Effie shares his serendipitous start in the BPO industry back in March 2006, spurred by an online ad while gaming at a computer shop.
With no solid career plans post-graduation, Effie's spontaneous application led to a long and eventful career in various call centers before transitioning to a virtual assistant role.
He discusses the highs and lows of his journey, from quick promotions and robust training programs to the challenges of office politics and maintaining work-life balance.
Effie also reflects on his transition to a work-from-home setup, the benefits he reaped from his call center experience.
00:00 Starting a Call Center Career
00:47 The Unexpected Job Application
03:25 First Day and Initial Interviews
07:52 Rapid Promotion to Supervisor
09:06 Transition to IBM
11:14 Challenges and Changes at Teletech
13:34 A Period of Growth
15:53 Moving On
17:29 Peak Career
23:12 Reflecting on Call Center Benefits
26:28 Downsides of Call Center Work
29:45 The Challenges of Micromanagement
30:49 Trust and Politics in Management
32:08 Personal Reflections on Management Style
41:11 Transitioning to a Virtual Assistant Role
51:52 The Role of AI in the Call Center Industry
54:12 Rapid Fire Questions
55:35 Advice for Aspiring Call Center Workers
Proximity Outsourcing is an HR company that focuses on high-level placements and ongoing HR services. Visit their website to know more about their latest work opportunities, or you may check their Facebook Page.
Call Center Agents: Sawa ka na ba sa “graveyard shifts” at unhealthy habits? Ang solution ng iba, find another work. Ang suggestion ko: Start with education. Here’s my recommended book.