I know its probably kind of early to be posting this but since AT&T has announced the ASM layoffs and offered for people to "opt in" has anyone actually done so yet? If you have share any insight you may have. Pros cons ect.
7 replies (most recent on top)
Are you sure that's an internal job? We already have a contractor doing that.
Not sure if it's every area, but they are opening around 160 spots for a new position thats for people to support directv and digital life. Apparently you will drive around to peoples homes and help them get familiar with the product. Setup favorites, and teach them how to use the product they just purchased.
seems to be the same exact pay as manager.
Perhaps you could post the opt in email verbiage so that we can speak to that? There was a lot of confusion among my peers regarding the opt in process when we were surplussed last year. I think that the first responder on this thread nailed it though.
If I recall correctly, opting in means that you accept the severance package and separate from AT&T immediately. If you have another job that you are eager to start, take this option. You get your money and you move on! This option is great if you just want to put AT&T behind you....or if you think they might try to give you a job that you don't want!
In my case, I did not have another job lined up and I really wanted to try to find a new position within AT&T so I chose the other option. I had 60 days on full payroll to do nothing else but find myself a new job. Because I was unsuccessful in doing so, I separated on the 60th day and collected my full severance package.
The only catch with taking the path that I did is if the company offers you a job at your same level and pay grade, you MUST take it or you forfeit your severance. For most positions you can NOT be forced to relocate or accept a position that is beyond 50 miles from your current home office. So here is my scenario as an example:
I was a Level 1a manager (NDAE) . AT&T could have offered me other Level 1a management jobs in my area (such as RAE, RSM) and I would have had to take it, or forfeit severance. I was pretty confident that they were not going to thrust me into a store manager (RSM) role since I had never worked as one before, so I felt confident enough to take my chances sitting around for 60 days and getting paid. I did apply for promotions (ARSM) and some Business channel jobs at my level but was not hired. Disappointing, yes, but at the end of the day I was paid my full income for two months to do nothing else but job hunt and I left with my severance package.
I was offered the opportunity to work in a COR store as an ASM or RSC but because both of these positions were a lower level than mine, I turned them down with no consequences.
I was also offered a position in another city (NDAE - the same position I was being surplussed from) but it was over 150 miles away so I was able to say no, again with no consequences. AT&T did offer me a nice relocation package to take their offer but I did not want to move.
I hope this provides some clarification on the surplus process for anyone impacted. Getting laid off really stinks and I feel for you, but maybe you will get lucky like me--take a 60 day paid vacation, then collect a nice check as a parting gift, and start a new job so you can spend your severance money on a new car, vacation, kids, whatever makes you happy! After more than a decade with AT&T I was sad to have to leave but found happiness in another new, different career. I'll be wishing the same for all of you who are impacted. AT&T has a lot of talented people in these impacted groups and I know you will be valued by other companies. Good luck friends!
Get a lawyer.
Hmmm that's definitely different from my experience. Would be wise to read the documents thoroughly to each case, if that's the case.
My experience you just moved to the front of the line
Why would you opt in? The email clearly states you may not qualify for any severance if you opt in. If you happen to be the one they were going to cut AND you opt in you get it. If they say "you could have stayed" you get nothing.
I did so as a RAE on the last cut.
Pros: You determine your fate. You are treated exactly the same and do not forfeit anything
Cons: you have 2 term dates, 1st choice you leave much sooner, and there is no risk of being retained. If you choose to stay the full 60 days, after the first date passes and you stick around, if they value you, they may choose to bring you back. In which case you have no choice but to accept.
I have no regrets of opting in. I got paid to quit and start a company. That's why I did it. Don't opt in if you don't have a plan and just want to bum around. Chances are you can stick around a little longer and be on the next cut when they get rid of the ASM position as ARSMs will most likely be floating RSMs and RSMs will assume both RSM and ASM duties with some leads.