So I got a new job! WOOT!

As you likely guessed from the title, it's in a local call center. I'm doing some basic trouble-shooting, account management, payments, etc. for a small cellphone provider.

I've kinda always heard that those places where borderline deadly to your mental health and carry a high burn-out rate.

As part of training I already took a call (while the agent handled the computer side of things). It didn't seem to bad, the guy wasn't happy at all about stuff, but he buggered off after a bit. The software I need to use seems archaic and completely useless, but I think I can work with it. What I'm not liking is the language barrier with some of the clients...

So, I'm asking you fine citizens (or denizens) of the CD; who among you have experience in such a place and what tips can you provide?

I worked in a call center for a week after college. Got fired for callinga customer a raging bag of [censored]tarded

Ya, I'm hoping I can keep my temper in check.

Though I'm basically resigned to the fact that, on the first call, I'm GOING to end-up deleting someones account.

I work with people and my best suggestion is do your best to be there for them. My job is far different but I still deal with morons

Most of the actual horror stories about call-centres tend to come from people doing sales. If all your calls are inbound then it shouldn't be too bad. Generally people are ringing because they want help with something, and if you can provide that help without being a [censored] about it they'll probably be happy and nice.

Be the nicest dude ever. Even if I wanted to say "I hope you choke and die" you can't really say that. Instead, I'd say something super positive, but with the most sinister and toxic face a person could ever make. If I said it to you in real life I'd look like an ass, but it's one of my coping mechanisms.

The customer isn't ever right. Go in with that assumption. They will cheat you and game you. They think they can play you to get a discount and they will outright lie to you, say you are the worst company ever, etc. Don't believe it for a second. Do what you are within your right to, and go out of your way for the ones you think are truly sincere.