Customer Service
For many, customer service is the first job opportunity that is given. Some of us may know an employee who worked in the company for quite some time while making a reasonable income. At the same time, we have seen disgruntled employees who disdain their place of employment. So we have to ask a big question. Is customer service a good career path? We must look at this issue's different aspects to answer this question. First, we want to examine customer service's pros and cons. Secondly, we want to look into the benefits of customer service. Finally, we want to see if our time in customer service will be well spent.
The Pros and Cons of Customer service
With many things in life, there is a good and bad. Regarding customer service, we want to look into the pros, which include opportunities, pay, connections, and skills. First, the options that come with customer service include possible promotions. It is no secret that promotion comes with benefits such as increased pay and more days off. In other words, the work/reward ratio leans more in favor of the employee receiving the promotion. Next, depending on where you're from, the pay tends to be around minimum wage; for some, that may not be enough, which is totally understandable. On the other hand, if the store desperately needs staff and you have the time and energy to put in some overtime, there will be a nice payday waiting for you. After, the connections you build with staff depend on your personality versus the other staff's personality. Information can be easily attained if there is a good connection between the two. On the other hand, if you find it hard to have regular conversations with other staff, you will dread the entire job. Not to say it is anyone's fault, but some workplaces allow some personalities to shine while others may get left behind. If you find your workplace to be toxic to you, do not take a chance. Lastly, the skills you obtain from customer service are relevant when looking for other jobs in the future. Displaying the skill in communication, teamwork, organization, and multitasking are some of the many skills that will be utilized and applicable in different work areas. Ultimately, many more doors will open if your first job is in customer service. On the other hand, when looking at the cons of customer service, we have to consider the same factors as the pros. For example, it is relatively difficult to obtain promotions in customer service because many people are working for that company. If you can advance to a managerial position, climbing such a ladder will take even more work and time. Additionally, the work will be challenging. The pay for customer service can stagnate. Understanding that long hours plus minimum wage can lead to a prolonged period of limited growth and opportunity is essential. Importantly, obtaining income from other areas is challenging, especially if you are full-time. While part-time can be an option, many have experienced times when the work is more prolonged than initially meant to be. In other words, just because you signed up for part-time doesn't mean the company will always allow you to work part-time. Sometimes a company may make you work a full-time schedule for a few days or even a week. Considering many locations are low in staff, this could happen to a new employee.
Time in Customer Service
Overall, the time spent in customer service is rewarding for some, but many experiences the opposite. The time that is spent working many hours may leave you exhausted. Additionally, while maintaining the job, exploring other opportunities outside of the company becomes hard. Even with a promotion, there is no guarantee that more is needed to fulfill the needs of your current or future lifestyle.
What should I do?
Use customer service to build up your resume and have a plan. Have a set time you would like to leave, and make sure you have a plan afterward. Having a great relationship with your workplace is essential to obtain recommendations. Make sure to be a valuable asset in the place you work, but make sure to practice self-care in the process. Respect yourself as much as the job, and if you get a promotion and the job has health and other benefits you may need, then don't be afraid to weigh your options. The key is to always see what is best for you; just make sure you can still choose one option.
Mental Health
As always, ensure you are looking out for your mental health, especially in the work field. Far too many times, people come and go to work and ignore their fundamental needs, which can impact not only their performance but also their health. It doesn't just end there. One of the main challenges that affect mental health in the workplace is the feeling of failure or defeat. These feelings can arise for many reasons and can affect your self-care. In other words, if you know you are the type to blame yourself and be harsh on yourself, it is essential to look out for those signs. As I said before, it varies from person to person, but it is always important to be fair to yourself. Carrying a whole company is unrealistic, and sometimes things go wrong. You won't always be in control, and that's okay, but it is essential to acknowledge your mistakes so you can learn from them, not bash yourself. Remember to take care of yourself in your free time and ensure you are content with your path. There is no shame in admitting that retail or any other job it's not for you. You were able to get out there and try is a big step forward. Ultimately everybody at one point in their life tries something new. A lot of times, people fail in their journey but what makes those journeys important is that people take the time to learn and understand what they did wrong so they can do better for their next trip. Always remember that your efforts are much appreciated and that where there is a failure, there is a path to success.