Salary

Average Salary: $33,000

Expected Lifetime Earnings: $1,377,684


At $30,000 a year, you won't get rich. You won't even be able to pay back your student loans. You'll likely be making $15-$16/hour (source).

If you want to sit and listen to people's problems all day, you'd do better by staying in school and getting a psychology degree. Psychologists make $69,000 a year.

Top earners in the customer service field can reach as high as $50,000 (source) after a number of years slaving away on the phones...but that's the ceiling on pay scale. You won't be taking any Hawaiian vacations or be able to buy yourself much more than a used Kia.

Some jobs are part-time, while others will have you working late nights, weekends, and holidays. People like to complain at all hours if they have the option. Odds are you won't be paid extra for this.

On the plus side, it's a steady pay check.

There may be health benefits, but don't expect much in the way of a 401K or a retirement plan.

We'll give it to you straight: This is more like a job than a career you want to devote your life to.