u/DebtDapper6057

I've recently started applying to call center/customer support jobs alongside entry-level IT positions, mostly because I'm trying to be realistic about getting a job while I'm in school.

And honestly, I'm not surprised that call centers respond more often, but I am surprised by just how much more responsive they are.

For context, I have a B.S. in Information Technology and I'm currently pursuing a master's degree in Human Computer Interactions. I also have an IT internship where I helped refurbish and deploy computers for local schools, including supporting the rollout of over 2,000 devices.

More recently, I've been doing independent IT contracting, where I've handled things like hardware installation, troubleshooting, network setup, software upgrades, and end-user support.

I've also worked in customer-facing jobs at Best Buy, Starbucks, McDonald's, and currently DoorDash. So I have a pretty substantial combination of technical experience AND customer service experience.

My IT background includes networking, Active Directory, DNS, Group Policy, Linux/Apache servers, virtualization, security fundamentals, web development, and accessibility/UX. I also have a Google IT Support certificate.

My resume isn't exactly "I watched a YouTube video about how to build a PC yesterday and now I'm applying for IT."

Yet when I apply for entry-level IT roles — help desk, desktop support, IT support, junior technician, etc. — I can send out application after application and hear absolutely nothing.

Then I started applying to call center/customer service positions.

• Suddenly I'm getting emails.
• Suddenly I'm getting interview requests.
• Suddenly companies are interested in talking to me.

Which got me thinking:

Are call center jobs basically becoming the new entry-level IT jobs?

Obviously, call center work isn't IT, and I'm not saying that it should be considered equivalent. But a lot of entry-level IT positions seem to want someone with 1–3 years of experience, multiple certifications, knowledge of several enterprise systems, and sometimes a bachelor's degree, while still calling the position "entry-level."

Meanwhile, call centers seem much more willing to take someone with transferable skills and train them.

I'm curious what other people in IT think. Has anyone else with an IT degree, certifications, and technical experience found it easier to get hired for customer service or call center work than an actual entry-level IT position?

And for people who did start in a call center: did it actually help you transition into IT later, or did you find yourself getting stuck in customer service?

How common is it for pet sitters to have pets of their own? And how do you handle 24/7 sitting?

I’m new to pet sitting and was wondering how common it is for pet sitters to have pets of their own.

For those of you who have your own pets, how do you handle situations where the owner wants you to stay at their house 24/7 while you're watching their pets? Do you have someone else take care of your pets while you're away, or do you set boundaries with the owner about how long you can realistically stay?

I'm just trying to figure out what's considered normal in the pet-sitting world. I obviously want to give the pets I'm caring for the attention they need, but I also have pets at home that need to be taken care of.

What do you all do in this situation?