u/budaicookiechewy

I know that working on shifting schedules is part of the contract when you work in a call center, but how is it reasonable to change our schedules EVERY SINGLE WEEK?

For context, our previous account recently sunsetted, so we were moved back to training while waiting to be deployed to a new account. Since then, we’ve been dealing with shifting schedules every week, and it’s honestly exhausting. Our bodies barely have time to adjust to one schedule before we’re suddenly expected to adapt to another one.

What makes it even more frustrating is that people are already getting sick, struggling with sleep, and having difficulty adjusting to the constant changes. And now, I'm starting to get sick myself. Honestly, I don't even know if I can last until the end of this month if things continue this way.

Whenever concerns are raised, our training supervisor's response is always along the lines of, "You're working in a call center. This is normal and part of your contract. Yada yada---"

I understand that the BPO industry operates around clients' needs and different time zones. I also understand that flexibility is part of the job. But does that mean employees are expected to tolerate constantly changing schedules regardless of the impact on their health and well-being?

I'm not complaining just for the sake of complaining, but this is becoming too much already. If resigning were that easy, matagal ko na sanang ginawa. Unfortunately, it's not that simple. Finding another job that offers a stable schedule is difficult, especially when you need a steady source of income to survive.

I'm also unsure where to raise this concern because I'm just a trainee. I don't know if I can bring this up to HR or someone higher up without it affecting my standing or future deployment.

What's the hardest type of customer you've dealt with over the phone?

It's not White Americans, Black Americans, Chinese or Indian customers for me. I might get downvoted for saying this, but in my experience, FILIPINOS living in the US have been among the most difficult customers I've dealt with.

I work in a financial account, and I've encountered quite a few Filipino customers who are extremely entitled and demanding. The hardest part is explaining the ins and outs of their accounts especially when there are policies, fees, transactions, or limitations that we simply can't change. Instead of accepting the explanation, some will argue with you, repeatedly question the same thing, and eventually blame you personally for their dissatisfaction.

What's even more frustrating is when they realize you're also Filipino. I've had customers belittle the Filipino representative helping them, speak to us disrespectfully, and insist on being transferred to an "onshore" representative simply because they don't want to deal with someone from the Philippines. Kaloka!

Its ironic that the people who share your nationality can sometimes be the ones who look down on you the most.

Obviously, I'm not saying every Filipino customer is like this. I've had plenty of great Filipino customers too. I'm talking specifically about a pattern I've personally noticed after handling calls for a financial account.

I'm so exhausted. SOBRANG QUEUEING! 😭

Going 2 years na ako dito sa vendor company, pero pagod na pagod na talaga ako. Tipong araw-araw kailangan mong i-prove yung sarili mo. I'm a top performer, pero the moment bumaba ako sa post, ramdam ko agad yung pressure. Parang kailangan mong laging galingan and honestly, kulang talaga yung sahod unless may incentives.

Lalo akong nanliliit sa sarili ko this month. Sobrang maulan, and every night kailangan mo pa ring bumiyahe at pumasok kahit minsan sobrang delikado, all that just for a few extra bucks. Meanwhile, you see people in OPS being able to work from home. Nakakainggit and honestly, nakaka-low ng self-esteem. 😭

I just wanna escape this prison that I feel like I made for myself.

I've been trying to look for better opportunities, especially in-house companies. I've applied to several positions online, pero wala pa ring nagre-reach out. Nakaka-frustrate kasi gusto ko lang naman ng stable job na decent yung pay yung kahit hindi ako mag-overperform every single day, I can still live comfortably and feel like my salary is enough.

I'm so tired of constantly feeling like I have to prove myself just to survive.

I feel so low right now. I just hope something better comes along soon. :(