Off The Record with Ann Kristine

By Ann Kristine Peñaredondo

May natatagong kwento sa bawat trabaho. Simula sa kung paano ka na-hire o pakiramdam mo ikaw na lang ang "nagtitiis" sa kumpanya. Sa likod ng petsa de peligro, work tsismis, difficult team leads hangg... more

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FAQs about Off The Record with Ann Kristine:

How many episodes does Off The Record with Ann Kristine have?

The podcast currently has 20 episodes available.

Off The Record with Ann Kristine episodes:

July 30, 2025 AJ: "First Purchase Ko from My First Call Center Salary was Gas Stove."
AJ may have only spent a few months in the call center, but that doesn't mean it didn't give him the lessons that he needed.

AJ shares his remarkable journey from starting a career in the BPO industry at just 18 to becoming the CEO of a virtual assistant agency. He discusses his early experiences in the call center, the challenges he faced, and the skills he gained that helped him transition to freelancing.

AJ talks about the hardships of growing up in a poor family, his determination to work and study simultaneously, and his eventual realization that the call center industry wasn't for him.

This candid conversation touches on the benefits and drawbacks of his BPO experience, the importance of communication skills, work ethic, and the role of human connection in business.

00:00 Introduction and Early Career
00:42 First Job Experience at VXI
02:22 Transition to Freelancing
03:45 Balancing Work and Education
06:10 Challenges and Lessons Learned
16:24 Building a VA Agency
27:03 Would You Rather Questions
31:42 Advice for Aspiring Call Center Agents

Follow AJ on Instagram and Facebook.
Learn more about Next Level Assist on Facebook.

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: https://bit.ly/ireadthisbook3xafterbuyingit
...more
34min
July 23, 2025 Precious: "Switching BPO Companies Isn't Something I Am Proud of. Pero Grabe ang Pressure."
Switching call center jobs aren't necessarily job hopping. you'll learn from Precious.

Precious shares her experiences working on a seasonal Mother's Day account, her journey through different roles like inbound sales and technical support, and the challenges she encountered.

Precious talks about the pros and cons of working in the BPO sector, even with challenges like account dissolutions and layoffs. Precious provides valuable advice for those entering the BPO industry, highlighting the need for clear goals and viewing the experience as a pathway to future opportunities.

00:22 First Call Center Experience
01:47 Transition to Full-Time Call Center Work
02:33 Balancing Work and Education
04:46 Detailed Work Experience
09:39 Challenges and Benefits of Call Center Life
14:37 Work-Life Balance Issues
17:39 Understanding Team Leader Support
18:14 Impact of Training in the BPO Industry
18:59 Transitioning Between Accounts
19:36 Resignation and Pandemic Fears
22:26 Adjusting to Work from Home
27:31 Concerns About AI in the Workplace
30:19 Would You Rather Questions
33:12 Advice for Aspiring Call Center Agents

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: https://bit.ly/ireadthisbook3xafterbuyingit
...more
36min
July 16, 2025 LA: " Grabe 'Yung Character Building na Ginagawa ng BPO Industry."
LA worked in one of the biggest BPO companies, yet she felt small. Bakit kaya?

LA shares her BPO career journey, starting as a call center agent and evolving into the co-founder of The VA Hub.

She discusses her motivations, challenges, and the valuable lessons learned from her BPO experience, including dealing with stressful commutes (and falling hair!), strict work disciplines, and building resilience. LA also dives into her transition to work-from-home roles and her involvement in pioneering a virtual assistant company.

Additionally, she reflects on the impact of AI on the industry and offers advice to those considering a career in a call center. Listen to the episode to hear LA's candid insights and advice for aspiring professionals.

00:00 Introduction and Early Career Beginnings
00:34 First Job Experience at a Call Center
03:43 Challenges and Commute Struggles
07:43 Transition to Virtual Assistant
09:59 Founding The VA Hub
10:58 Reflecting on Call Center Life
23:46 Accident at the Workplace
24:46 The Importance of Training in BPO
25:26 Character Building in the BPO Industry
28:39 Transition to VA Hub
32:40 Side Jobs and Freelancing
34:52 Embracing AI in the Workplace
38:03 Advice for Aspiring Call Center Agents
39:33 Would You Rather Questions

Know more about The VA Hub, check their global links:
⁠Website⁠
⁠Facebook⁠
⁠Instagram⁠
⁠LinkedIn⁠
⁠TikTok

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: https://bit.ly/ireadthisbook3xafterbuyingit
...more
47min
July 09, 2025 Nica: "Wala Namang Masyadong Nangyayari sa Team Building; Nagi-Inuman Lang."
Bakit nag-call center si Nica kung ang goal niya sa life ay mag-barko para mag-travel?

Discover how Nica started her career in 2010, balanced work and studies, and navigated various roles and challenges over the span of 7-8 years.

Learn why she eventually transitioned to freelancing, how she managed work-life balance, and her thoughts on the future impact of AI on the call center industry. Plus, get Nika’s advice for those considering a call center career and insights on how to continuously grow and adapt in a rapidly changing job market.

00:00 Introduction and Early Career
00:41 College and Work Balance
01:54 Call Center Journey Begins
03:00 Experiences in Different Companies
06:44 Challenges and Rewards of Call Center Life
18:46 Transition to Freelancing
25:34 Impact of AI on Call Centers
28:12 Would You Rather Questions
31:09 Advice for Aspiring Call Center Agents

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: https://bit.ly/ireadthisbook3xafterbuyingit
...more
35min
July 02, 2025 Effie: "Naglalaro ako, then, biglang may pop-up ads sa PC. 'Would you like to apply?'"
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.
...more
59min
June 10, 2025Mia: "Sa Call Center Nagsimula ang 'Game of Thrones'!"
As a young mother, paano nag-thrive si Mia sa call center?

Mia discusses her career progression, from an agent in 2005 to a team lead. She discusses the industry's toxic culture, illicit relationships, mentorship, and AI's impact on call center jobs.

Mia also discusses the balancing act of work, education, and family life, highlighting the importance of support systems.

Inspiring ang episode na ito kasi Mia shares her career path, her insights on professional growth, and her dedication to helping others succeed.

00:00 Introduction and Early Career Beginnings
01:28 Balancing Work and Education
03:02 Navigating the Call Center Industry
05:10 Challenges and Transitions
10:53 Toxic Culture and Office Politics
18:50 Leave Policies and Personal Sacrifices
24:22 Struggles in the Call Center Industry
26:00 The Importance of Training
28:25 Transition to Freelancing
30:00 Discovering Virtual Assistance
32:46 Balancing Side Gigs and Call Center Work
35:05 Mentoring and Teaching Others
37:29 Reflections on Career Choices
40:25 The Impact of AI on Call Centers
44:39 Advice for Aspiring Call Center Agents

MJ Weddings and Events:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjweddingsph
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjweddingsph/
Email: [email protected]

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: https://bit.ly/ireadthisbook3xafterbuyingit
...more
50min
June 04, 2025 Ilonah: "Naiwanan Ako ng Shuttle Noong Pandemic, Nilakad ko ang C5!"
In this episode, we meet Ilonah, who started her call center career in January 2020, right before the pandemic hit.

She shares about her training and onboarding experience, at noong maiwan siya ng shuttle papunta sa work noong lockdown!

Ilonah shares her resilience during COVID-19, from training processes to managing customer cancellations.

Tune in for her stories of balancing work and personal life during a global crisis, plus amusing tales from the production floor.

00:00 Starting a Call Center Career During the Pandemic
00:26 Training and Onboarding Challenges
02:01 Lockdown and Work-from-Home Transition
03:25 Handling Cancellations and Lockdown Stories
09:13 Navigating Work-from-Home Setup
19:03 Overcoming Rejections and Finding Opportunities
27:44 Applying for the Job
28:06 Call Center Experience
29:13 Challenges and Realities
32:12 Health and Work-Life Balance
42:28 Training and Skills Development
43:38 Transition to a New Career
49:18 Thoughts on AI in the Workplace
51:18 Advice for Aspiring Call Center Agents
...more
55min
May 20, 2025 Joyce and Kat: "Kami Ang Naging Support System Ng Isa't-Isa."
Friends from work ang episode na ito!
Joyce and Kat discuss their experiences, workplace challenges, and the lifelong friendship they've formed.
They discuss AI's impact on BPO, pandemic career changes, and advice for those entering call centers.
00:26 Starting Careers in the BPO Industry
02:14 Career Progression and Company Experiences
07:35 Building Friendships at Work
12:56 Pros and Cons of Call Center Life
18:51 Challenges with Shifting Schedules and Office Politics
22:23 Struggles with Attendance and Leave Policies
34:46 Noche Buena Traditions on the Call Center Floor
36:48 Impact of Absenteeism on Call Centers
39:57 Training and Skills Development in Call Centers
40:59 Leaving the Call Center During the Pandemic
44:59 Current Roles and Responsibilities
49:03 Reflections on BPO Career and Advice
01:01:31 Would You Rather
01:04:23 Final Thoughts

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. Click here for my recommended book.
...more
1h 7min
May 13, 2025 Mika: "Alam Kong I Can Do More, Pero Nakaka-limit Ang Step-By-Step Procedure."
Ang saya ng buhay ni Mika sa Japan, pero bakit siya umuwi para mag-trabaho sa call center?
Mika shares her journey of starting her career in the call center industry in 2011.
She discusses her experiences, challenges, and lessons learned in the BPO industry, including the development of her communication skills and the strict work routines.
Mika also opens up about her transition from the call center to the corporate world, until eventually co-founding The VA Hub, where she now provides opportunities for virtual assistants globally.

00:00 Starting a Call Center Career
00:19 Life as a Factory Worker in Japan
01:20 Returning to the Philippines and Adopting Raine
01:38 First Call Center Job in Cavite
01:53 Moving to Makati for Better Opportunities
03:10 Challenges and Learnings in the Call Center
05:34 The Struggles of Balancing Work and Personal Life
17:26 Transitioning to a Corporate Job
19:36 Transition to Consulting and HR Roles
20:22 Promotion and Work-Life Balance
21:34 Current Role and Company Overview
25:52 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Side Hustles
29:49 Impact of AI on Call Centers
30:50 Advice for Aspiring Call Center Agents
33:05 Would You Rather Segment
37:48 Final Thoughts

Know more about The VA Hub, check their global links:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
TikTok

https://bit.ly/ireadthisbook3xafterbuyingit
...more
39min
May 06, 2025 Ehdina: "AI Would Replace Tasks, Not People."
Ehdina began her call center career in 2012 to support her family and transitioned to a digital marketing agency owner during the pandemic, showcasing her resilience.

Ehdina discusses her call center experiences, including rotating schedules, high pressure, and office politics. She also highlights the benefits of robust training, stable income, and the vibrant call center culture.

Discover how her call center background laid the foundation for her agency ownership success. At dapat mong pakinggan ang insights niya sa AI's impact on the BPO industry.

00:00 Introduction and Early Career
00:27 Family Background and Initial Job Experiences
00:43 Challenges and Transitions in the Call Center Industry
02:12 Benefits of Working in a Call Center
04:51 Drawbacks of the Call Center Job
11:05 Transition to Freelancing and Digital Marketing
13:25 Reflections and Advice for Aspiring Call Center Agents
18:50 Fun 'Would You Rather' Segment
22:09 Impact of AI on the Call Center Industry
25:17 Final Thoughts

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: https://bit.ly/ireadthisbook3xafterbuyingit
...more
33min

FAQs about Off The Record with Ann Kristine:

How many episodes does Off The Record with Ann Kristine have?

The podcast currently has 20 episodes available.