100 calls a day is a LOT. That's a lot of dials, even if you're not connecting with live people. That's a grind, even if they have you on a robo-dialer. If you have to look each number up and dial it yourself, you'll get to the point where you hope no one answers so you can get the rest of your dials in. I've done it and 50 dials a day is about the most you can expect someone to make while still having an incentive to get a meaningful conversation going. It got so ridiculous that people were writing down wrong numbers so they could call them again to count as a dial.

I worked (very hard, I might add) for two publicly traded start ups out of college. Both ultimately failed. Then I bought a small construction products company. We manufactured window screens and installed various products in new construction - shutters. locks, closet shelving, etc. It grew like crazy and we sold it for top dollar.

I've had people suggest I start something similar here in Phoenix, but I'm really not interested in getting back into the residential building industry. I didn't buy that business because I had any interest in construction. I bought it because it was a bargain and I could see that with some changes it would take off.

My $0.02 would be to skip any job that would severely hamper family life. I don't know if your daughter plays sports or any other extra curricular activities but I would be interested in a job that would prevent being able to attend at least some of the after school stuff. If there isn't a pressing need for the money right now, I would continue to search for something more suited to your situation.

I don't need the answer to this, but looking long term at what age you plan to retire and what about in six to ten years when/if your daughter is married with kids?

The main advantage to this job over a cold sales call type, is the people you are calling actually want to be called. That being said, my son worked at a "call center" job and while it was a cold sales job, they were strictly monitored by how many calls they dialed. It was a ridiculous amount. He didn't have time to scratch his nose or he wouldn't make his quota and therefore not his incremental pay bonus. I would find out what their expectations are on the amount of calls they want you to make versus how many deals you close and if you reach your daily quota can you then 'relax' the rest of the day, etc..

Careful with that too. Last week I filled out an online job application, might have been on Monster, that included a few questions like "I'd like more info on continuing my education" or "I'd like a free resume analysis" before I could submit the application. I clicked NO on both and I've gotten calls each of the last three days with the opening line, "You recently expressed interest in continuing your education." So, when they tell you they send you qualified leads, that's usually a very bare minimum of qualification - like they have a name, a phone number and a pulse.

Sounds to me like you are pretty burned out on any of the things you know how to do. So why take on a new "field" that sounds like a major PITA to start with. If I were you, I'd go into early retirement with odd jobs and keeping the wife happy. Seriously.

G

It sound like you are pretty tired of things you have done in the past including the book keeping venture. If you don't need to live off the additional money, then how about keeping those clients you are happy with in the book keeping business and see what comes up in the future. You were messing with selling cars there for sometime, weren't you? You were pretty successful at doing that, I remember. Look at the call center as helping someone out. I think that will make your day go by much easier knowing you have done something for someone. I kept trying to tell my wife to look at sales job that way but she's isn't buying it. She hates sales people. I like her to go back to work when the kids are a in High School in 5-6 years.

I think many of us are in the same age bracket and that you are in a great position. Home paid for, with no worries about living expenses, your kid's almost out of the house and retirement in the bag. You are living the American dream. Maybe its time to semi-retire. Do the book keeping and keep ones you like, and give the call center a try and see about working part time on that. I like to retire someday, I just need to find out how?

Ya.... Have to be very careful with that term "qualified". Tons of companies selling "qualified" RE leads. Pretty sure that just means it's a valid phone number these days. Half of them are on the DNC list too!

Thanks for all of the input. I officially said "Thanks, but no thanks," today. I just couldn't deal with working to 7:30 when our daughter's target bedtime is 8:30.

Even though it wasn't the best job, they do not just hire anyone with a pulse. If I'd said yes, they would have flown me to CA for a week of training and sent me one of their computers, monitors, headsets, etc.

So, not exactly what I needed but still somewhat of a positive sign that I'm hireable.

I ran a Craigslist ad a year ago trying to find entrepreneurs who needed help. I was shocked at the number and quality of the responses. I popped that ad back up on Craigslist two nights ago and already had had several interesting responses. I'm in a much better position to act if the right situation comes along since I'm all but done with accounting now.

Meanwhile, on my way home from running errands tonight, I stuck my head in Goodwill to find a vintage La Pavoni espresso machine. Paid $120. Should sell for $500 or so on eBay. I guess there are still some home runs left to be found in the resale world.

Ha! Sounds like you are taking my advice. Life is short!

G