent backlash on him. After passing the tests (98%) I went back to start my fabulous career collecting insurance premiums and helping nice people fill out claim forms. I had a DM who was battling depression, so I was forced to stay 4 hours from home in a hotel for 2 additional weeks of PAL. I am up to 6 consecutive weeks on the road, for what was meant to be 2 weeks in training. Long story short, my DM was fired (i know its amazing) my adopted DM was 3 hours away, so I was stuck breaking down routes on my own 4 weeks into the field. After losing my butt week after week and being forced to share premium with lazy DM's who would stay in MY CAR where it was cool while I tried to sale, I finally gave up and came home. In 3.5 months I put 9600 miles on my car, countless nights in hotel rooms, and continuous lies, I called it quits. When I finally left, my adopted DM refused to take my stuff, saying he would get it later. Fast forward 3 more months, my RM calls to say she wants me to drive her box and kit 2 hours away to deliver to some agents (my district is still empty). I told her I was unsure where it was after 3 months, and she then said "I think there is some money missing, we need to talk". Talking about ridiculous. They have an entire route missing and they are going to say I stole money?!?! I truly feel sorry for the mid-level employees who have to endure daily calls that force these truly good people to become bitter. I will say this though, I believe in CICA product, and still carry my policy that I bought ( to get on the books one week!)

I worked for CICA for a 3 month span that started horribly, but has given me some awesome life lessons. I responded to an ad, set up an interview, and then was told I would be given a call. I interviewed in a bordering state, so instead of sending me to my home state for training (where CICA has a training center 2 hours from my house) they send me to Nashville, Tenn over 7 hours from my residence. I was there for 3 weeks due to scheduling issues on tests, where I endured a cheap motel, $20 a day in food, yet some of the best training around. During training I revealed to the instructor that my RM who interviewed me informed me the only way to get the job was to fake a residency in the bordering state by using a friends address, and then I could easy switch it back over after I got licensed. The instructor blew his top, forcing me to write all the information and sign it to prevent backlash on him. After passing the tests (98%) I went back to start my fabulous career collecting insurance premiums and helping nice people fill out claim forms. I had a DM who was battling depression, so I was forced to stay 4 hours from home in a hotel for 2 additional weeks of PAL. I am up to 6 consecutive weeks on the road, for what was meant to be 2 weeks in training. Long story short, my DM was fired (i know its amazing) my adopted DM was 3 hours away, so I was stuck breaking down routes on my own 4 weeks into the field. After losing my butt week after week and being forced to share premium with lazy DM's who would stay in MY CAR where it was cool while I tried to sale, I finally gave up and came home. In 3.5 months I put 9600 miles on my car, countless nights in hotel rooms, and continuous lies, I called it quits. When I finally left, my adopted DM refused to take my stuff, saying he would get it later. Fast forward 3 more months, my RM calls to say she wants me to drive her box and kit 2 hours away to deliver to some agents (my district is still empty). I told her I was unsure where it was after 3 months, and she then said "I think there is some money missing, we need to talk". Talking about ridiculous. They have an entire route missing and they are going to say I stole money?!?! I truly feel sorry for the mid-level employees who have to endure daily calls that force these truly good people to become bitter. I will say this though, I believe in CICA product, and still carry my policy that I bought ( to get on the books one week!)

I worked for CICA for a 3 month span that started horribly, but has given me some awesome life lessons. I responded to an ad, set up an interview, and then was told I would be given a call. I interviewed in a bordering state, so instead of sending me to my home state for training (where CICA has a training center 2 hours from my house) they send me to Nashville, Tenn over 7 hours from my residence. I was there for 3 weeks due to scheduling issues on tests, where I endured a cheap motel, $20 a day in food, yet some of the best training around. During training I revealed to the instructor that my RM who interviewed me informed me the only way to get the job was to fake a residency in the bordering state by using a friends address, and then I could easy switch it back over after I got licensed. The instructor blew his top, forcing me to write all the information and sign it to prevent backlash on him. After passing the tests (98%) I went back to start my fabulous career collecting insurance premiums and helping nice people fill out claim forms. I had a DM who was battling depression, so I was forced to stay 4 hours from home in a hotel for 2 additional weeks of PAL. I am up to 6 consecutive weeks on the road, for what was meant to be 2 weeks in training. Long story short, my DM was fired (i know its amazing) my adopted DM was 3 hours away, so I was stuck breaking down routes on my own 4 weeks into the field. After losing my butt week after week and being forced to share premium with lazy DM's who would stay in MY CAR where it was cool while I tried to sale, I finally gave up and came home. In 3.5 months I put 9600 miles on my car, countless nights in hotel rooms, and continuous lies, I called it quits. When I finally left, my adopted DM refused to take my stuff, saying he would get it later. Fast forward 3 more months, my RM calls to say she wants me to drive her box and kit 2 hours away to deliver to some agents (my district is still empty). I told her I was unsure where it was after 3 months, and she then said "I think there is some money missing, we need to talk". Talking about ridiculous. They have an entire route missing and they are going to say I stole money?!?! I truly feel sorry for the mid-level employees who have to endure daily calls that force these truly good people to become bitter. I will say this though, I believe in CICA product, and still carry my policy that I bought ( to get on the books one week!)

I worked for CICA for a 3 month span that started horribly, but has given me some awesome life lessons. I responded to an ad, set up an interview, and then was told I would be given a call. I interviewed in a bordering state, so instead of sending me to my home state for training (where CICA has a training center 2 hours from my house) they send me to Nashville, Tenn over 7 hours from my residence. I was there for 3 weeks due to scheduling issues on tests, where I endured a cheap motel, $20 a day in food, yet some of the best training around. During training I revealed to the instructor that my RM who interviewed me informed me the only way to get the job was to fake a residency in the bordering state by using a friends address, and then I could easy switch it back over after I got licensed. The instructor blew his top, forcing me to write all the information and sign it to prevent backlash on him. After passing the tests (98%) I went back to start my fabulous career collecting insurance premiums and helping nice people fill out claim forms. I had a DM who was battling depression, so I was forced to stay 4 hours from home in a hotel for 2 additional weeks of PAL. I am up to 6 consecutive weeks on the road, for what was meant to be 2 weeks in training. Long story short, my DM was fired (i know its amazing) my adopted DM was 3 hours away, so I was stuck breaking down routes on my own 4 weeks into the field. After losing my butt week after week and being forced to share premium with lazy DM's who would stay in MY CAR where it was cool while I tried to sale, I finally gave up and came home. In 3.5 months I put 9600 miles on my car, countless nights in hotel rooms, and continuous lies, I called it quits. When I finally left, my adopted DM refused to take my stuff, saying he would get it later. Fast forward 3 more months, my RM calls to say she wants me to drive her box and kit 2 hours away to deliver to some agents (my district is still empty). I told her I was unsure where it was after 3 months, and she then said "I think there is some money missing, we need to talk". Talking about ridiculous. They have an entire route missing and they are going to say I stole money?!?! I truly feel sorry for the mid-level employees who have to endure daily calls that force these truly good people to become bitter. I will say this though, I believe in CICA product, and still carry my policy that I bought ( to get on the books one week!)

Morning everyone, I read most of these seemingly amateur "failure" postings. What I mean is, the only folks bad-mouthing Combined are those that are no longer with them. So, I have to make a decision, do I base my decisoin on you all that have failed or from those like some of my friends that make a good income with Combined? Well, truth is, I don't really have anyone working for Combined, but they are an enormous, old-old company and it is hard for me to believe reality from some of your postings. Anyway, regardless, I work for a company (career/captive division) just like you all do/did (no, not direct like you, but throw a marketing firm). ... so my best advise is to get into the senior market virtually exclusively as they are the next soon-to-be largest population in America. Try annuities... lead in w/ the company I work for that gives you FREE LEADS or $18 preset appointments (you pick the divisons of the total 6 of them that you wish to work for AND they let me swap division from division at virtually my own discretion, unless I were to tick off on of the Regional guys). Anyway, I start with my lead-in Med-Sup (or free Med-Advantage or free HMO, which our company has the top contracts w/ all. then I focus on running my policyholders on a 2nd call to their home. here is where I bank, as I sell Life, Cancer, ANNUITY. In today's market, you can't beat it! I don't live in Dallas, Texas where our Headquarters are, but I can log into my COMPANY-PAID laptop. then they also pay me back for my mileage expenses unlike what was thought to be possible in one of the other ego-saving blogs I read earlier this morning. I can't put the company here on this site b/c they will delete it. as I noticed several other folks blogging above did put our name in text and when they said they are "now working for this great, fair company." etc. I earn over 5K per month in renewals, I've worked here for only 3.5 years. Maybe this will not get deleted --> search Google for "CICA" and look for preset appointments... usually there. If not, it has been awhile since I did that... look for something like "senior sales" or similar, "career in sales", like that. Shhhhh.

Send an Email to HR with your resignation and ask them to send your a return shipment box for their kit. Inform them of your DMs activities and suggestions about just renewals and "work when you can" mentality. Advise that your legal counsel is prepared to act if they are not willing to assist. hey...dont feel too bad........I worked for them 4 years ago for about 3 months... I too was taken blown away by the bad management and smoke and mirrors........same song and dance..... 3rd interview..brought my fiancee in ....da dee da daaa..... and i still can not believe they hold meetings in the morning at random cheap resturants or mall food courts....etc.....what a freaking joke!!!!... ahhh ..it gives me indegestion just thinking about it.... but there are good insurance companies out there....trust me.... CICA does put a bad taste in your mouth for insurance, but there are people who actually want it....not as a added policy. ...so keep your license and find a good company to settle your mind on the insurance industry....oh and by the way....I remember CICA telling me how hard the life insurance exam was..... PLEEASSSE ....they just say that so you won't take the test....in turn, opening up new doors for yourself to leave them in the dust. With the knowlege you have now...you could read up in two days and take it out ...no prob....then you have one more bullet in your gun. best wishes

Ok so I am a new employee with CICA and most of these posts I am finding to be very confusing. I was told exactly how much I was going to make and how I was supposed to do it before I went to training. So far I have done very good in my new career. I am making more money than I ever have. Here is the thing...........I only require about $500 a week to survive very nicely. I live in a city that has rent around $500-$750 in most places. Now if I lived in an area that had a high cost of living I could see your point. But this for me has been a great job! I read everything in all of the paperwork and everything so far has been great. The only thing I wasn't told about was the 33% for my flush account. I was told when I got into training and I almost killed over. But of course I asked questions and stuff and it made sense. This job is not an easy job, but when I walk into a place of business and walk out with over $300 in 2 hours.........that makes me happy! I am terribly sorry about your bad experiences and wish they were better, mine have been. As far as it not paying claims??? I've seen over $2,000 in claims paid to one policyholder for a surgery, and there policy has now paid for itself for almost a lifetime. The complete extent of the policy is told to the policyholders prior to them signing up!! Besides, there is an X amount of time that they have to review their policy and return it for full money back. If they didn't do that and thought it covered something that it didn't.....then by my opinion, it's their own fault. And if the Agent twisted something then that's a whole other story. CICA tries to hire excellent people, and as you know you can't have a criminal background to even be hired. But CICA can't control a persons wrong-doings, but terminate them when they find out. Also there have been bad agents and there are also good agents. I am a good agent in my aspect because I make the policyholders understand EXACTLY what they are buying. I have heard complaints from ex-policyholders and I understood completely why a claim wasn't paid. Anyways......I am terribly sorry about what happened to you but for me as a new agent I can honestly say that CICA has been good to me, and I am making good money. Some people can't do this job.........it's hard............but it pays real good. Sincerely,

I can sympathize with you. I was put through the same bull. Unfortunately, in the situation that I was in, I coulden't quit. The skinny on your DM not letting you quit is because he, the subregional and regional manager all have huge bonuses riding on manpower. So even if you do abolutely nothing, you can still be counted in the manpower bonus. Often they will put someone else's app on you to count is as a "quality manpower". If you quit, then more than likely you are STILL on the books. Thats what they did to me. The only way to get off is to FAX a document to the home office telling them that you quit and want to sever any and all ties with them. Then they have to do it. I can honestly say that I have never seen a company that cares so little for their employees. Hope this helps.

stop using George Elmores line walmart please. he is not even allowed to say that anymore because it is racist to another company. Be ethical right not very ethical if you talk about another company. by the way he could make more getting carts then he can make from this company. P.S. IM AN EX MANAGER hope you feel good paying the owners and executives the big money cause your not making it!

I am a life long employee of CICA (Seniors Division). Of course in order to succeed in this business, you have to sell insurance. As Brian Tracy says, "You should get up each day and thank the Good Lord that the sales business is so tough, otherwise, everyone would be doing it." I understand some people JUMP in because of a slick recruiter or empty promises. What it boils down to is you were hired as an insurance salesperson and the only true way to make a living in this business is to sell insurance. Selling insurance is a tough business and can make for a very hard living, but very rewarding. The hours are long, the job is tough, but the pay can be great. CICA is a GREAT company and I wish you would have given it more than 2 months. You will look back in a year and think, What if I would have stuck it out, where would I be now? Good luck working at Wal*Mart. G

Hi Anne, I understand what you have been through. You may wish to contact your local insurance commissioner's office and have them verify that you are no longer an active person on the Combined payroll. Also, I worked for Combined for almost 4 yrs, the day I left, I felt liberated. got my life back and working for another insurance company. I earned what I made in the whole first year with Combined in just less than 12 weeks with my new company, almost $30K!!! Call me, if you're interested in a REAL opportunity with REAL HAPPY PEOPLE!! Regards Anonymous CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.

And to make matters worse, since I only put about 6000 miles on my car in 2 months with combined, I was unable to claim those miles on my taxes. So, I didn't get that back either, I still have all of Combined's books, sitting in a trash bag in my basement--- collecting dust.

I recently left Combined and was also persuaded not to leave, but not to the extent that you express. I did submit a resignation letter with an effective date, to the National Sales Manager, Divisional Manager and Regional Manager. I am "still dancing", but I have a new partner now! I understand your complaint regarding income...what it took me to make in 4 months, I earned in less than 4 weeks with the new organization I joined. Still showing similar products, only in a place where they have never been seen...and the folks are loving it, and the company commission structure is a whole lot better...$15,000 in just over a month...not bad for approximately 10-15 apps a week...having a great time...wish you were here! Regards, The First Person in the First State!

I'm an ex DM, and the reason they "keep you on the books" is purely for their bonus structre as well as managment above them. All management bonuses include what's called a "manweek", [an agent in the fieldmaking more than $100 that particular week]. Even if you go on vacation from sunday through the following sunday, a DM will try to still have a record of you making at least $100, even though you aren't in the field. This is done by witholding production from a former week, or "borrowing" production from your SM or even another agent. This, by the way, is totally against the law, as it defrauds the federal govt of someones real income. Regardless, a Dm and his superiors need a certain number of agents "in the field" over a certain time period to achieve that part of the bonus. Your particular DM is undoubtedly getting pressure from above, as it also affects his superiors bonuses. I left the company twice for this "grey" area, it just made me feel uncomfortable,but was easy to get caught up in. The company itself is a great one to work for, for the right type of person. It offers an opportunity to make a nice income to people who might not have the same opportunity otherwise, and company policy is as pure you can get. The problem happens when people try to take shortcuts, and it happens all the way up to the top. As a DM, my boss wouldn't LET me have anyone quit, and they are told to do whatever it takes to get them back, including leaving company materials with them. These are the property of the company, and they must be given back. This is company policy. The reason you quit is not your fault in the eyes of his superiors, it is the DM's, SM's, and even the sub-regional managers fault for not field training you correctly. Instead of admitting this or preventing your low income to begin with, they often report you as still "in the field", and this is what is illegal for them. Call your regional office and inform them your end date, and you request they pick up your materials, and have friend answer the door for you if you don't want attempted to be persuaded to stay on, and then get on with your life. If you can't find the regional office number, call the training center you went to in the twin cities . FYI, I was kept on the books for almost three months after I left, which wasn't all bad for me because my insurance was kept in force. Keep up your PMA in whatever you do!

Get the names and addresses of your supervisor's superiors. Write a simple, two or three sentence letter of resignation. Mail copies to the supervisor and his/her superiors. Leave gracefully, offering to return any company property, but be direct. "Dear (Insert Name) This is to inform you that effective (insert date), I am resigning from my position as a (insert job title). I will return all (insert items) at your request. Sincerely, (insert name)" You don't owe them any more than this. If they persist, stick to your guns. Good luck and godspeed.