I have been laid off from AT&T last year after 14 years of service. Since then I’ve gotten a new job out of the telecom industry and I couldn’t be happier, so what I’m gonna say doesn’t come from anger or resentment and I believe I can look at things “from a safe distance”.
There is no future at AT&T. The company is drowning in debt and yet it failed to produce any new value, so things like mass outsourcing, layoffs, selloffs, closures of certain departments are going to be an every-day occurrence,that is, if they aren’t an every-day occurrence already.The leadership is in a panic urge to cut cost, so staying means making peace with the fact that every day you come to work could be your last.
My advice for everybody is to leave at any cost, even if it means settling for a less-paying job.
12 replies (most recent on top)
I’ve been surplused and am starting to find out that the jobs listed on careerpath were awarded BEFORE they were posted. I’m going to start looking outside the company. Is the new company you are working at Verizon?
The thing is @1exk, you're assuming you will get the option to leave with 6 months pay. They might do something like hand you off to IBM and you won't get that option.
Either you take an active role in managing your career or you're happy to drive wherever the current takes you, and that may very well be over the edge of the cliff.
If you are sitting around waiting to get laid off, I seriously encourage you to make sure you are keeping up your skills in a way that makes you actually marketable outside of AT&T when the inevitable happens because if you're on retirement cruise control today and don't get that package when they sell you to the lowest bidder, well good luck bridging that gap.
Okay, right... I’ll run home and let the family know I just quit my high paying job with healthcare benefits, five weeks of vacation, 401K match and pension so I can go be “happier” working elsewhere potentially making less and starting all over.
Ummm, no thanks!
I’ll keep working until they either lay me off and hand me six months pay or I retire and walk with my pension and 401K BUT the last thing I’m going to do is run from a good job.
@1ejp, sorry and with respect, imprecise....you’re thinking in terms of quarters when it should be $24-$25b for the year, and for the total year for 2018 the total was closer to $23b. As for this year, 1Q2019...$5.5b in Free Cash Flow, 2Q2019...$8.8 Free Cash Flow.
Currently the T debt (which stood at $181b after the TW acquisition) as of the end of 2Q2019 is slightly over $162b, a pay down of $19b and T is telling Wall St. it will be below $150b by EOY and with the figures in print they have no reason to question this....this is why the stock will continue to rise.
I’m telling the facts, not carrying the T flag. I’m 36 years with T and with the outsourcing I doubt I will see another. The company is going full tilt to sell buildings, consolidate (CZ’s) and outsource employees in an attempt to get us off payroll and reduce expenses.....and once where I thought the shouts to “get out now” were premature I will now join the ranks and at least say to keep your résumé current, whether you’re outsourced or not.
"every day you come to work could be your last"- A little melodramatic don't you think? No, everyone can't be laid off every day. The company isn't going to shut down and fire everyone. The company makes huge profits every year, 24 to 25 billion every quarter to be precise.
"Fine. Give me my severance. Otherwise I’m here to keep collecting that check. No worries either way. Don’t stress what you can’t control! Stress will k–l you , not At&t."
That is good stuff, and sage advice.
25 years here. I agree 100%. But I need that severance. I have kids in College and can't afford to walk away from it. Have many companies that I could start right away at, albeit at a slightly lower salary.
I have applied to many jobs, either I’m over qualified, not qualified enough, or too old. I applied for in home expert but I believe the sales manager doesn’t like to hire p/w techs. I was passed up three times for retail store sales people. No other jobs at ATT I’m qualified for, example Exec or Second level management, that’s all available here in Florida, 21 jobs, bummer.
Did you have a headhunter or resume professionally done?
I agree to an extent. AT&T is large enough and has so many different opportunities yet there is absolutely no movement within unless you take a downgrade in pay. Everything designed is absolutely worthless because no one in the company has time to take time to read any of our organizational source's to even get recognize. ERMs are worthless so yes it's a company for people who don't mind being tethered around like rag dolls. Even our health benefits s—. $750 copay for hospital visits? Walmart has a $250 deductible so does Starbucks. Are benefits are more for overseasea employees.
Sorry but i never recommend anyone to work for AT&T because it's really NOT an American Telephone company anymore
Looks like the op has struck a nerve with all the att folks. Asset management must be on the ball this morning. I would wish the t cesspool on no one. Just people collecting checks.
So true what the op said. Things are so much different away from t there is no comparison. Find a job and I guaranteed you will be happier even if it isn’t for more money. If you want to feel like you have a purpose and you aren’t collecting a pay check leaving is the smartest move.
That’s id–tic. Leave at any cost even if it means a less paying job? Lol bad advice. Never quit unless you have a better job lined up. Otherwise , keep showing up and making them pay you. Better to get laid off with severance than to quit for nothing. Your happiness is not determined by At&t. It’s really what you make of it. I come in and do my 8 hours (or 10 or 12 ) and then I go home and I don’t give this company another thought. I don’t worry about what I can’t control. I realize I could be surplussed tomorrow. Fine. Give me my severance. Otherwise I’m here to keep collecting that check. No worries either way. Don’t stress what you can’t control! Stress will k–l you , not At&t.