As Illinois unemployment rates soars above the national average, many are starting to get creative to get to work.
New research suggests direct sales positions, like those with Avon or Mary Kay, may be somewhat recession proof.
When Jodi Albertini's friend approached her to become a direct sales consultant for the candle company Scentsy, she was apprehensive.
"I didn't expect a direct sales company to be my main source of income, just thought I would try it and it ended up being really successful," said Albertini.
As an interior designer selling the wickless and flameless candles worked hand in hand with her business. Then she, like many direct sellers, started to make more money selling then she expected.
"Three times what I made in the corporate world," she said.
The Direct Selling Association says in 2007- the most recent year available- the direct sales industry generated $30.8 billion dollars.
Since the recession, recruitment for sales positions is up.
"In the last two weeks alone I have had two men, very successful entrepreneurial men, contact me and start to join in on the business," said Albertini.
For Albertini, who started as a consultant and now oversees 500 people, the best part is working from home.
"I don't need a babysitter, I can still kind of maintain my stay at home mom status, they do a lot of things with me instead of being with a babysitter or at daycare," said the mother of two.
By thinking outside the box, Albertini and many direct sellers, put themselves in the position to profit.
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