Hi there. I recently quit my job in call centre/customer service after 15 years. I had hit burn out where I cant deal with abuse and rudeness on the phone anymore. I have been trying to look at other options of work which dont involve customers or public contact and also looked at study etc. Now after unemployment for 8 months, I am hitting an all time low. I have absolutely no idea where to look or what to do? I have looked at home business [which would ideal] but the only skills I have are customer service and admin all my life. I have looked at studying but unable to afford this at present. I am running out of money and now realise that I cant make it elsewhere and will have to go back to call centre work. I really tried, but now I am more depressed than when I started. Can anyone offer advice or maybe have been in a similar situation? Muchly appreciated. thanks.

Clough

You already have listed some skills that you have. What other interests or desires that you have as a career do you have?

Allheart

Hi,

Don't be discouraged, many people fall into your shoes.

If you are a college grad, the Government I beleive is continually looking for interns.

Don't downplay your experience. Most jobs, no matter how much past experience you have in that field, you will still need some on the job training, because every organization does things differently.

So highlight your experience and make it work for you.

I would first think about the things you do like to do, and then see if there is a job that matches your likes.

Mostly, don't give in to the despair. 15 years of experience, looks very good to potential employers, but you will have to market yourself.

Customer Service is a very tough filed, and thereby you picked up a great deal of versitile skills that I am sure can be enhanced when doing your resume.

So think of which kind of jobs interest you, and build your resume around that to start.

I do wish you the very best....and don't get discouraged..

Linda Griffin

Hi Chris,
I echo the comments that have been made by others not to give up. With 15 years of experience in call centers, you have many skills that could be applied to other jobs. A few that come to mind are the ability to ask questions to get information, the ability to understand a problem and access the resources required to solve it, proficiency in computer or network tools. I suggest you make a list of all of the tasks that you did on a daily basis in your job and identify the ones that you were really good at and that you loved. Then look for a job which will allow you to use those skills in a different way. For example, if you like call center work but not the type of client you had to deal with, is there another industry where you might get a nicer client base? One job that comes to mind is collections for corporate clients which is very different from collections from consumers. You mention that you also have admin skills. Have you considered a career as a 'virtual admin assistant' ? This is a low cost of entry business that you could do part time as you're looking for other employment. Google "virtual assistant" for lots of info.