[Greenleaves]

I'm just writing it here so people will know they can hurt others when they say mean things over the phone to people who call them for surveys.

I work as an interviewer at a call centre, getting people to do surveys. It's not the best job, but it is a job and better than no job.

I know a lot of people hate us. I'm OK with most people swearing at me and stuff, but that day, this guy hit a vulnerable spot with me.

He yelled at me to get a "real" job. This hurt me a great deal because I often think I'm a loser already and having this job is good for me.

I am always polite on the phones. We don't sell anything. We just ask people to do surveys. If you don't want to do the survey, we are OK with it, just say you're not interested. You don't have to be mean about it.

[BiscuitTin]

Originally Posted by Greenleaves

I'm just writing it here so people will know they can hurt others when they say mean things over the phone to people who call them for surveys.

I work as an interviewer at a call centre, getting people to do surveys. It's not the best job, but it is a job and better than no job.

I know a lot of people hate us. I'm OK with most people swearing at me and stuff, but that day, this guy hit a vulnerable spot with me.

He yelled at me to get a "real" job. This hurt me a great deal because I often think I'm a loser already and having this job is good for me.

I am always polite on the phones. We don't sell anything. We just ask people to do surveys. If you don't want to do the survey, we are OK with it, just say you're not interested. You don't have to be mean about it.

That "real job" retort is a common one for call centre people. It's a tough job, and if you're selling things over the phone, it's even worse.

[Rose3]

When you do telephone calls, I figure that it's important to
understand that some will cooperate and be courteous, but
there will always be some who don't want to be bothered.

I'm sure that you are polite.
And the work itself is valuable to your employer and those
who you and your employer represent.

Actually, I am thankful that there are call centres - because
these provide employment opportunities to lots of people;
and working in a call centre is also a great opportunity to
practice "customer service" in the way you would like it to
be provided for yourself.

Don't let any person on the other end of the phone make you
feel lousy. Just know that you are doing a good job, and the
nice will notice this. Develop that thick skin when dealing with
the unpleasant ones.
All the best to you.

[Greenleaves]

I just wish people wouldn't be so mean. If someone just came up to me and said, go **** yourself, that would be harassment.

I am just a naturally nice person. I don't treat people badly.

When my Dell computer broke down and I had to call customer support, the guy on the other line said I was very patient. I guess they get yelled at a lot of the times too.

Next time you yell at someone over the phone for bothering you, just imagine it's someone's teenage daughter on the other line, or someone's grandmother or father.

There seems to be two types of people who work in call centres, the young people and the old people. We take a lot of abuse from people.

Also the do not call registry does not apply to research firms, a lot of people just don't understand. Most of us probably do have our own do not call list though. So if you are bother, just politely tell us to put you on the do not call list. It's done without question if you request it. There is really no need to put people down or get angry.

[Christina86]

((((((((greenleaves)))))))))))) I'm sorry... I know how hard it is to be shot down and hurt regularly. I had a 3 week job trying to sign up people for credit cards. I didn't get a single person in all that time! So I quit before they'd have fired me.

[SpottedOwl]

((((Greenleaves))))

I'm sorry you have to take that abuse. Try to remember that the caller's anger was about something going wrong in his life, and he just happened to take it out on you. You are not defined by your job, but by who you are inside. Honorable work can be scrubbing floors, its not about what you do, but how you do it.

You make a very good point, that we are all human beings with feelings, and it does not cost us anything to treat all people with a little kindness. (As a side benefit, I find people in general are much more helpful when you treat them well...so it is a win-win to be kind.)

Thank you for the reminder, Greenleaves.

[nightbird]

((((green)))))

very good point you have made here for people to realize they are speaking to a person who is trying to pay their bills and work for their living... there is no reason to be rude to them.

I hope you are feeling better ...

Happy Holidays ((((Greenleaves))))

Peace and Love,
night
xoxo

[Junerain]

I used to work at a call center too....and YES it is honorable! _You_ are honorable greenleaves

I was also a waitress and sooo sensitive when I would introduce myself that I would be serving them and taking care of them and all they say is I DRINK COFFEE back without returning even my glance..it hurt..or pick up the coffee cup and motion OVER HERE FILL IT NOW and I have eight other tables....whose tips I could be losing if I do not tend to them, too...

Even an "I do not want any onions on my burger!" just the way it was said even that would hurt mePoor little onions...so unwanted..lol

I found my way out and went back to school I do not know if that is something you would consider although you are fine and perfectly fine just as you are a sweet caller