I do not proclaim myself to be a writer or a graphic designer or a web designer. Truth be told, and judging by how I’ve been spending the last twenty months of my life, you could sum up who I am in three very painful words: call center agent.
I doubt that growing up, any one dreamed of being a call center agent. Hell, this job description didn’t even come into Philippine existence ’til the early 00s. My grade school yearbook (by the way, I look like a total turd in it with my stupid headband and Madonna gap) says that I wanted to be scientist when I was 11. My high school yearbook tells a story of a swimming Hanson fan girl (and that’s it, thank goodness they left out that one incident back during our freshman year when I kicked Anton Dator in the nuts). My college yearbook (which has yet to be printed, I’m guessing) says that I will one day be relevant. I no longer want to be a scientist, I’m no longer a swimmer, I’ve managed to tone down my Hanson fanaticism, and I still want to and will be relevant.
But how can I, when I am merely an overworked, underpaid, and robotic call center agent, ya?
I am writing this all here because one day (hopefully, in the very near future. Like, early next year) I hope to look back to this entry and feel a sense of pride that I refused to be stuck in this blackhole. And that I actually took steps to get out of it, instead of silently and loudly bitching about how frustrated I am with my life.
No, I am not going back to finish my Thesis as I might just end up banging my head on the tiled Lanai floor of Miriam College. No, I am not going back to school, though I whole-heartedly wish I could go back in time, back to when I was 17 and filling up course application forms. Instead of deciding to take up some useless course like International Politics, I would’ve majored in Communication Arts or Business Administration, specializing in E-commerce. If I knew I’d end up flipping an Avaya phone the middle finger every time a beep would come through my headset less than a year after college, I would’ve rid myself of my “Eh ano ngayon kung di ako papakainin ng prinsipyo ko? Mayaman si Mama! O eto, International Studies, majoring in International Politics! Isang kurso na walang ka-demand demand sa Australia!” mentality.
My life has admittedly been made up of one bad decision after another, in the same way that my “love” life has been made up of one boyfriend after the other. I’d think it cool, if I probably were 14 with an uneven haircut and the tips of my hair dyed blonde and totally into the whole Myspace drama scene. But I’m freaking 22 years old. Ten years ago, I thought that by the time I hit my early 20s, I’d be a successful novelist churning out bestsellers, engaged to a certain blonde musician, and living in some hick suburb in Oklahoma. What a LOL, the reality that is Helga Weber now.
So. A big hopeful sigh here. The desire to resign from this job and quit this industry has never been stronger and the need to be somewhere and something else has never been more appealing. And surprise surprise, there’s actually progress!
And forgive me for turning sappy, but there are two people I’d like to thank for helping me come to this realization. Lover, who told me that I’m too pretty to be working in a call center (lol) and that I could be So. Much. More. My mom (who is dangerously close to finding this blog, and I’m totally crossing my fingers she sticks to Friendster) whom I disappointed by letting go of my academics just so I could be financially independent. She allowed me to be the stubborn person that I am, never tried to impose what she wanted for me, yet offered her help when I told her I’m getting out. And took me shopping, too! Her words when I informed her of my plans to leave my only source of income, take up these courses, and not move back home: tell me whatever you need so I can help you out.
I just wish I could ask her for rent money.
Now I go back to serious writing.
Hi, my name's Helga Weber and welcome to my personal site. I'm 24. My first socio-political scandal will happen at the age of 35 and will include men, sushi, an African country, and lots of money. My lover is the greatest. 
I just love this post. Every single bit of it.
What… no pictures?!?
Almost normal Helga?
Heh, Penny, HEH. I just want a non-call center life/job/future. :cute:
“Also, Humpy, normal people usually buy the first season first”
Yeah, who said that I was normal?? :P I think my first box was #7 (I don’t know if I bought that or not) and so kept on buying 8,9,10.. and now I start going down. 6,5,4.. :)
“I’ve managed to tone down my Hanson fanaticism” REALLY?? I remember that huge ad on your sideblog… I think it was Hanson who was on it.
What is your thesis btw? Do you have a subject to it?
You might need a vacation – Germany would be great for you :D
My Thesis was originally supposed to be about Live 8 and Bono and rockstar politics. It then “progressed” into extending capitalism to Africa and then we eventually ran around in circles. Foreign aid! Foreign debt! AIDS! Africa Africa Africa!
I hope you find something that fulfills your life. Your lucky to have a mom who lets you do what you want. Maybe going to school is best for you.
“one incident back during our freshman year when I kicked Anton Dator in the nuts”
HAHAHAHA!
You’re Mapet from UPRHS, aren’t you :P
yep. :D
Please delete this if my first post made it. I don’t see it appearing so I posted the same comment again. Thanks!
I’ve just surfed in and realized that you’re in the call center business. Somehow, you’re right. There’s a lot of long term disadvantages for those working in call center –>
http://www.youroutsourcing.info/2007/09/should-one-work-in-call-center.html
Two possible ways to remedy that is to take control of your future and: Use the BPO job as a stepping stone. Save money and move on. The second is to use your BPO experience and put up your own call center. Start with a home based call center and eventually expand it to many seats: http://outsourcing-jobs.blogspot.com
Regards
Totally loving this entry. And yes, like you, I’m sick of the industry and can’t wait to leave. But I need money first.
International Politics is not useless! ;P~
I’m with you. Have a non-call center future.
My thesis is also part of my past which I’d rather be erased from memory. It had Korina in it. pakshet.
And yes. I want to get the hell out my present job too. I might go back to school too, next year. I be like sugar mommy to the hot college kids.
* love this post helga!*
Aww. Go for it, LOLga! You should be proud of yourself already.
Also, I’ve always wanted to kick Anton Dator in the face just for fun. I never got to do it, but I feel a little satisfaction knowing you kicked him in the balls.
I believe that this was uncalled for. Please be careful with what you write next time.
Right. Helga. Right. I feel for you. I’m on the same situation too. I know I could be better… not in a Call Center, but hell yeah .. I need money.. so i better stick to it… but Im guessing next year I’d be off!!!!
You know pretty boy Dator?! Lol. We used to call him names, too. I believe Best Friend Bad Word was his freshman nickname.
Ya, I knoes him from UPLB. I don’t think he knoes me, though. I wanted to beat his ass up because I’m fat and he’s so hunky and dreamy. 8->
Also, you replied to the wrong comment. Ass.
Ulp. Don’t worry, I won’t start calling you Beejing.
this is something i don’t often see in your blog. =)
good luck in the path of your “real career” ;)
Actually, I think the exact words were:
You. Are. So. Much. Better. Than. This.
=)
I agree.
WE. ARE. SO. MUCH. BETTER. THAN. THIS.
I remember asking you years ago what’s the first book you will write about. You said a memoir – and i think you were reading mary kay that time.
—
*ouch* on your comment of the ‘uselessness’ of MC IS! One thing i’ve learned from our crazy subjects and professors, its that i do not need a bachelors degree to put up a business, be postcolonial writer or whatever. come on – we can do anything!
And how we used to bash call center people pala noh? Haha Gaga ka.
The is very nice Helga and of course we commit mistakes especially in taking the right course. But still you should pursue your dreams and a real career that you will be happy with
cheers! reading ur post is like reading something i wrote 5 or 6 months ago after i finnaly had the courage to quit my slave job like you…it was my dad who enlightened me… good luck!
Dunn dunnn dunnn, you’re a call-center agent! I worked that type of job ages ago an could not take customers bursting veins over a simple problem that they could have prevented from happening in the first place by not ordering a shit-ton of porn! Good luck with finding another line of work!
aww… i understand. eventually. i left the callcenter thing but got stuck in the graveyard sched. you’ll find something!
helgrr
you’ve been working there for a year and a half? feels like forever. i remember we were talking about this. it used to be seen as a phase, and i’m still hoping it is :) dear lord you deserve so much better than that job. weee :) christmas!
Your post is brimming with resolve. I’ve no doubt that you’ll be doing something noteworthy in the future.
You also have an amazing mom. People like her are quite rare I think.
I’ve been there, been that. The thing is, you really have to make a move and go where your instincts tells you to go. Your happiness should suffice above all. I hope everyone that’re working in a call center gets to realize this.
Nice post. Very nostalgic as it reminds of a similar post I made a few months back. ;)
I gotta say that I’m so much happier now. Hope you’ll be as well.
Pretty interesting blog you got here, Helga. My girlfriend was “googling” my name and saw this. She found it amusing. Don’t worry, my little swimmers are still are still alive and kickin’. Kudos to the blog!Keep it up you’re doing great.See you in our next HS reunion!
Helga. The Philippines are about to get a huge intake of call centers. Due to how cheap it is to run one there. Everybody is already sick of the birdy num num voices from India + you are friendlier and nicer folk. I really feel for you working in such a place. I also have worked in one here in OZ. I truly believe that call centers are the 5th circle of hell. Do anything to get out. If you have no dependents – then why are you working there ? Any job is better than the psychological torture of working in a bastard call centre !
Nilalait ko ang CC dati. I tried working in a call center in 2006 anyway. I lasted for just 5 months. The job didn’t fit me, I hated the environment. I felt my grey matter waning. Nakakabobo siya, that’s my opinion. Working in that industry caused me to have breakdowns at night when I am about to leave for my shift, kasi nga naman ayoko pumasok kasi naiisip ko I should be sleeping na. It was depressing. The environment was, ugh. I resigned. I’m in a better job now that’s fit for me and would not get in the way of my studies. Siguro the CC is okay for those who want to earn money in an easy way.
i have worked in a call center as well for nearly 4 years now. it is my first job when i graduated frm college.. there are times, and take note that it happens often, that i wanted to break free and leave this job.. however, im afraid i would not be able to find another job which would offer me same basic salary as what i have right now. and i’ve attempted so many times to look for a better job that has higher salary that i am qualified for, but it always says call center representative…
i wanted so badly to get a new carreer, but my finances would not let me.. the truth is, no matter how i hate my job, it feeds me and my family, and it sends my brother to college.. so i guess, im stuck. (but i wish, someday, i will find a different job that makes me happy, and that i would truly enjoy!) so help me GOD!
hahahaha…
graduated from a good school..started my career in teaching..after two years in the academe, here i am..call center agent..
Been here for a year now..wanted to quit then when i reached the fifth month…but unexpectedly..i ams till here..
why am i still here when i do actually have lots of options..well..one thing, either look for a job with a meager salary or stick to it..i need money…thats it..
yeah,,,cant imaging myself that i will still be here next year. i am looking for other options now to get out from here..yeah..ur right, there must be sending better out there..something worthy of my time than force myself to empathize with a customer who cant find the power button.
i like ur article…i know dator boy too..he does not know me anyway..yeah,,almost everyone in uplb then wanted to kick his face….kidding…