I started working in the BPO (for those of you that don’t know, BPO = business process outsourcing) industry when I was 23 years old. Almost always working the “graveyard shift” for customer service outsourcing. Looking back, I can honestly say it was the best “time” of my life.
Allow me to explain…
I met a lot of people. I did what I do best (provide kick-ass customer service). I started from nothing and reached the top on my own. I was making my own money, buying things that I wanted (but never really needed). It was a time in my life that I felt alive with opportunity. I thought I was content. I had a career and was even someone else’s boss!
Then, I did the unthinkable… ????
I got married! Yay!
After six months, we were pregnant. I still went to work, used public transportation, etc. In essence, everything was the same in my life. I was still doing what I do (customer service) and I’ve always loved customer service, so it felt great. I would interact with my co-workers and colleagues and make small (and huge) decisions for my team.
I was also a customer service trainer, customer service coach, and evaluated customer service people. Live was great and I was content.
Then, my son was too excited to see the world and arrived six weeks early.
Everything in my life changed.
I don’t want to go “back to work” anymore. So, I decided to give up my career in customer service. I chose being a full-time mommy to my son over my dreams (at one time, my ultimate dream was to be somebody’s boss).
I realized the best feeling (the most fulfilling and the greatest blessing that I will have) is having a child of my own. I left my job in customer service and did not look back. It was liberating and heartbreaking at the same time. However, I made the right decision.
Fast-forward almost nine years to 2016.
My son started nursery school last Monday and I get the pleasure of watching him be active in school, play his friends, make new friends, smile, dance, and just be a normal kid.
Would I have been able to witness these lovely life moments if I were still working a nine-to-five job in customer service? Nope.
As I am typing this blog post, I can see my son. He’s playing on his own, but every time he has a question (and he has about a million each day) I am able to answer it, and when I miss him, I just call his name and ask for a hug.
I have realized it’s not being someone else’s boss that makes me happy. It’s being able to spend time with my son. We are busy making memories together every day, and best of all, I can wear my pajamas (we both can) and that makes me one happy mommy.