I was hoping to get some experiences from folks that left T on their own. Is the job hunt really that hard as people say it is? What does that process look like, first hand? Leaving at this point feels like the best option at this point, but there is always that element of being scared of walking into the unknown.
17 replies (most recent on top)
Whether you leave on your own or surplused and especially you’re 50 or older, be aware that unless you have a connection, your chances of getting hired with comparable pay are highly slim. Good luck!
"Well, I've been laid off for about 6 months now and no job lined up yet."
Curious what type of work you did at T?
If you are over 50 AND have worked for AT&T for many years, it is very hard. Other employers find it difficult to separate you from AT&T. More and more people seem to have a grudge against T (wonder why). I have had 4 interviews where the person just wanted to tell me a about a horrible experience they had with AT&T- all of it - wired, wireless, internet, direct tv, direct tv now. One lady even asked me for “inside help”.
If you have a hard skill like craft or IT that’s good. Accounting, business management etc. no.
Meanwhile medical is booming.
It really is easier to find a job while you have one. I stuck around until the bitter end because I was dead set on getting that 6 months severance that was 'owed' to me. Well, I've been laid off for about 6 months now and no job lined up yet. The employment gap on my resume is getting larger by the week, further solidifying the view in employer's eyes that I am damaged goods. I have some peers that didn't get laid off in January that have a very similar skillset to mine. They started looking externally also, and quite a few of them have found very good jobs and were able to leave AT&T on their own terms. If I had it to do all over again, I think I'd have probably tried to find a job a year or so ago, but who knows. I always had this feeling like things were potentially going to get better again just around the corner, and if I could just make it past this next round of layoffs things would be good again. I think/hope that will be the case for some of you that stick around and don't get the dreaded call.
Strike while the iron is hot.
Full employment, labor scarcity can quickly take a wicked turn but the $T layoffs will continue.
IF you are over 50, you will definitely face age discrimination when trying to find another position. That being said, while you are still employed is the best time to network and get your foot in a new door if you are unhappy with your current situation.
The US Bureau of Labor publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/. It is a forecast of all types of jobs and list the amount of pay for each.
As an example, the link below will take you is directly to "Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers" home page showing that from 2018 to 2028, these jobs are expected to decline by 13,100 or 6% from the 232,900 now. And the medium pay now is $56,100 per year.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/telecommunications-equipment-installers-and-repairers-except-line-installers.htm.
Use this resource besides all else mentioned on this page to come to your decision.
@sid, you pretty much nailed it....one of the better responses to a post I’ve read. “Reach out to old colleagues” and might I add, reach out to those still with the company.
Like “sid” anyone with a number of years behind them probably has many contacts (more than they remember). I’m not certain how things would work with an outsource but when my turn came, in 2016, I was too young to retire and too old to risk fighting the “age ceiling” on the outside. I wasn’t really prepared too leave but with two weeks before Severance I landed another spot.
Times are different now, T’s tactics have changed, and that alone makes it scary, but like “Sid” said....this time “I will be prepared.”
I left on my own recently. I interviewed and accepted another job before leaving. I agree with the comment that it's best to find a new job when you still have a job. I always kept my skills current and have several high level certifications. The IT job market is very good right now. I was happy working at T, but the workplace turned toxic and the stress of the unknown became too much for me. The surplus activities since 1Q19 had no logical approach outside of just cutting headcount regardless of skill. Since leaving I do not regret my choice at all. The new job is a nice change away from the T culture. I still have friends at T and check on here for information from time to time. I wish everyone the best.
Easy the market is hot right now and there are places to work that actuallly clean the building and yet allow you to work remotely. Go figure.
OP
"...but there is always that element of being scared of walking into the unknown. "
That's why you don't do that. I don't know how long you've been here, whether you management or bargained for, or what you do for work...but clearly at this time it behooves nearly everyone to get a good LinkedIn profile together, make sure you have an up to date resume, etc. Reach out to old colleagues (assuming you have some) that moved on, touch base with them, see what they're up to. I'm still here after 25 years, but think my time is growing short for a couple reasons. That said. I won't be scared or walking into the unknown. I will be prepared.
What are you skillsets. Are these in demand? Sounds like you don't understand the basics. Find a mentor, work, church, etc.
I left on my own after 39 years.
I make a bit more with SS and pension than I did working.
No fan of T or the union. But T is fair and honors their commitments.
Here in the west wage scale 12 makes $86500, healthcare, pension, 401k. I get free boots and pr-scrip-ion safety glasses as well. Unless you’re an MBA or a software developer, good luck finding a job with that kind of package!
I think it really depends on your skillset, current salary, age...
The best time to find a new job is when you still have one. This gives you better leverage to find something you enjoy. Heck even finding something different in this company can help. I started out making $10/hr now make $35 after 3 years by finding new opportunities.
Easy