Shine on baby! Smile...my only star!

HOOKED on the CALL CENTER CULTURE
~ singkit hugged you at ~ [ 06:16 AM ]

     October 15 marks my 5th month in a call center. I would say my first impression on the industry totally changed as I experience the real feel of working for one. I can even say that I am a survivor--for having surpassed the initial trials to stay as an agent.
      My first few months were surprising, I never imagined that I will be trained as a newbie with a big group. We had what they call 'class' of 20 new hires mostly consisting of fresh grads, which gave me a bunch of instant new friends. Most of us are "amateur" to the graveyard shift. Take note of the change in mealtime, starting the day when its already dark, info overload during training and don't forget that stomach upset come the wee hours of morning!
      At this point, I don't have regrets of having tried the latest in job trend. I may not be sleeping while the sun is out anymore but at the end of my 'day' there is this wonderful feeling of having been able to help and speak to people from different parts of the world.
      My lifestyle turned upside down. I breathe, think, earn and work as long as time keeps on ticking. Awake working at the odd hours and asleep while everybody else is having their life. I admire people in the industry, those who can stand the test of pressure, from physical-mental-emotional-psychological stress to change in social life. I admire myself that in my few months, i'm already learning the basic tricks of the trade without having to give up.
      I'm thankful, as well, for having a family who supports me in this. To my Dad who's always there to give me a ride to the office late at night, to my Lola who's kind enough to prepare another set of food when I get home and my brothers for their patience in doing my share of household chores.

This time let me share to you random things I learned/experienced from-or-because of my work.

1. It's weird everytime I get to answer the phone at home, I unconsciously throw my opening spiel "Thank you for calling..."
2. I learned to drink coffee more than that chat-over-a-mocha-frapp need.
3. The thick jackets and even the trench coats I used to curse because of the Philippine climate are now my best friends.
4. One time when I was out with a friend, I told her I'll go on 'biobreak' instead of 'I'll just go to the washroom'.
5. I constantly practice the English language with a twang.
6. I can attest that the smoking habits of friends from work are grave enough for the fire department to declare Task Force Delta.
7. If there's Ghost Busters, then we are Queue Busters!
8. I learned to condition myself to be more open to feedback, as every call is monitored.
9. Time management is a must. No if's and but's.
10. I lessen my stress level/exhaustion by doing other things.

By the way, here are some bloopers/funny lines during calls:

1. I was offering a survey at the end of the call but the caller said: oh, I'm using my celphone and my celphone is dying!
2. Beth, Bad and Beyond (Bed Bath and Beyond)
3. Caller: "my name is chris" agent: "is that C for charlie, H for hotel, R for romeo, I for india , and S for sierra?" chris: "yes" agent: "thank you charlie.."
4. "There's no expiration date on the card! All it has is a valid thru date!"--caller

to be continued...=P

Feeling: relaxed

2 blew me a kiss

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metalmouth (guest)

Comment posted on October 25th, 2006 at 07:12 PM

Mrts ang kulit ng entry mo haha! Baka pag nakausap kita sa fone eh magthank you for calling ka sa akin!

and im so glad YOU'RE ONE OF US NA...haha! globe!

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cigarette_girl

Comment posted on October 15th, 2006 at 06:54 AM

natawa ko sa charlie ah! hehehe