You are exactly correct. One of my kids is about to enter the workforce in a few weeks after graduation, the other has been in it for a few years. I have told them to NEVER give all of yourself to the company, EVER! The slackers, ass kissers and jerks are always the ones who get the promotions over the "worker bees" who are diligent, honest, productive and the real backbone of the company. They are so dedicated to their work that they often become invisible and overlooked. They are the ones who work all the overtime, usually with no acknowledgement, recognition,appreciation or compensation. The ones they seem to keep come in late, leave early, have their nights and weekends, and have a life. Actually, you have to kind of respect them that they are smart enough to not give their soul to the company. A company's responsibility is NOT to keep you employed by them. It is merely an exchange. You are monetarily compensated for services rendered. PERIOD. There is absolutely no loyalty contract on their part and neither should there be on yours. This is a business, not a committed relationship or marriage. Employees need to start thinking more like the employer, and realize that loyalty is not reciprocated or expected. Always make it a point that you can quit a company on a dime. While working there, use the company for all the skills you possibly can. Every day, be aware that what ever you do, do it to build your own resume. From time to time, job search and go on some interviews to evaluate you job market worth and figure out what you need to get under your belt to be marketable. NEVER look at your job with a company as long term. Those days are OVER! Do not be delusional about this. Look out for yourself, because the company is not ever looking out for you. They are only about Profit...Profit...Profit. Profit is the name of the game, you are merely a pawn, and that's ok, but just be aware of it and don't assume you are anything more. Your time at a company is merely a piece of your career and your life. Be sure to make time for the really important things in life that make memories, family, friends, laughter, making your dreams come true, hobbies and if possible one that can make you money one day if you find yourself unemployed. When you eventually get laid off, and almost everyone will at least once, you don't want to find yourself alone because you didn't take the time to nurture relationships and interests. You will feel worse about this that about losing the job.
As far as VERIZON goes, it is no longer a good company. Actually, it sucks. I would advise everyone, that if possible, try to find a better company to work for. Look around at the devastation they have caused to so many families , and know that you may be next one day. There are definitely better companies to work for. This is NOT the same Verizon. It is run by greedy fools who don't really know what they are doing. They make bad decisions and are even worse at executing them. Verizon is no longer a company to have pride in.