A reason to escape journalism...

Oh, I know about all of that. I have previous call center experience so I'm familiar with what I was getting myself into before I interviewed for the position.

I'm working today on what would normally be my Sunday in an effort to get some overtime in there. It's the first time since I actually hit the floor that I've worked OT. And yes, I've already gotten some of my calls evaluated by the quality folks and by my manager.

I know call center work's not for everybody. Hell, based on my last experience with call center work, I was a bit nervous about getting back in because that environment was really soul-sapping. This environment feels so much better from the top on down.

 

I experienced this when I got out of the biz at the beginning of the year.

I came in with Staples catalog on my desk with instructions of: order anything you need. My manager took me to lunch on my first day and the next day they sent me home with a bunch of company stuff: polos and other crap. But still, it was an interesting change of pace.

 

After five months with the company, I now have my first raise.

Granted, it isn't much, just a few cents per hour. But still, that on top of getting gift cards as shows of appreciation when I do well AND getting positive feedback from my manager after other folks at a meeting heard one of my calls definitely makes up for the small size of the raise.

I made the observation earlier this week that I don't miss journalism. I definitely do not feel any desire to get back into the business the way I thought I would just three months in. Now when I look back on my newspapering days, I think of an old saying: "Living well is the best revenge."

 

congrats on the raise. here's hoping they don't outsource you call center to mumbai anytime soon.

 

I left journalism when I realized (fortunately, while in high school) that I'd rather spend my nights with people I care about rather than with coaches who I couldn't care less about. Can't say I regret my decision.

 

Update 2:

Nine months in and I got official word that I've been promoted effective July 1.

When I first started, I was told the company put more stock in performance than seniority. I got proved right. Journalism this definitely ain't.

 

Congrats!

 

Raise? What's that? You make it sound like a good thing, so congratulations.