Since call centers sprouted in the industry, everyone wanted to join the band wagon. 

Everybody wanted to get in because it pays more than the industry standard.  An agent for example can earn a basic salary of P11,000 per month. Wow! That’s pretty good.  A bank teller might only earn 9,000 or even lower.  Another good thing about it is not only do you get the basic salary but you get night differential, hazard and bonus incentive pay! Pretty good deal!

People from all ages (and I mean all ages, even 40’s) come from different industries apply in call centers hoping to get the big break and earn a bit more to live a better life.  Most would think, “Hey, I can do that! All I need to do is just talk to customers on the phone in English. I can speak English!”  Some even think, “Everything is on the screen anyway and all I need to do is read. I can read!” WRONG!

Contrary to all of these speculations, it is DAMN HARD WORK!

1.  One thing is the accent.
We’ve talked about this before…ENGLISH! The accent sometimes is so heavy that any applicant has to go through a battery of tests just to get in, and that’s only the start. 

2.  Rigorous Training
Weeks of product training. Depending on the account, continuous updates are happening ever so often, sometimes even everyday! Talk about information overload!

3.  Next is the stress.
One needs to take a number of calls per day and achieve a certain number of minutes per call.  Your supervisor up to the highest ranking manager in the site will hammer you to take as many calls in the shortest possible time, not to mention balancing quality customer service and profitability is a tricky one.

4.  The lifestyle
Once you’re into the night life (not partying of course), your body clock is just all screwed up.  You are now amongst the many “night crawlers” that spend their lives working during the night and sleeping when your whole family is all up.  That would mean spending less time with loved ones, having difficulty in planning your week or month because your schedule changes all the time.

5.  No more vacation
Yes you have the right to go on a leave, but can you afford to?  Holidays?  Sorry my friend but it is non-existent in the outsourcing world.  Sometimes, even if it’s a holiday in the country your client is from, they take the vacation and not you.

So, is it for everybody? 
It could be…if you can hack it and live the lifestyle that goes with it.  If you decide to stick by it because of the money, then go ahead.  It takes a lot of guts and strength to survive in this industry.  But, if you succeed, it is definitely worth it! Kaching!