For those of you who are affected or will be affected by the continual AT&T layoff cycle:
I spent 17 years working on the wireless side of the house. I originally started at McCaw Communications that eventually became AT&T Wireless. At that time, the company was smaller and it was a lot of fun. The company continually received awards for being the best place to work. Over the years and several mergers later the company now sits as AT&T Mobility. Over the years, the benefits declined, pay declined and management became legacy "wire line". I was very upset that when I got the news that I was on the lay off list. I was a senior manager and I felt betrayed.
Now, I am working in a completely different industry for a LARGE LARGE company. The benefits are way better and cheaper. My medical costs for a family of 4 reduced by 7 k a year. My annual cost could be as high as 10k for medical including insurance costs extremely high deductibles offered by AT&T. I don't feel like a number anymore. My company now cares about my well being, family and career. I am so much happier.
For those of you who are and will be laid off by AT&T, I am truly sorry but keep in mind that there are better places out there. Most likely you will be happier on the outside. I have several friends that have also been laid off or quit AT&T. ALL OF THEM are happier and grateful that they no longer work at AT&T.