Hi LJ! If you liked the previous strip, the next strip will be for you. abangan

Awww… I’m excited to see it Hazel!

First things first, I really want to thank LJ for putting so much thought and effort into the questions that I am constantly firing at her…and in writing this post, which I found quite entertaining as well as insightful.

Also, to clarify: I’m not a marketing or advertising rep, nor do I work in the realm of commerce. I’m interested in the purchasing power and consumer taste of call center workers in the Philippines, because I am doing research on Filipino workers and their role and experience as consumers AND producers in the global economy. I am a graduate student at New York University (The following link should take you to the homepage of my department, where there is an outdated bio of me; I am no longer an aspiring historian, but more of an anthropologist and cultural studies scholar: http://www.nyu.edu/gsas/dept/amerstu/students.html )

Any responses or comments to LJ’s post which touch on the subject matter of shopping or taste in consumer products would be great for me to read. If call center work can give some more disposable income with which to go shopping, what do people like to shop for? Anyone share LJ’s love for shoes and coffee? Anyone saving for a car or house or vacation? Anyone have a different experience or set of limitations on what they can do with their call center salaries?

I am also wondering if, when being recruited for jobs in call centers, increased purchasing power is something that is mentioned as a “selling point” of the job.

Thanks, everyone!!!

Hi. If some people working in the call center industry, would use their salaries to buy frenzy and fancy things in life or maybe things that they would like to buy/do such as cellphones,car,or travel to exotic locations locally and internationally, I practically spend most of my income for household needs, building my house and some in growing my businesses.

I have now my startup business for desktop printing, video editing, photo editing and other computer services. Soon, I will also open a mini food house in Taguig City. Mind to visit? Let me know.

Generally, I spend my money to the things I consider necessary and will give me profits. And from time to time,I would treat myself out with friends to see a movie, to dine in some classic restaurants like Oody’s, Northpark, Max’s, Phobac, Teriaki Boy, Dad’s, Italiani’s. Bet? I love to eat. he he he

Anything more that you want to know, email me. I still have lots of plans on how to spend my call center money…

Lately I guess, save up for a tour in Australia for the World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney.

i agree that the purchasing power of call center agents is indeed very high. Actually, I’ve seen a program which made a comment pertaining to this (i belive in ANC). yes, it is true partly because of the income agents/reps/csr’s receive each month, but please do take note that our world today is more consumeristic than before, thus it will be unfair if we zero it all in on the income, there are also other factors to consider..

personally, what i noticed from my “purchasing power” is that i save for more “granduer” stuffs say Nseries phones, trips outside the country… i also know someone, who always change his phone every month for a new released model.

………”)

Dear Yudz:

Thanks so much for your reply! I find it interesting that you use some of your earnings for investing in your own business and for participating in World Youth Day. Have you always wanted to be a business owner? How did you get experience in computer services, in particular? Have you traveled abroad before?

Dear Mahbelle,

I definitely agree with your observation that “our world today is more consumeristic before.” You suggest that there are “more factors to consider” when thinking about the purchasing power of call center workers. I am curious as to what you think some of those factors might be.

Looking forward to more exchanges about these topics. Thanks!

Jan

Yes. I would always like to be a business owner. Currently I’m taking my own pace to established this. The reason for this is that I believe corporate jobs are just part of my journey to something greater ahead of me.Business is one way of getting out of the rat race.

I got my computer services experience from my previous work at Sphinx Systems Inc. way back in 1993 to 1996. I was a working student then until I graduated my Marketing Course in De La Salle-College of St. Benilde. And prior to that, was my love for computers.I got my 3-year stint in Don Bosco Technical College,Mandaluyong as Computer Engineering student. Continuously, I developed my skllls through self-study with different computer programs. I’m quite a ‘techy’ person.

Australia will be my first travel outside the country, however I had been traveling to different places locally more specifically when I was working as a Marketing Researcher/Marketing Intelligence from a Telecoms company in 1998-2000.

In addition, I would love to spend some of my money in supporting some missions.I’d like to take this opportunity to invite you on our upcoming concert dubbed as “Love is the Answer” on February 9, 2008 (7PM) at the Joy Center,Don Bosco Technical Institute, Pasong Tamo, Makati City if you are available or be one of our donors. Proceeds will go to the Ating Familia Foundation, taking care of less fortunate children. By supporting this activity, you get the chance in sending children to school with good education, clothe them, nourish them socially and spiritually, give them shelter and food on the table.

For tickets and other information, you may get in touch with me through my email or mobile 0917-5338463. Thanks. God bless!

My Carbanara sucks… any advise?

Maybe you should skip the jalapeño peppers, Mike.