Call center workers desire to be with their families as they earn good income, top their choices when they can choose to have earned better salaries abroad or somewhere else. They prefer to remain in the country and join the unemployed sector. Not all call center agents have unsuccessful story. Sharon Acusta, 30, Joel Calle, 27, and Augustine Escalona, 29, said that their employment with TeleTech in Iloilo City has given them an improved chance to start a profession while raising their kids and keeping their families in tact. Sharon had worked in Brunei as a secretary in a company, she could have been given a higher income and more benefits if had she stayed. According to her, she found it difficult to fight homesickness and the hurt of being not able to see and talk with her child. She has chosen to go home and tried to work as a call center agent. At present, she is about to complete her probationary period at TeleTech. She has found a good job at Teletech, opportunities for growth are within her reach. This helps her to develop a strong sense of confidence.

A Management graduate from Central Philippine University, Joel Calle is now a supervisor at TeleTech. His family is his priority when he started the job as call agent. Joel’s wife is a former OFW who is now back in the country. This makes him the only bread winner. Joel said that being a supervisor can provide him the chance to take care of his family while having the greatest chance to develop professionally. His job brings him to face bigger challenges in developing good human relations and in dealing with clients that will make them satisfied and glad.

Augustine Escalona, 29, said that as a call center agent, he finds his job fulfilling because this brings him closer to his wife and child. Also, because of the chance for him to grow and to put his skills in sales into reality. He also learned to cultivate patience, discipline, flexibility, and teamwork. These teach him to realize that he can accomplish the job working with a team. Sharon, Joel and Augustine are very grateful to the government who supported BPOs in the country, which enable them to have challenging career.

The existence of TeleTech has granted young professionals like them with good options for employment that does not only give good earnings and benefits but personal and professional expansion. There is a better chance of growing in the job while earning good returns. Benefits like social security, health, insurance and spot bonuses are also being achieved. Ms. Abbey Valenciano, TeleTech Senior Manager for Corporate and External Affairs, said that Teletech offers balanced lifestyle to their people, seeing their basic needs at all times. She added that they have Lifestyle Passport Program which offers discounts and other privileges to their workers. TeleTech is the biggest employer today with its 23,000 employees, 17 percent hiring rate, and a high retention rate. So far, they have more than 1,600 employees at Iloilo site. They expect to grow some more with the potentials of manpower coming from the universities and colleges at Iloilo City. [via PIA]