To the wireless side of the house this is a huge shock but for wireline, they've been running "lean" for the last few decades "this is what sparked the layoffs" When we merged and became one company Landline saw the multiple layers of redundancy & other areas that could be stream lined - by cutting cost everywhere, the company could make/save more money without selling more products/services unfortunately this is not just happening in the telecom industry. Technology is evolving at an exceedingly rapid pace so if you don't keep up with it you will be left behind - similar to when factories: "steal mills & coal" mines became a thing of the past, all those employees knew was there jobs and not much more so they had to get up to speed with technology in order to compete, same situation is happening now. If you don't possess the skills/knowledge companies are seeking you will be left behind, it's sad because many employees put many years into VZ and became comfortable with their pay/positions & the thought of having to get out in the job market & find a job making half of what they made is scary but it is a reality. We were warned of there plans almost 3 years ago, more than enough time for people to get there house in order "financially, educationally, etc" the smart people went back to school to get degrees/certs and paid off all financial obligations in preparation for this time, the rest sat back with blinders on thinking things would be ok "my sympathies are with you" - Never get comfortable with any job where you work for someone else - Never stop learning new skills - Always evaluate the current job market & align your skills with it. Lastly: In the words of Rodney Dangerfied "Back To School" - You gotta look out for #1 without stepping in #2!