24/7 operation, new hires receive awful hours, complex computer programs to learn, management more likely to throw you under the bus rather than be there for you, agents are under constant surveillance (timed breaks, web cam on your computer, leadership listening in on your calls), extremely strict daily schedule requirements, very high turnover, customers really only call because they have a problem, virtually zero opportunity to move up beyond call center manager, mandatory overtime, due to time the nature of the work and environment you don't have an opportunity to socialize with any other employees, feels like 1984.
I needed a job and I've been in the aviation industry for quite some time. I should have researched the nature of this work more thoroughly before I started training. There were a few red flags along the way that I figured I would share for anybody researching this company and job before they sign the paperwork. They boast that they are growing very rapidly as a company and they on a hiring spree, but my training class has 30+ people, and they had a new class start one week after mine did. Prior to my start date, they had a class just finishing up with the same number of new hires. 90 new employees within the span of a month... Growth or high turnover? My bet is on the latter now that I know what this job entails. My guess is that people make it 6-12 months into this job before they jump ship due to the hours, management, and strict nature of the work. The work from home option is temping for people for various reasons, but trust me, working from home will be precisely the same as coming to the call center (aside from the commute). They monitor you at your home via drop in listening and webcam (skype). They time your breaks and lunch at home the same way they time you in the call center. It's difficult to feel like you're being watched the entire time you're at work and it's exhausting. I feel mentally drained most days I come home from work. Oddly enough, sitting in front of a computer fatigues me after eight hours.
My advice to you, job seeker, is to find another way to make money. For the amount of stress, time, and effort you put into this job, you will likely make more and be happier at another job.
Good luck!
