[Porsche-O-Phile]

Any job where one has to deal with the public is pure hell. Probably a good amount of my cynicism about how retarded our species is (in general) comes from working similar "McJobs" as a kid to pay for school, etc. "The Masses Are Asses". A credo for anyone in a customer service role to live by.

Those kinds of positions are even worse, since you're required to forego any knowledge you have of computers, operating systems, the stuff you're "supporting", etc. and simply be a drone, following the step-by-step flow chart in front of you regardless of what the customer says. "1. Have you rebooted your computer? 2. Have you checked to make sure the modem is plugged in? 3. Is the cable connected to the modem?" kind of crap, even though the customer just got done telling you (and four other people, before being transferred there) that his problem is with regards to which data encryption protocol to use. Crap like that.

I never understood why these companies will "screen for the best qualified applicants" (people with IT degrees, extensive computer backgrounds, etc.) or whatever and then stuff them into positions where they're discouraged and in fact PROHIBITED from using those qualifications to help the customers they supposedly value so much.

It ain't just telecommunications/IT too. True of lots of large companies. Plenty of stupidity to go 'round.