I once took a job where we essentially repossessed trap houses from the inhabitants - even if they had once been legal tenants. I soon started feeling much better when neighbours cheered us on and brought cups of tea. I later discovered my boss was notorious in the industry for going after scum rather than debtors. That job might have been the closest I’ve ever got to public service. But as for everything else you say, I couldn’t agree more. Debt collection against individuals is a disgusting, exploitative and inherently corrupt business.

I worked with a debt collection agency from an IT perspective and dealt with what I believe to be the same company. It is an industry that I never want to support again if I can avoid it. I met some good people but it’s just an unhealthy work environment overall.