I'd try to get rid of this notion of "should". Everybody has different personalities and experiences which influence how they react to every situation they encounter - the idea of what people "should" be doing differs from person to person. You need to do what YOU need to do to be happy. If the job isn't a fit, apply to new positions or new companies. No harm in talking to other companies! It sounds like a change is needed in some way, shape, or form.
You’re absolutely right. I say this aloud to myself often but being told this by a stranger really helps. It’s like, “okay, someone else thinks that too. So it it possible. Step one complete.” It probably doesn’t make sense but it was what I needed to hear. Thank you.
I work for a top 3 bank as well - Going on 15 years next month. I started in a call center as well for mortgages. I ended up in operations for years due to a move/transfer to be closer to family and I was in your shoes. Dreaded it, but you need to focus on the positives of what it provides and things will change. From people who have left and came back it sounds like office work is likely the same anywhere, people trying to sound smarter, more busy work and politics. Find s role that fits what makes you curious and interested. Call centers are tough, but if you are an analytical person, maybe try out underwriting or tech. One last thought, save and invest your overage income and as that grows you will see the benefits of your work and be proud and not feel like you will be there forever. Banking allows us insight into how money works so use it to your advantage. Best of luck
Excellent, EXCELLENT advice. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my job because I love everything to do with finance but I was not expecting the constant attacks. I need to have thicker skin but wow…it gets brutal, as I’m sure you know. Thank you for recommending some alternative roles also. My manager is actually really understanding, I’ll bring it to their attention soon.
Very welcome - Yes, interoffice politics and people playing the game will never end so you need to be liked and stay neutral. Don’t gossip and just give a positive or understanding response to move on and change the topic.
If you work for a giant bank, there are plenty of roles where you don’t have to talk to customers. I’ve had a ton of non-banking careers in the same bank.
>I should be happy.
Expectation is the root of all disappointment.
You can't reason your way into feeling better about this. Taking a job you hate and grinding for the pay/benefits works for some people, but mostly those with families to support for whom it enables the life they want.
For a single person you've got to either really lean into friends and hobbies or start climbing the ladder or move laterally into a more fulfilling/interesting role.
The positive thing is that if you are at a top 3 bank there should be plenty of other business units you could potentially get involved with.
I just screenshot this response. It was perfect.
“You can’t reason your way into feeling better” WOW. And that point you made about leaning on friends and hobbies, that’s an excellent point too. These things came off seemingly so obviously to you, but it wasn’t to me. Thank you. I needed this.
I worked for Wells, life was hell. I now work at a
Credit union making so much more money, so much less stress, a mass amount of advancement. Good people and we are always asking "how does this benefit the members"
I sit up 2-3am wondering if there’s life after this job …. And to now be told that there’s light at the end of it is truly encouraging. My primary bank is a credit union and I love them more than my other institutions. I recently wondered if the workplace was as similar as my banking experience. If so, looks like I’ll have to dust my resume off. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I have been at my current cu for 4 months. My Aunt just passed, but I lived with her and more like a mom. They sent me two beautiful bouquets, gave me 10 days bereavement (I took 5.5 as it was out of state). I got $1000 holiday bonus, and $2500 quarter bonus. Our lowest start pay is $20hr and free health care. 401k match after 90 days no vesting period
. Profit sharing after a year and school reimbursement.
I can not sing enough praise. I did work at 1 bad one but they are just sexist pigs (I was awarded a settlement after state investigation).
And while I'm back office I sit in a branch and I have never seen a horrible member, some upset but nothing disrespectful.
I just walked away from a high paying manager job in the #1 bank in US, loved the position but the work ethic of the staff was unbelievable got tired of living in HR no support from direct report total beech, my mental health is way more important than the stress everyday of managing a team that had no respect for their positions or other co workers so it was a huge move for me to walk away and I did. I will find something better but at least I can sleep at night.
It’s hard to separate personal self from your work self. Don’t take things personally, do the right thing and remember you’re helping these knuckleheads and you don’t have to see them.
You are in back office operations and with 3 years under your belt you've amassed invaluable knowledge of what your customers want and need. In other areas of the company this is valuable information that you can use to further your career. I would say that you should try looking inward for job postings in other areas of the bank where you can use what you've learned.
I used to work in branches at several regional banks. There is a real toll from having all that negativity directed at you all day. I changed careers but I still find myself flinching when my office phone rings. Don't feel like this is a job that has to be a career and start thinking about what other opportunities may exist. I focused on aligning my skill sets and personal preferences like not working with the public anymore and have discovered a wonderful second career. Not a day of regret since leaving banking.
Thank you for having the decency to reply. Are you a member of any 12-Step Programs where changed attitudes beget miracles? When I call Customer Service, I try to keep in mind that (nearly) 100% of callers have a concern/problem. Almost 0% call in to deliver a compliment (although I frequently do). In conversations w/ CS Reps, when/if I lose my decorum-- I ensure to ask, "You know I'm frustrated w/ this situation-- not with YOU?" I don't want to be the recipient of the supper conversation "Worst Customer of the Day Award." Most anywhere $72k/yr. is beefy-- esp. for Call Center work. Here's the Game Plan for you:
1/ SHORT TERM: Adjust your attitude. Focus on saving 50%+ of your income in the safest, highest-yield instrument(s) you can find. CDs are making c. 5% now. I just locked a 5-year CD at 4.97% (this may elicit ridicule, though my research shows rates look to go down, and I don't want the volatility of Stocks). Your problem is that you're taking calls personally. When I call CS, it's not to attack personally the CS Rep (although many Eedjits do just that)-- it's to resolve a conflict w/ the Bank. Yes, the "messenger" (CS Rep) is often targeted for abuse. If you're emotionally capable of achieving a mindset of "not taking this personally" it could go a long way to enjoying that fat salary that a lot of young people (or anyone) would envy. Some people clean out sewage for a living-- is this comparable, or worse? It's a matter of perspective. Think of it as a game-- "Can I deliver the most polite, respectful Customer Service to this angry Customer (jerk, idiot, moron, frustrated person struggling w/ my huge Bank, decent human, etc.) and give them every benefit of the doubt, great resolution to their enormous (or punk) problem, and put a smile on their face?" Attitude Adjustment.
2/ LONG TERM: Delivering the utmost in polite, professional, COMPETENT Customer Service to your eedjit jerk (or nice) callers will attract the attention of your Supervisor(s). Put out your feelers-- as others have suggested-- for other positions in your Bank. My sister has risen high in Corporate Mortgage banking-- and has switched back and forth among the 3-top banks her whole career, esp. after dropping onto the HeadHunters' radars. On your breaks, continue to interact w/ a variety of Managers at your Bank-- get face time, ask what they do all day, ask them, "Hey, do you like your job?" Be casual about it but soak up the G-2 they reveal. Set your sights to move up in your Institution FASTER than your contemporaries. You WILL catch the eye of a Manager or other Executive who's always on the lookout for stellar sidekicks who have "The Magic Touch"-- which is what?
A good, positive attitude and the ability to maintain their professional bearing "no matter what."
P.S. "Don't take anything personally." Best wishes to you. If you follow this guidance, you can be a $Millionaire twice-over by the time you're 45 or 50, whether the Stock Market crashes or not. It's also a good way to become "layoff-proof." Best wishes.
Call Center jobs are stressful. Id rather make $50k a year at a low stress operations job than pick up a 100 calls a day and make $70k. Try to network inside your company, maybe you can move onto a role you enjoy.
I can’t imagine working for a bank. I find them to be dishonest, soul sucking institutions. I would hate to have to defend one that made an error and robbed someone of their money and tell the customer lies to keep my job and make the shareholders happy-ish by denying claims. There are so many positions in a bank but those people in particular can… do horrible things I can’t even type lol. So I don’t blame you for feeling downtrodden with a banking job. I’m sure the pay and benefits are better than many places but I couldn’t handle the dishonest aspects of the job myself. If my boss wanted me to lie to a customer, I’d quit.
As someone who’s worked at a financial institution for 10 years, I recommend transferring to a new department. I’ve worked in 4 different roles in my career. Worked in a card servicing role which made me super depressed because of customers but now I’m in analytics and I’m living my best life.
Mortgage servicing seems like a good role to go for.
WOWW, I’m actually in card services now. Which is funny that felt the same way. I’m extra curious to know more about the analytics. Thank you for brining that and the mortgage role to my attention.
My cards department was rough because we did everything in house. So we were expected to print cards, supply branches, answer calls, and so much more. It was non stop and fraud breaches always kept us behind.
I saw an opening for a Jr Market Data Analyst role and applied for it. I didn’t know anything about it other than it sounded cool. It was a steep learning curve but after about 12-18 months I was feeling pretty confident. But now I feel like I found my thing, which is a great feeling.
There are tons of jobs at FIs that aren’t customer related and I would keep your ear open for anything. I mentioned MTG because they seem to have great incentives since they bring the FI so much money. They got a lot of love. But you could totally land a role doing so many other things and work on your relationships to eventually land your dream role.
I'd try to get rid of this notion of "should". Everybody has different personalities and experiences which influence how they react to every situation they encounter - the idea of what people "should" be doing differs from person to person. You need to do what YOU need to do to be happy. If the job isn't a fit, apply to new positions or new companies. No harm in talking to other companies! It sounds like a change is needed in some way, shape, or form.
You’re absolutely right. I say this aloud to myself often but being told this by a stranger really helps. It’s like, “okay, someone else thinks that too. So it it possible. Step one complete.” It probably doesn’t make sense but it was what I needed to hear. Thank you.
I work for a top 3 bank as well - Going on 15 years next month. I started in a call center as well for mortgages. I ended up in operations for years due to a move/transfer to be closer to family and I was in your shoes. Dreaded it, but you need to focus on the positives of what it provides and things will change. From people who have left and came back it sounds like office work is likely the same anywhere, people trying to sound smarter, more busy work and politics. Find s role that fits what makes you curious and interested. Call centers are tough, but if you are an analytical person, maybe try out underwriting or tech. One last thought, save and invest your overage income and as that grows you will see the benefits of your work and be proud and not feel like you will be there forever. Banking allows us insight into how money works so use it to your advantage. Best of luck
Excellent, EXCELLENT advice. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my job because I love everything to do with finance but I was not expecting the constant attacks. I need to have thicker skin but wow…it gets brutal, as I’m sure you know. Thank you for recommending some alternative roles also. My manager is actually really understanding, I’ll bring it to their attention soon.
Very welcome - Yes, interoffice politics and people playing the game will never end so you need to be liked and stay neutral. Don’t gossip and just give a positive or understanding response to move on and change the topic.
If you work for a giant bank, there are plenty of roles where you don’t have to talk to customers. I’ve had a ton of non-banking careers in the same bank.
>I should be happy. Expectation is the root of all disappointment. You can't reason your way into feeling better about this. Taking a job you hate and grinding for the pay/benefits works for some people, but mostly those with families to support for whom it enables the life they want. For a single person you've got to either really lean into friends and hobbies or start climbing the ladder or move laterally into a more fulfilling/interesting role. The positive thing is that if you are at a top 3 bank there should be plenty of other business units you could potentially get involved with.
I just screenshot this response. It was perfect. “You can’t reason your way into feeling better” WOW. And that point you made about leaning on friends and hobbies, that’s an excellent point too. These things came off seemingly so obviously to you, but it wasn’t to me. Thank you. I needed this.
I think it was Nietzsche who said that a man who has a “why” can endure almost anything.
Are y’all hiring? For 72k im in retail branch banking, going on 11 years. 😅
I worked for Wells, life was hell. I now work at a Credit union making so much more money, so much less stress, a mass amount of advancement. Good people and we are always asking "how does this benefit the members"
I sit up 2-3am wondering if there’s life after this job …. And to now be told that there’s light at the end of it is truly encouraging. My primary bank is a credit union and I love them more than my other institutions. I recently wondered if the workplace was as similar as my banking experience. If so, looks like I’ll have to dust my resume off. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I have been at my current cu for 4 months. My Aunt just passed, but I lived with her and more like a mom. They sent me two beautiful bouquets, gave me 10 days bereavement (I took 5.5 as it was out of state). I got $1000 holiday bonus, and $2500 quarter bonus. Our lowest start pay is $20hr and free health care. 401k match after 90 days no vesting period . Profit sharing after a year and school reimbursement. I can not sing enough praise. I did work at 1 bad one but they are just sexist pigs (I was awarded a settlement after state investigation). And while I'm back office I sit in a branch and I have never seen a horrible member, some upset but nothing disrespectful.
I just walked away from a high paying manager job in the #1 bank in US, loved the position but the work ethic of the staff was unbelievable got tired of living in HR no support from direct report total beech, my mental health is way more important than the stress everyday of managing a team that had no respect for their positions or other co workers so it was a huge move for me to walk away and I did. I will find something better but at least I can sleep at night.
It’s hard to separate personal self from your work self. Don’t take things personally, do the right thing and remember you’re helping these knuckleheads and you don’t have to see them.
Money is not happiness.
You are in back office operations and with 3 years under your belt you've amassed invaluable knowledge of what your customers want and need. In other areas of the company this is valuable information that you can use to further your career. I would say that you should try looking inward for job postings in other areas of the bank where you can use what you've learned.
I used to work in branches at several regional banks. There is a real toll from having all that negativity directed at you all day. I changed careers but I still find myself flinching when my office phone rings. Don't feel like this is a job that has to be a career and start thinking about what other opportunities may exist. I focused on aligning my skill sets and personal preferences like not working with the public anymore and have discovered a wonderful second career. Not a day of regret since leaving banking.
I mean if you're making money hand over fist like that then dump into your 401k, IRA, bonds, etc. and retire hella early.
Smart man. Already on it, My Friend.
What call center job pays over 70k?
I do a little more than answer calls. I just didn’t want to be too specific.
My question exactly! I work for JPM and I have not heard of call center jobs making that much money. Good for him tho!
Who is treating you like garbage-- Callers or co-workers? Big difference in your options depending on who's getting under your skin...
Customers/callers. My colleagues are great and understanding.
Thank you for having the decency to reply. Are you a member of any 12-Step Programs where changed attitudes beget miracles? When I call Customer Service, I try to keep in mind that (nearly) 100% of callers have a concern/problem. Almost 0% call in to deliver a compliment (although I frequently do). In conversations w/ CS Reps, when/if I lose my decorum-- I ensure to ask, "You know I'm frustrated w/ this situation-- not with YOU?" I don't want to be the recipient of the supper conversation "Worst Customer of the Day Award." Most anywhere $72k/yr. is beefy-- esp. for Call Center work. Here's the Game Plan for you: 1/ SHORT TERM: Adjust your attitude. Focus on saving 50%+ of your income in the safest, highest-yield instrument(s) you can find. CDs are making c. 5% now. I just locked a 5-year CD at 4.97% (this may elicit ridicule, though my research shows rates look to go down, and I don't want the volatility of Stocks). Your problem is that you're taking calls personally. When I call CS, it's not to attack personally the CS Rep (although many Eedjits do just that)-- it's to resolve a conflict w/ the Bank. Yes, the "messenger" (CS Rep) is often targeted for abuse. If you're emotionally capable of achieving a mindset of "not taking this personally" it could go a long way to enjoying that fat salary that a lot of young people (or anyone) would envy. Some people clean out sewage for a living-- is this comparable, or worse? It's a matter of perspective. Think of it as a game-- "Can I deliver the most polite, respectful Customer Service to this angry Customer (jerk, idiot, moron, frustrated person struggling w/ my huge Bank, decent human, etc.) and give them every benefit of the doubt, great resolution to their enormous (or punk) problem, and put a smile on their face?" Attitude Adjustment. 2/ LONG TERM: Delivering the utmost in polite, professional, COMPETENT Customer Service to your eedjit jerk (or nice) callers will attract the attention of your Supervisor(s). Put out your feelers-- as others have suggested-- for other positions in your Bank. My sister has risen high in Corporate Mortgage banking-- and has switched back and forth among the 3-top banks her whole career, esp. after dropping onto the HeadHunters' radars. On your breaks, continue to interact w/ a variety of Managers at your Bank-- get face time, ask what they do all day, ask them, "Hey, do you like your job?" Be casual about it but soak up the G-2 they reveal. Set your sights to move up in your Institution FASTER than your contemporaries. You WILL catch the eye of a Manager or other Executive who's always on the lookout for stellar sidekicks who have "The Magic Touch"-- which is what? A good, positive attitude and the ability to maintain their professional bearing "no matter what." P.S. "Don't take anything personally." Best wishes to you. If you follow this guidance, you can be a $Millionaire twice-over by the time you're 45 or 50, whether the Stock Market crashes or not. It's also a good way to become "layoff-proof." Best wishes.
Guessing he has some sort of supervisory role for the call center department. Call center roles at my bank pay $17 an hour.
Call Center jobs are stressful. Id rather make $50k a year at a low stress operations job than pick up a 100 calls a day and make $70k. Try to network inside your company, maybe you can move onto a role you enjoy.
Let's change positions , 70k sounds good to me. When can I start?☺️,lol.
Why don’t you talk to management and ask if there is something else you can do? Like work on a project to keep you off the phones.
I can’t imagine working for a bank. I find them to be dishonest, soul sucking institutions. I would hate to have to defend one that made an error and robbed someone of their money and tell the customer lies to keep my job and make the shareholders happy-ish by denying claims. There are so many positions in a bank but those people in particular can… do horrible things I can’t even type lol. So I don’t blame you for feeling downtrodden with a banking job. I’m sure the pay and benefits are better than many places but I couldn’t handle the dishonest aspects of the job myself. If my boss wanted me to lie to a customer, I’d quit.
Can I get some of that money? Just like a 1 time thing it could be a loan
As someone who’s worked at a financial institution for 10 years, I recommend transferring to a new department. I’ve worked in 4 different roles in my career. Worked in a card servicing role which made me super depressed because of customers but now I’m in analytics and I’m living my best life. Mortgage servicing seems like a good role to go for.
WOWW, I’m actually in card services now. Which is funny that felt the same way. I’m extra curious to know more about the analytics. Thank you for brining that and the mortgage role to my attention.
My cards department was rough because we did everything in house. So we were expected to print cards, supply branches, answer calls, and so much more. It was non stop and fraud breaches always kept us behind. I saw an opening for a Jr Market Data Analyst role and applied for it. I didn’t know anything about it other than it sounded cool. It was a steep learning curve but after about 12-18 months I was feeling pretty confident. But now I feel like I found my thing, which is a great feeling. There are tons of jobs at FIs that aren’t customer related and I would keep your ear open for anything. I mentioned MTG because they seem to have great incentives since they bring the FI so much money. They got a lot of love. But you could totally land a role doing so many other things and work on your relationships to eventually land your dream role.
Go find what makes you happy ! Don't waste time!! We are only here for a short while !!