The Pros and Cons of Working in Customer Service

If you are seeking to work in a customer service role, bear in mind that everyday will be dissimilar. While you may have an exceptionally good day working with the public one-day, the next day could be a total disaster. But that’s the ambiguity of working in a public sector; no two days are ever the same, but unpredictable. It’s practically inevitable that you will have to deal with angry and dissatisfied customers at one time or another. It’s also very likely you will receive compliments and letters of praise from satisfied customers provided you render good service. You might also have to work in stressful working conditions, depending upon your job responsibility. Listed are scenarios and working conditions that you can anticipate and/or job responsibilities that are mandatory when working in this capacity.

PROS
Satisfied customers
Letters of praise and compliments from customers
Rewards and Recognition from employer
Flexible hours
Job share
Job satisfaction
Good employee evaluation
Health insurance and other benefits
Rewarding career
Experience
Resume builder
Raises and promotions
Job security
On-the-job training
May not be required to have a college degree

CONS
Dissatisfied customers
Verbal insults from customers
Customer complaints
Poor customer service ratings
Required to make outbound calls and answer customer inquiries during work hours if a telemarketing position
Low employee morale
Job dissatisfaction
High employee turn over rate (you may be required to fill in when needed)
Stand for long periods of time or all day- during work hours
Sit for long periods of time answering customer inquires via chat, phone, and email
Work in a stressful environment
Write-ups and possible termination due to multiple complaints from customers
The customer is always right, even when they are wrong
Manager will side with the customer, even when they are wrong
Mandatory overtime when needed
Required to work weekends and holidays