10 Signs you've been working in a call centre too long
From disconnect button fantasies to system outage dreams — if you've been on the phones long enough, you'll know exactly what we mean.
There is a lot to love about working in a call centre but let's face it, no one dreamt of working in a call centre when they were growing up.
And even when people are working in a job that requires them to be on the phone all day whilst wearing a headset, many are even in denial that they actually even work in a 'call centre' anyway because in Australia at least, it's not seen as a career destination.
And to be fair, how many people just started in the call centre with a view to just being there for a few months while "I search for something better to come along"?
But whether it's the allure of the fast-paced work environment, the formation of some great friendships or perhaps enjoying the power of the mute and disconnect button a little too much, weeks turn into months, months into years and so on.
And 74% of contact centre managers started on the phones — so there really are loads of opportunities for those who want them.
So what are the signs when you've been working in a call centre too long?
Well, we crunched the numbers, did the exit interviews, visited the psychiatric wards and tracked down the long-term sick leave employees to get to the bottom of the telltale signs you've been working in a call centre too long...
OK, we actually didn't do any of that, but we still hope you have a good laugh!
Here are 10 signs you've been working in a call centre too long:
Counting down from 10 to 1, see how many of these reactions you can relate to!
You feel like doing this when a customer threatens to "take my business elsewhere"
Yeah, I'm really going to lose some sleep over that one.
You do this when you hit the 'ready' button and no calls come through
That overwhelming sense of joy just rises up and has to be released, I mean how good is that feeling!
You find it increasingly difficult to act sincerely when a customer complains and gives you their sob story
Sure, it's sad. But I've been telling management for years about the same issues and nothing ever gets fixed so I'm beyond caring.
You say this to yourself about 65 times a day
Seriously just how stupid can some customers be? All. The. Time. You never received the email when I can see the read receipt? Really? By now I've heard every excuse under the sun along with the classics like 'N' for knife 🤦♂️
P.S. To avoid making the same mistake, we've got a great Phonetic Alphabet you can print off and stick to your screen/monitor etc so you sound all professional and stuff.
You're worried a micro-second away from doing this if one more person complains about the wait time
Oh, I had no idea we were really busy until you just told me and whinged about it for two minutes (which just makes everyone else wait longer). Idiot. Just be thankful I still came to work otherwise your call would have never been answered.
Hitting the disconnect button takes you to your "happy place"
Nothing like the instant gratification of hitting that disconnect/end call button and making all the pain go away.
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Join Call Centre Legends on FacebookYou are borderline hysterical when a call drops in seconds before your shift ends
Why is the universe continually punishing me???? I just want to log out and go home. Now. Please let me just go home.
You couldn't care less when someone wants to speak to your manager (well, almost)
No worries, let me put you through cause I'm sure they will tell you something entirely different...
You start taking drastic actions when they are looking for someone to stay behind to help clear the queues
The minute my shift ends, I'm running faster than Usain Bolt for that exit door!
You spend a large proportion of your shift daydreaming about a system outage that will stop the calls coming through
Power outage? Broken monitor? Fire drill? Anything to give me a break from this crap!
How many did you relate to?
If you recognised yourself in more than a few of these, you're definitely a call centre lifer — and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
The truth is, working in a call centre builds resilience, teaches you to think on your feet, and gives you customer service skills that transfer to virtually any role. The friendships you make, the stories you collect, and the ability to laugh at the absurdity of it all? Those are worth something.
We'd hate to see you leave the industry, but we also know that whether you call it a call centre, contact centre, or customer service team, there are some universal truths that every frontline professional shares — regardless of where you work or how long you've been doing it.
So if you got a laugh out of these, share them with your team. Chances are, they're thinking exactly the same things.
Where to next
10 Things only real call centre employees would understand
More hilarious truths about life on the phones that only insiders truly get.
Read Article7 Hilarious signs you do really work in a call centre
Deny it all you like — these signs prove you're a call centre lifer.
Read ArticleCall Centre Agent Training
Build your call centre career with confidence — frameworks, techniques, and mindset to thrive in high-pressure environments.
View Training CoursePhonetic Alphabet
Stop saying 'N' for knife. Print this reference guide and sound professional every time.
Download Phonetic Alphabet
