Caller Feels Guilty About Working In A Debt Selling Industry – Ramsey Show Hosts Say 'We Need People Like You In The Industry'

Scott, a longtime worker in the auto industry, recently wrote into The Ramsey Show with a tough question: Is it hypocritical to work in an industry that often puts people in debt while working hard to get out of debt himself? 

After six years in the field – starting as a mechanic, then service advisorand now a sales consultant – Scott felt conflicted after reading George Kamel's book Breaking Free from Broke. While Scott makes about $150,000 a year and takes pride in educating his customers, he couldn't shake the guilt of working in an industry tied to car loans.

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He wondered if his role was making people’s finances worse, even though he tried to steer them toward responsible decisions.

In response, George Kamel and co-host Dr. John Delony provided thoughtful insights. Kamel addressed Scott's concerns directly, stating, "Truthfully, here’s my take … I feel like we need Scott in the car industry. We need people with integrity who are leading people to the right decision who aren’t scumburgers. And it’s easy to generalize an entire industry as this gross industry, but I think what Scott’s doing here is noble, it’s moral, there’s no issues with it."

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Kamel emphasized that Scott's role is not to push financing or upsell customers into vehicles they can't afford. Instead, Scott is there to help people find a car within their budget. He said there's nothing wrong with working as a salesperson if you sincerely try to help your customers. 

Dr. Delony took a broader perspective, encouraging Scott to reflect on his values. "You always have to go back and ask yourself, what’s your integrity worth? And that’s a scary hard question,” Delony said. 

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He pointed out that while Scott's concerns were valid, it's important to understand that salespeople like him are in a position to help change the industry’s culture. By being honest and transparent, Scott can steer people from financial mistakes and toward smarter decisions.

Delony also shared a personal story about a mentor who helped him understand that staying in a challenging situation can sometimes be more impactful than leaving. He said, "What if you became a voice of reason, a voice of a new perspective over timeand you continue to show up … I think that’s how the world changes. If everybody heads for the exits when it gets hard and scary and uncomfortable, nothing changes."

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The hosts clarified that Scott's role as a car salesperson wasn't inherently harmful. Instead, his approach – leading customers to affordable cars – was positive. They reassured him that it's possible to stay in the industry and help people avoid debt, rather than contribute to it.

Kamel summed it up by saying, "If you can be a change agent here, Scott and stay in it and make peace with it and not let it eat away at your soul, do it and keep helping people. But if you can’t, like John’s saying, then you gotta make the move out of here."

For those facing similar questions about their career and values, Scott's story reminds them that it's important to consider your financial and personal goals. If you find yourself at a financial crossroads, it may be worth seeking the advice of a financial advisor to help you make the best decision for your future.

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