An MLM Recruiter Said Salaried Employees Are Lazy

Recently, I was approached by someone eager to recruit me into a financial advising opportunity. At first, I was curious—after all, financial literacy is a valuable skill, and advising others sounds noble on paper. But as the conversation unfolded, it became clear that this was yet another multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme. Still, one comment from the recruiter stood out to me: when I asked whether the position came with a salary, they replied, “No, it’s all commission-based— a salary makes people lazy.”

That statement struck a nerve. Not just because I was considering the offer (I wasn’t), but because it reflects a larger and troubling misconception that’s far too common, especially in MLM and “hustle culture” circles. So, let’s dig into this. Are salaried employees really lazy? And what does that say about our views on work, motivation, and value?

The Myth of the “Lazy” Salary Worker

First, let’s address the obvious: being salaried doesn’t make someone lazy. If anything, it often means they’ve earned a level of trust, responsibility, and specialization in their role. Teachers, engineers, nurses, accountants, scientists, IT professionals, social workers, and yes—even financial advisors—often work salaried jobs. These people don’t just keep the economy running—they are the economy.

The idea that someone stops working hard once they’re given a fixed income is overly simplistic, if not insulting. It ignores the intrinsic motivations that drive people: pride in their work, professional growth, peer respect, and personal fulfillment. In fact, studies in organizational psychology have shown that salary can actually increase productivity and job satisfaction—so long as it’s fair and comes with clear expectations.

Salaried workers often go above and beyond their job descriptions. Many work more than 40 hours a week without additional pay, checking emails after hours, putting in extra time during deadlines, and absorbing the stress of long-term projects. Laziness isn’t the issue—burnout is.

Why the MLM Model Pushes This Narrative

MLM schemes thrive on the idea that traditional employment is outdated, broken, and unambitious. They present themselves as the antidote—a model where you “eat what you kill,” and anyone can make it to the top with enough hustle. The problem is, this rarely aligns with reality.

In most MLMs, the people at the top earn money not because they’re better salespeople, but because they’ve recruited others who are doing the real selling. The vast majority of participants make little to no money, and many even lose money due to fees, product purchases, and training costs. According to data from the FTC and independent researchers, over 99% of MLM participants don’t turn a profit.

So why the disdain for salaries? Because salaries don’t work in the MLM model. These schemes rely on commission-only compensation to minimize company risk and maximize the emotional buy-in from recruits. If you’re not getting paid unless you sell, you’re likely to hustle harder—at least for a while. And if you fail, the blame isn’t on the system—it’s on you for not working hard enough.

That’s where the “salary makes people lazy” myth becomes convenient. It shifts the conversation away from structural inequality and toward personal accountability, even when that accountability is weaponized unfairly.

The Value of a Salary

A salary is more than just a steady paycheck. It’s stability. It’s healthcare. It’s retirement contributions, paid time off, and the ability to plan your life. It’s being able to afford a mortgage, childcare, or even a vacation once in a while without worrying if a slow month will ruin you financially.

For many, it’s also a sign of progression. Moving from hourly to salaried work often comes with increased responsibilities, decision-making power, and a clear career path. Far from being lazy, salaried employees are often some of the most dedicated and skilled professionals in their fields.

Moreover, salaries make long-term planning possible—for both employees and employers. They allow organizations to retain talent, build teams, and foster innovation without the constant churn of commission-based desperation.

Final Thoughts

Let’s stop vilifying salaried workers. Let’s stop pretending that the only hard workers are entrepreneurs, commission-based salespeople, or side-hustlers posting motivational quotes on social media. That’s not to diminish those hustling in commission-based roles—many of them work incredibly hard—but it’s simply false to equate salary with complacency.

Work is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Some people thrive on commission; others prefer the predictability of a salary. What’s important is that people are paid fairly for their labor, have the opportunity to grow, and are respected for the work they do.

So, no—salary doesn’t make people lazy. In fact, it might just be the most misunderstood symbol of dedication in the modern workforce.