Thread regarding AT&T layoffs

I get where the OP is coming from, but this is bad advice if you’re L2 management. I’ve seen too many people do this very thing and get let go. You can only fly under the radar for so long before someone asks what it is you do. If the folks higher up the chain don’t know you or see your name on some project launch list, then you aren’t staying relevant.

Try to do a good job every day. Don’t piss off your bosses. Help out others when you can. Look out for people if you can. That goes further than anything.

I don't agree with all of it, but no doubt a few good points. For the layoffs at end of year last year, I saw the smartest and most competent manager (L2) in a group selected for surplus. And I know it was simply because he was verbose, outspoken, and sometimes a little confrontational, and a lot of people just didn't like him because of those reasons. That said, no doubt he was the smartest in his group and the best at his job. He was literally in a group with a couple of mouth breathers incapable of articulating a thought or composing a coherent email. He was chosen instead of them because on occasion, he was a slight pain in his boss's a** I am sure, and no other reason. "Fly low"

Good advice .

Your goal should be that your second level and above have zero idea who you are...

good advice.

If you are in Tech dev, I’d say make sure your your level 4/3 depending on who you report to knows nothing of you...

Flying under the radar is ALWAYS a sound strategy.

"Get every directive by email or Q"

110% There is an increasing trend in verbal directives that can easily be misunderstood or changed on the fly, depending on the situation or need. Complete BS

After 39yrs in the Company... I’ve seen it all... the name changes... the new directions... the projects... ... one thing that was frequent and stood out... .. increasing profitability... ... which included yearly/biannually force reduction... ... force reduction is the way big business raises profitability through smoke and mirrors... ... I’m glad I got tapped... ...it’s stressful dealing with the threat of losing your job every day of the year... ...here’s s tip for those of you still on payroll... ... work for 8... paid for 8... ... you didn’t apply to the company for any other reason other than to get paid... not for the job you do... not for the friends you make... only for the green for yourself and your family... be grateful for being employed... if you want to effect change... climb higher in the food chain within the company... feel blessed because you are blessed... my only regret is not going out on my terms... ... stay employed and if you get tapped... hold your head high and walk out with dignity... Peace!!!

Good advice from OP for “employee mentality “ in large corporations like T. As someone mentioned, don’t wait for anybody to maintain your skills up to date.

If you want your “hard work” to be noticed and have REAl impact in your life, if you want to earn lots and lots of money, IF YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO DETERMINE YOUR FUTURE AND DESTINY, then work for your own... Be an owner, with all that’s implied!

Otherwise, listen carefully to OP advice...

It's just basic herd mentality. Stay in the middle of the herd and don't stand out in any way, good or bad, and you may just survive around here.

Don't become passionate about this job because it's only a paycheck until the company decides they no longer require your services.

If you want a career where you can come in and give 120% every day and take pride in the fact that you're changing the world, then advance your education and go someplace other than AT&T. Randall's AT&T isn't that kind of a work environment.

Really liked this: "Divorce yourself emotionally from work."

How can anyone be sure what the right course of action is? If you're just waiting to be laid off or outsourced, skate. If you think it's worth it to work hard, so what if you do. It's your choice. And no one can foretell the future of T and what's going to happen. If you don't like working in a chaotic environment, go and see what's out in the marketplace. There is no right answer for everyone.

The OP describes the daily life of any one working in the Field to a "T".

That is good advice for those in the military but not for today’s workplace. Continuous learning is most important. Doesn’t matter if it is public speaking, an applied science or learning a new hobby. You are in a technology company that is competing in a world economy. Always be looking for opportunities within an outside the company. Attitude is everything. If you decide to just coast along in the middle of the crowd you will end up on the street one day and have no idea what to do next.........35 years and still learning.

"Get every directive by email or Q."

Ditto on this.