Pros
Did both first party sales and 3rd party collections. First party is by far way more relaxed and fun, while 3rd party was more strict and rule-oriented, but both sides had an overall fun atmosphere. Pay is decent and benefits are offered (because if they weren't no one would ever work here). Opportunities to make money and advance exist (in theory) on both sides. Bonuses are (mostly) based on merit and results, and supervisors will often help to close deals. Employees are forced to work 40 hours a week, so there is no fighting for hours and there is never a lack of work. They are always hiring due to high turnover rate, and will hire anyone, even with a criminal record. Attendance is based on a point system, so you do not even need to have an excuse when you call out. Mandatory breaks are given, and office parties with free lunch are offered on occasion as a reward for meeting certain goals. Lots of random decorating contests for almost every holiday, and lots of friendly team competitions with prizes are given out for meeting goals (if you like that kind of stuff). They also did away with their professional business attire dress code policy and now employees can wear casual clothing to work. The job itself is not terrible if you can get past the idea of being a debt collector or telemarketer for multi-million dollar corporations and harassing random (and often, poor) people for money all day. Overall, it's all about what you make of it.
Cons
Sitting down 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week, and management hates it if you have to get up or leave from your desk for any reason unless you are on your mandatory break. No part-time positions exist (sorry college students). Very shady, misleading and often illegal collection practices that are encouraged by the management because "most people don't realize they're illegal". Bonuses and budget goals are inconsistent and often change randomly whenever the upper management decides that the employees are making too much money. Difficult to request time off, and if you need to call out for a sick/personal day, you often have to make up your time on the weekend, or else you are written up. Favoritism is rampant, and advancement and job security is not based on your work ethic or results achieved as an agent, and as a result, special jobs and positions are often given to under-qualified people. Middle management, especially on first party side, is often inexperienced, immature, disrespectful and doesn't care much for any feedback, complaints, or accommodations of employees unless you threaten to sue the company directly to top supervisors. The job itself on both sides can be very stressful, and often times you have to put your own morals aside in order to be a successful collector or telemarketer. As a result, most people get burnt out within a couple of years, if not sooner. Phone calls are literally back to back, and employees are expected to work (and are treated) like robots rather than like people. Overall, neither job (first party or 3rd party) is worth the stress for most people, and the money seems to be the only really satisfying thing that comes out of working at ERC; problem is you have to sacrifice all of your personal life to achieve it, and if you've got kids, you better find a way to work their needs and priorities around your job.
