I've worked in a call center for almost five years. I took a new job, totally unrelated to call center work. I will NEVER EVER take a job that requires me to do phone work ever again. I fought tooth and nail to rip away from the phone. My only question... Have you considered relocating for a new job, unrelated to your current field of work?
I'm so sorry you had to have another go. I will never ever work a call center again. Life (money) has changed, so now I housesit for a little extra cash. I hope you find peace.
Bro you can do this. You're a pro. You're a veteran who earned his stipes. However, working in a call center is like being in Hotel California: You can check out anytime you like - but you can Never leave...
I'm exactly like you, mate. Unfortunately, all my experience is more or less in a call center and irrespective of my qualities and talents, I will always end up working in a call center as my Resume is full of call center experience. I guess the only way to deal with this vicious circle is to have a hobby or a side income, something that brings out the person you really are. -fellow call center worker in India.
PTPOP Well that depends. Your talents, qualities and who you are as a human being doesn't matter. If you are efficient at getting rid of customers under the AHT, you are the top dog. If not, the pink slip. But..as the economy is messed up, people have fewer means to make ends meet as jobs are not being created..
I feel your pain. After leaving my last call center job last year I swore I would NEVER go back. Well, fast forward several months and after working for the meanest human on the planet, (and she was a morbidly obese woman who was uglier than homemade sin), I found myself unemployed. Back to a call center I go! *sigh* I wonder if I'll ever escape this circle of call center doom LOL
Like an AA meeting: "Hey my name is Grenerey Obstetrician and Im a Call Center - A - Holic." "Last night I found myself driving out of my way home, past a phone room I know that sells aluminum siding."
The best "call center" is work from home! Combine that with pretty good pay, benefits, and decent time off and pros definitely outweigh the cons. I never want to travel for work again lol and couldn't do it for so long otherwise! Get a good work at home though and you can be golden.
Or what about those customers calling in asking why we reversed credit and I tell them it's because the merchant issued a refund and then they escalate because they feel entitled to the refund and the credit from the bank...oh no honey nobody told you to over spend your account. Your knew that refund was there
I love when customers call claiming fraudulent charges on their card and when I tell them I'm closing the card they start yelling at me. They start telling me I can't close their card and I tell them yes I can. And they ask to speak to a supervisor and the sup tells them the same thing. News flash you better make damn sure the charge is actually fraud before you call the bank and report it. Call the merchant 1st because call center reps don't have to. Plus it kills AHT to 3way with the merchant. Bottom line have your shit together before you call. And yes in case of fraud the bank has the right to close the card no matter how inconveniencing it is to you. They don't need your permission. Considering they are covering the charges. And don't file a fraud claim on a merchant you're doing business with like for example the electric company (and you haven't spoken to the merchant 1st) unless you are prepared to have your lights turned off. I'm done ranting lol
Its just as bad..in fact it may be worse..sure you're home in your privacy and all..but you get isolated..there is no coworker unity in anything..hell you don't even know your coworkers mostly ,therefore they can do whatever the hell they want with you..and so it goes that extra weekends become mandatory ,your working schedule is all over the place ..sometimes working in the morning..the rest in the evening(to be there for the calls) and its just more, more and more..some ppl take the job to be with their family more..and they end up being there less..even tho they are physically there..its such a mindfuck..and you fall into this weird trap.."but alteast i'm home "..but there is no separation..and it fucks you up ! nah..just go in ..do the job and go home..and your done for the day !
Pete. I've enjoyed following your chronicles, and it's reinforced my fear of the call center. It's raised a few questions. 1. What has drawn you back to so many after repeatedly getting metaphorically kicked in the teeth? 2. You seem like a smart guy, what did you major in during college? 3. If it does become a last resort, have you noticed any factors that have contributed to fast promotion such as having a college degree, experience, competence or brown-nosing? 4.Have you noticed companies having employees manufacture reviews? A lot of the positive reviews I see for one of the ones in town seem to parrot statements from the call center's advertising, which negative (and more detailed) reviews have stated to the contrary.
The only companies that contact me for a job are companies that need a call center position filled. It's seems that once you have "call center" on your resume the rest of the business world does not take you seriously. Apparently, I have committed "career suicide". So, I have gone into business for myself as a photographer. A college degree does not help you in a call center. It's all about attitude and who you know. By attitude I mean, keep your mouth closed and a smile on your face. If someone smacks you in the face you say, "Thank you sir, may I have another." A college degree is being wasted in a call center. I have noticed that people with photographic memories do really well. Also, if you already have a friend or friends on that already work there helps you get ahead.
Check out my latest book: Press One for Murder Press One For Murder
by Peter Tompkins
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You saved my life from career suicide or even worse real suicide.
I've worked in a call center for almost five years. I took a new job, totally unrelated to call center work. I will NEVER EVER take a job that requires me to do phone work ever again. I fought tooth and nail to rip away from the phone.
My only question... Have you considered relocating for a new job, unrelated to your current field of work?
I'm so sorry you had to have another go. I will never ever work a call center again. Life (money) has changed, so now I housesit for a little extra cash. I hope you find peace.
Bro you can do this. You're a pro. You're a veteran who earned his stipes. However, working in a call center is like being in Hotel California: You can check out anytime you like - but you can Never leave...
I'm exactly like you, mate. Unfortunately, all my experience is more or less in a call center and irrespective of my qualities and talents, I will always end up working in a call center as my Resume is full of call center experience. I guess the only way to deal with this vicious circle is to have a hobby or a side income, something that brings out the person you really are.
-fellow call center worker in India.
TH-cam and music are my hobby. Call centers are bad in India too?
PTPOP Well that depends. Your talents, qualities and who you are as a human being doesn't matter.
If you are efficient at getting rid of customers under the AHT, you are the top dog. If not, the pink slip.
But..as the economy is messed up, people have fewer means to make ends meet as jobs are not being created..
if a supervisor refuses a call , they are most likely getting a lower wage than expected or desired
I feel your pain. After leaving my last call center job last year I swore I would NEVER go back. Well, fast forward several months and after working for the meanest human on the planet, (and she was a morbidly obese woman who was uglier than homemade sin), I found myself unemployed. Back to a call center I go! *sigh* I wonder if I'll ever escape this circle of call center doom LOL
“Uglier than homemade sin” omg you almost made me spit my pomegranate juice out my nose. The circle never ends.
How can you avoid going crazy? Everytime i was hearing what pepole talk to customer, i feel like im losing my iq. (im only taking calls)
It sounds too familiar to where I currently work at. The bank I work at has fake accounts and fake callers call in and test the employees 🤔
Like an AA meeting:
"Hey my name is Grenerey Obstetrician and Im a Call Center - A - Holic."
"Last night I found myself driving out of my way home, past a phone room I know that sells aluminum siding."
The best "call center" is work from home! Combine that with pretty good pay, benefits, and decent time off and pros definitely outweigh the cons. I never want to travel for work again lol and couldn't do it for so long otherwise! Get a good work at home though and you can be golden.
Or what about those customers calling in asking why we reversed credit and I tell them it's because the merchant issued a refund and then they escalate because they feel entitled to the refund and the credit from the bank...oh no honey nobody told you to over spend your account. Your knew that refund was there
What’s the worst reps you saw and didn’t get fired
I love when customers call claiming fraudulent charges on their card and when I tell them I'm closing the card they start yelling at me. They start telling me I can't close their card and I tell them yes I can. And they ask to speak to a supervisor and the sup tells them the same thing. News flash you better make damn sure the charge is actually fraud before you call the bank and report it. Call the merchant 1st because call center reps don't have to. Plus it kills AHT to 3way with the merchant. Bottom line have your shit together before you call. And yes in case of fraud the bank has the right to close the card no matter how inconveniencing it is to you. They don't need your permission. Considering they are covering the charges. And don't file a fraud claim on a merchant you're doing business with like for example the electric company (and you haven't spoken to the merchant 1st) unless you are prepared to have your lights turned off. I'm done ranting lol
surprised you haven't tried working from home. it's much better.
I would like to but can't seem to find any legit work from home jobs.
Even from home is worse . Micro managing and same shit just at home .
Its just as bad..in fact it may be worse..sure you're home in your privacy and all..but you get isolated..there is no coworker unity in anything..hell you don't even know your coworkers mostly ,therefore they can do whatever the hell they want with you..and so it goes that extra weekends become mandatory ,your working schedule is all over the place ..sometimes working in the morning..the rest in the evening(to be there for the calls) and its just more, more and more..some ppl take the job to be with their family more..and they end up being there less..even tho they are physically there..its such a mindfuck..and you fall into this weird trap.."but alteast i'm home "..but there is no separation..and it fucks you up ! nah..just go in ..do the job and go home..and your done for the day !
“It makes u holla for the dolla”
Pete. I've enjoyed following your chronicles, and it's reinforced my fear of the call center. It's raised a few questions.
1. What has drawn you back to so many after repeatedly getting metaphorically kicked in the teeth?
2. You seem like a smart guy, what did you major in during college?
3. If it does become a last resort, have you noticed any factors that have contributed to fast promotion such as having a college degree, experience, competence or brown-nosing?
4.Have you noticed companies having employees manufacture reviews? A lot of the positive reviews I see for one of the ones in town seem to parrot statements from the call center's advertising, which negative (and more detailed) reviews have stated to the contrary.
The only companies that contact me for a job are companies that need a call center position filled. It's seems that once you have "call center" on your resume the rest of the business world does not take you seriously. Apparently, I have committed "career suicide". So, I have gone into business for myself as a photographer.
A college degree does not help you in a call center. It's all about attitude and who you know. By attitude I mean, keep your mouth closed and a smile on your face. If someone smacks you in the face you say, "Thank you sir, may I have another." A college degree is being wasted in a call center. I have noticed that people with photographic memories do really well. Also, if you already have a friend or friends on that already work there helps you get ahead.
After Verizon I quit
Man, talk about a bait and switch kind of job!