two job offers AT&T or Comcast, advice needed (Seattle: power lines, crawl space)

[VirtualErik]

So I may have my pick at two jobs, first one is AT&T in bothell as a Chat support technician, it's a call center so I'd be sitting behind a computer doing tech support via chat. Job pays over 15/hr. I'd get 50% off ATT services such as mobile phone and ect.

Other job is with comcast, as an installer, also pays over 15/hr but is much more physical. I'd have to be able to climb poles, and get into tight spaces such as crawl spaces, attics and ect. However I'd get free Cable and internet as well.

I think I'd be good at both jobs however would like some advice hopefully from people in existing positions with both companies.

[PNWGuy]

I would go with the company that will give you best opportunity to further your career. You have a desk job, and a labor job. You tell us what you want to do with your life, then we can help you decide.

[amaiunmei]

Call centers - as a whole - tend to be very toxic work environments. Also, the conditions are not very conducive to long or illustrious careers.

A lot of the answer to the question, however, also depends on the career path opportunities available to you as an installer. That answer is largely dependent on the company.

I'd lean towards the labor job, but I'd also recommend asking more questions about the physical nature of the job.

[VirtualErik]

The installations I would be fine with for Comcast, however I'm not the most physically fit person, and they require that I can climb up to 20 feet near power lines, also confines spaces, also I'm still recovering from cervical surgery due to an automotive accident recently. Although by the time I'd finish training I'd be beyond my recovery period with no limitations.

[CityWok]

If you hate driving around in Seattle traffic all day, you might actually like the desk job better. That's pretty toxic, too, IMO

[amberlina]

Did you accept one over the other yet? I work for one of those companies and was curious which you chose!

[Hemlock140]

While call centers are a thankless job, I'd hate to admit that I worked for Comcast, with the way people complain about them all the time. I would also worry about job security, with so many people in this area cutting the cable and going to internet content.

[VirtualErik]

so far most of my friends and myself are leaning toward ATT, however I haven't heard back from either yet.

[jjinla]

Anyone else wonder if the tech support people and cable installers are all going to revolt once they realize that they now make the same as the fry guy at McDonalds?

[amaiunmei]

Originally Posted by jjinla

Anyone else wonder if the tech support people and cable installers are all going to revolt once they realize that they now make the same as the fry guy at McDonalds?

Actually, minimum wage for large employers is $11/hr as of today, so the original poster is still making more money than the "fry guy" at McDonalds.

Since I'm sure others will have questions, here's information from the source:

Minimum Wage Ordinance | SOCR - CivilRights | seattle.gov