I’m a 26 year old living in downtown Toronto (but I grew up in the suburbs), working in the advertising industry.
To give a little bit of background on where my perspective comes from about customer service:
I’ve worked a bunch of customer service jobs. My first job was at Kernels Popcorn, a deluxe popcorn kiosk. Then I worked at a Second Cup coffee shop for a few years, then at a Sunrise Records, then a West 49, which had goals and commission structure, which I steadily achieved - maybe not always #1 (that was a different person every week, i.e. not steady), but I was a consistent #2. I also worked at the clubhouse (serving food and drinks), the drink cart, and the halfway house at a golf course.
I always did the best job I could. I was always pleasant and always showed respect to the customers, even if they didn’t deserve it. I helped them as best I could, and when I couldn’t help them, I’d find someone who could. Even if I didn’t like the job. Even if I was having a bad day. It didn’t matter. I still did my job and I did it the best I could. I took pride in my work.
So that’s where I get off criticizing other peoples’ work ethic - I’ve been in their position, I’ve had the bad days, and I still did a good job. So I’m entitled to. And because I feel like it.