Is working for a call centre in your mid thirties a failure?

year-zero

Well that's it basically. I don't have any idea what to really do with myself, so don't ask. But I'm pretty disappointed in myself.

People say that I'm smart and work hard, but I didn't do well in school or college. I spent my twenties working casually, just trying to make ends meet and survive, I've nearly been homeless a couple of times through circumstances that weren't my fault.

As far as the call centre goes, the responsibilities assigned to me are definitely some of the hardest, and my management trusts me because I get good results for the most important customers. But it's still just a call centre and there's no opportunity for progression.

One time, some customer laughed at me and said at least they had a "real" job. Maybe they were right. Am I halfway through working life and still haven't got a real job? It feels like it.

motorguy

year-zero wrote: »

Well that's it basically. I don't have any idea what to really do with myself, so don't ask. But I'm pretty disappointed in myself.

People say that I'm smart and work hard, but I didn't do well in school or college. I spent my twenties working casually, just trying to make ends meet and survive, I've nearly been homeless a couple of times through circumstances that weren't my fault.

As far as the call centre goes, the responsibilities assigned to me are definitely some of the hardest, and my management trusts me because I get good results for the most important customers. But it's still just a call centre and there's no opportunity for progression.

One time, some customer laughed at me and said at least they had a "real" job. Maybe they were right. Am I halfway through working life and still haven't got a real job? It feels like it.

We all have to do what we have to do.

Whys there no opportunity for progression?

If nothing else use whatever experience you can get there to help you get another job.

Cyclamen

It sounds like a 'real job ' to me. You turn up complete tasks, put in your best effort and get paid.. yep that is a 'real job'.

Whether it is the job you ultimately want is a different story but for now it is your job, you work hard and earn an income.. I see that as something to be proud of.

What would you like to do?
Do you enjoy this job or would you like another?
If so are there any barriers e.g. do you need to go back to college?

But for now you have employment, you are working and bringing home an income to support yourself. I think that is a good thing.

motorguy

Cyclamen wrote: »

It sounds like a 'real job ' to me. You turn up complete tasks, put in your best effort and get paid.. yep that is a 'real job'.

Whether it is the job you ultimately want is a different story but for now it is your job, you work hard and earn an income.. I see that as something to be proud of.

What would you like to do?
Do you enjoy this job or would you like another?
If so are there any barriers e.g. do you need to go back to college?

But for now you have employment, you are working and bringing home an income to support yourself. I think that is a good thing.

+1

I wholly agree with that. Well said.

Aced2016

Your out working and earning so don't be hard on yourself !

I too was in your situation worked in call centres for banks, insurance etc. Decided I'd had enough, was frustrated and felt I was going no where.

I returned to studying and it's the best thing I've done. I've two years left and I'll be qualified in teaching. I love kids, will love the job and the holidays ha. I will be 34 when I finish. I got married and had kids really young so done everything back to front ! But you know what it's never to late. So have a think what interests you, you stIll have 30 odd years of working life left so make them enjoyable !

Good luck and don't think it's too late !

WobblyDog

The lack of oportunity for progression is possibly a negative thing. On the other hand, people who are really good at dealing with problems reported by sometimes angry or unhappy customers are scarce, so that's a skill to be proud of and maybe built upon.

xapprenticex

Aced2016 wrote: »

Your out working and earning so don't be hard on yourself !

I too was in your situation worked in call centres for banks, insurance etc. Decided I'd had enough, was frustrated and felt I was going no where.

I returned to studying and it's the best thing I've done. I've two years left and I'll be qualified in teaching. I love kids, will love the job and the holidays ha. I will be 34 when I finish. I got married and had kids really young so done everything back to front ! But you know what it's never to late. So have a think what interests you, you stIll have 30 odd years of working life left so make them enjoyable !

Good luck and don't think it's too late !

^ Coming from a family of teachers, i assure you, the holidays are an illusion.

OP, how do YOU feel, whatever your answer is, is the truth.

IAmWales

year-zero wrote: »

One time, some customer laughed at me and said at least they had a "real" job. Maybe they were right. Am I halfway through working life and still haven't got a real job? It feels like it.

That customer has "big man small penis" syndrome. Why anyone thinks it acceptable to abuse call centre staff is beyond me.

year-zero, there is nothing wrong with working in a call centre at any age. It certainly is a real job, for most organisations you are the key customer interface.

xapprenticex wrote: »

^ Coming from a family of teachers, i assure you, the holidays are an illusion.

This a thousand times! And two years time will be when the cuts really start to hit. Horrible.

[Deleted User]

Least you get on with management, it's twice as hard if you don't or maybe clearly 'aren't their sort of person'.

Maybe the nature of the call centre is also part? No disrespect but I've received a form on a complaint from someone earning 22-23k but has all of one line from a nearly half hour telephone conversation.

My heart went out to the Carer I over heard in the supermarket just a few weeks ago - I can't buy these clothes on my wage she said.

I also look back at where I was this time x and assess how I should be happier when I look back at those times.

For much of my twenties the big bucks were trying to get nearer 12k and that involved booking and arranging people's weddings and other occasions. No call centre to hide in.

surreysaver

If you've previously been homeless, you've done better to get where you are now than someone in a higher paying job.

pinkshoes

Aced2016 wrote: »

Your out working and earning so don't be hard on yourself !

I too was in your situation worked in call centres for banks, insurance etc. Decided I'd had enough, was frustrated and felt I was going no where.

I returned to studying and it's the best thing I've done. I've two years left and I'll be qualified in teaching. I love kids, will love the job and the holidays ha. I will be 34 when I finish. I got married and had kids really young so done everything back to front ! But you know what it's never to late. So have a think what interests you, you stIll have 30 odd years of working life left so make them enjoyable !

Good luck and don't think it's too late !

I also returned to uni and finished a PGCE to become a teacher aged 34. Just finishing my 4th year of teaching, and not disillusioned yet...

(although I do now work part time after having twins, so LOVE my job even more as I have a much better work-life balance. I would NEVER do full time again!)

OP - be proud of yourself for doing a job and working hard at it, despite it not being your dream job. Your attitude will hopefully one day get you into something else if that is what you wish to do...