#advice

Posts mentioning hashtag #advice

Below are all the posts — topics as well as replies — that mention the hashtag #advice.

Mention #advice in your post to continue the discussion!

just joined Verizon, now what ?

I'm a develop joining right before the new CEO.
I assume i will be the first one if layoff happens in my team.
All my long term plan has to be reconsidered at this point.
Relocation, housing etc.

Real advises please guys.
How long this thing would last ?
Should i start looking for new job?
Anyone i can talk to make myself feel better ?


Layoff Advice

As we get closer to showtime, what are some smart things to do if your name ends up getting called?

This can be tax stuff, general networking, etc.

Based on what I have seen on this site plus common sense, here is what I have gathered.

  1. Wait to sign your offer so that you are paid in 2026.
  2. Don’t go out screaming and burning bridges, you never know if you will end up back here.
  3. Apply for state unemployment ASAP after you are fired.
  4. Make sure all of your personal files are off your computer.
  5. Don’t bother packing up unless you have really valuable stuff. Let the company deal with it.

What am I forgetting?


Warning: Don’t tell managers too much about your personal life

Just a word if warning:

Do not divulge too much personal information to your managers or H.R.

ITS NONE OF THEIR BUSINESS AND CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU. IF THEY PRETEND TO CARE, THEY DONT!!

Info about your marriage, doctor visits/health problems, children, family members. Be very careful who you talk to and document or secretly record any strange questions you may be asked, especially from Human Resources or the store manager.

And remember if something or some interaction with managers or Human Resources seems weird or a bit “off”, It’s because it is.


Good “Starter” job

Long story short, get some skills here and hit the road. All Cogent wants to talk about is how to save a dollar and how to get excellent results from cheapest test equipment. They are all about serving the higher end customers and heck with the low hanging fruit. I do wonder how long they will be in business once the T-Mobile money runs out. They do like to under cut Lumen, ATT and Zayo but there will be a day when the big boys get smarter.


Before the Tuesday layoff threads start, remember that

  • You will not get meaningful information about how many were laid off
  • You will not get meaningful information about what LOB/group was hit
  • You will be disappointed with any information provided
  • The same questions posted every week will continue to go unanswered
  • Starting a new thread with the same question will not lead to better answers

Let's keep it concise so we can consolidate what little information is provided. That way the raging reich-wing boomer can go back to spam-voting their own threads about Indian employees.


From one of many impacted in previous Target layoff / RIF

As many of you wait to hear your fate tomorrow this message actually goes to everyone. I was impacted by a previous layoff at Target.

If you do get bad news tomorrow, just know that you will survive this, and it will be but a blip on your life radar.

My ask to each of you, regardless of whether you’re still employed, is that you should never assume the company you work for is your friend or has any loyalty towards you. All companies are concerned about their bottom line and bottom line. Any of them would fire whomever they need to if they think it will make them a dollar more.

Employees are simply “headcounts”/numbers.

You are paid on payday for the period of time worked. At that point, each of you agree as to whether there will be another pay period. Either of you can decline and the agreement is over.

Live within your means and do not give your employer power over your well-being.


Good vibes from a customer

Hi everyone, I'm sorry for what's happening this week. I hope Target doesn't just turn around and post those roles in India.

Anyway, the top 10% of earners drive 50% of consumer spend. The other 90% are tapped out, and offshoring jobs definitely won't help those 90% get back to their typical spend levels that companies like Target rely on. So companies are increasingly marketing to the top 10% but that's just eating seed corn, not a growth strategy. Even then, my household is in the top 10% and shopping in a Target store has become something to avoid if at all possible. We'd rather have stuff delivered than deal with the hassle. So, I want Target to survive but if the plan is to offshore in India they're contributing to the decline of their own customer base, and deserve to go the way of Sears and Kmart.


What’s the first thing you’d do if you got laid off?

I know a lot of people will jump straight into applying, but I plan to take a week or two to clear my head and just breathe. None of this has been easy, and I think taking a little time to calm down and reset is important. But I don’t have a partner or kids to support, so I know it’s easier for me to say that than for those who do.


looking for advice to complain against my manager

my manager are delusionally promoting and spending a project which has no value or use. millions have been spent and there is no use case or demand for it. when i try challenging, they start commenting on my capability and character. when anything fails, which it is bound to in many steps, they say its your fault. can someone please advise how to deal with such a psycho in EM speak? i do want to keep my job, but it ki-ls me inside to hage such a stupid egotistic manager. and fee others around them who just keep promoting an obviously failing, money down the drain project.


Started lexapro until new role available

I’m trying to quit but can’t find anything and have kids to feed. I’ve been applying daily but the anxiety and depression from work daily is ki-ling my drive. I literally got divorced year 3 working here because it was affecting our romance and I turned quite mean to my spouse just being accountable. I’ve lost everything to this job. Please share tips on how to apply if anyone got lucky enough to leave. I cry in the bathroom weekly. This is no way to live, survival mode.


Don't Panic

There's a lot of anxiety and speculation going on now, and I just wanted to post a friendly reminder to take care of yourself. You're not alone in being anxious, losing sleep, and struggling to function at work. (I am too!) But so far, all we have are rumors, and nothing is confirmed yet. Time will tell.

Also, getting laid off is better than getting fired or quitting, because getting laid off usually comes with severance pay and potentially qualifies you for unemployment if you can't find another job before the severance runs out. All things considered, I would prefer that over enduring through RTO and other nonsense meant to encourage us to quit. So the best thing you can do for yourself is to try to focus on work and not give them any reason to fire you while we wait this out. (Easier said than done, I know...) Meanwhile, dust off the old resume and make some connections. Collect any personal effects from the office before Tuesday. Take care of your mental health.


New Offer

I am deciding whether or not to proceed with the company, I've heard great things but have had great job security the last 5 years, even though pay was really low .. I'm looking to build a career, obviously with more pay but I see that the company goes through layoffs or working arrangements can be a hassle.. if I were to compare to another company that possibly starts with an H.. what would you advise?


What happens if you are let go before you are retirement eligible?

There is a lot of talk about NRE and retirement eligibility. My questions are if you leave before you have 15 years and after 15 years. I believe at or after 15 years you get the medical and either the lump sum or annuity. If you don't get to 15 years no lump sum no medical coverage and annuity at 65. I am at a decision point in my career and don't want to miss a chance to leave. I as ked HR and they were no help. I don't think many of us young ones will make it to 55. When I say 15 years I also mean 55 years of age. I think I can make 15 years but not to 55 years old. Any advice is helpful.


Tip for future WFRs - FSA cutoff

Was part of the Sept 22 impact with effective date Oct 3. Health insurance is extended through the end of the impact month, however FSA cutoff is the last day worked. I scrambled to more a dental procedure from November to mid-Oct only to find out ot won't be eligible for FSA dental coverage since it was not prior to Oct 3. The paperwork provided is confusing at best and no one walks you through it. I am out $1200 of unused FSA because I thought I had til Oct 31. Don't make my mistake.


OK what is the point of NRE protection if they can supposedly pip me?

Here is my story and predicament. If anyone has gone through what I am going through please post. I don't need the sarcastic remarks about how exxon wants me out because I know that. I am 54 and on DPC plan with 13 years service. I was told that if they don't see enough improvement I could be piped or terminated. I am doing what they want but the manager keeps nit picking my efforts and focusing on extraneous goals. I was told they would write up my progress and the manager would decide. One of my old friends went through this a few years ago and was told the same things. In the end he was passed and made it to 57 and retired. I don't know if they are bluffing or really going to try to get rid of me before I can retire. I asked all of my old exxon retirees if any employee was terminated during NRE years and they all said no. Exxon could fire me and I can still retire with several million in the bank now so I am not that worried. i still want to get my lump sum and medical though. Any helpful advice from those being squeezed.


Advice for the new folks

If you are full of ideas and energy, this might not be the place for you. The system here slows everything down with endless layers of approval. Unless you have friends in high spots, your voice will never reach the right people. You are better off taking that drive somewhere that lets you actually build something. Exxon is not it.


I’m lucky enough to be close to retirement

I can’t wait to be one of the “chosen ones” in the upcoming cuts. But I’m truly sorry for my younger colleagues, especially those carrying heavier burdens than most and now facing the possibility of losing their jobs. It’s brutal out there right now, and for the sake of the many good and decent people I’ve met here over the years, I really hope things improve soon. When they do, never tie your entire career or self-worth to one company. Your true value is yours alone, not defined by corporate expectations.


Finding a new role

I wanted to create a thread so we can help each other with some advice on finding new roles. I’m in tech, and obviously the job market is worst it’s ever been. I stay up on certifications, education, and all that. Doesn’t seem to help a lot. Even did nano degrees here. Been trying to do LinkedIn and network, been applying to jobs for about 2 years now and only had a handful of interviews, got passed up for internal candidates on the final rounds. Anyone having luck getting interviews coming from ATT and if so, what methods are you using (mainly networking, job boards, etc…). Any particular companies you find folks getting jobs at coming out of here?

Let’s help each other find something else.


Left on my own.

I have left due to being significantly underpaid. My manager was a true mentor and I liked working there. If you want to join you want to make sure you negotiate a good salary ahead of time as you'll have much harder time getting anything in addition to whatever they give when you start at USI. Overall, I'd say the company is 3.8 on a scale 1 to 5 where 5 is the best.


Yes, Sir. What a good idea.

After years of fighting it, I have finally figured out how to play the game.

It’s actually easy once you know how it works:

1.) Strip yourself of your identity and any sense of self
2.) eGet it through your head: You do not exist to contribute. You exist to serve.
3.) Plaster a smile on your face. “Yes, I’m on board. But, no, I don’t have anything to add.” Always neutral. You’re neither excited or angry.
4.)Leave work. Go about your day.

I’m telling you. This works. It won’t get you a promotion, but it lowers your expectations so you’re not disappointed when (not if) it doesn’t come through.

Congratulations! You are finally free.

Try it for a week and comment back here. Your circumstances did not change but do you feel happier?