Off The Record with Ann Kristine

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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