My grandma was a phone operator back in the 50’s and 60’s, maybe 70’s not sure. Maybe even in the 40’s. I just know that she was one.
A fairly busy job I'd say. I can't imagine have to learn how to handle a switchboard from those days. Putting calls on hold, while transferring them on modern phones was bad enough.
My second oldest sister eventually worked her way up to being a phone rep. She would handle all the calls from people, mostly complaints, overdue bills, etc. I don't know how she maintained her ability to deal with people once she retired. She still enjoyed helping people after that. I, on the other hand, worked in uniform for 25 years in NY State's prison system. Having to deal with the morons behind bars, which also included the administrators, and the people that came to visit the convicts, was enough for me. I've been retired for almost 20 years now, and have very little patience when it comes to dealing with people. I'm not much of a socializer.