Why is customer service still treated like a “low-skill” job?

Seriously. I don’t get why customer service is constantly looked down on like it’s some bottom-of-the-barrel gig that anyone can do.

You need SO many actual skills to be good at it. Off the top of my head:

• Multitasking while someone yells at you
• People skills, even when the people suck
• Persuasion (sometimes sales too)
• Clean, professional language
• Real-time problem solving
• Quick decision-making
• Teaching people how to use stuff they didn’t bother reading about
• Some roles? You need to be good with numbers or even have a DEGREE
• Organization, adaptability, flexibility
• And don’t even get me started on communication — like actual, clear, human communication. That’s rare these days.

Yeah, some CS workers are just going through the motions, but the good ones? We’re practically therapists, troubleshooters, and brand reps all rolled into one. So the fact that it’s still called “entry-level” or “unskilled” — and that the pay reflects that — just makes my blood boil. We’re out here fixing problems so the higher-ups don’t have to. Want to pay us like we’re replaceable? Cool. Solve your own mess next time.