Can someone reassures those who were impacted today that there is life after AT&T. Where your skills transferable? did you stay in the industry? Are you happier? How long did it take to find another job and any advice??
Thanks!!
16 replies (most recent on top)
My experience may not be typical but I was an Executive Director and age 61 when I retired of my own choosing at the end of March, 2013. Honestly, I couldn't stand the politics, weak upper management, projects that never went anywhere, and the general feeling that my life was going nowhere at T. Fortunately, I had started planning my exit four years earlier (and on company time too!). I figured it would be next to impossible to get another job at 61 with AT&T on your resume for a number of years, so my business partner and I started a new business, used our local contacts, joined networking groups to generate business, and have built a very successful business. The best part isn't so much the $'s, but the satisfaction of building a business from the ground up and no longer putting up with the T nonsense and dealing with the fools running the asylum. You need to figure out what work will enjoy doing every day and, most importantly, have plan to get you there, and then work your butt off to execute on your plan. It can be done, an I can assure you that you will enjoy this far more than what you left at T.
I was surplussed in 2017. The words "shifting resources" didn't mean much to me as a person in my 50's with more than 20 years of service. I gave it all I had right up until the last day. Despite applying for internal positions I was eligible for, including technicians and customer service positions a couple of levels below, I never received one phone call for an interview much less a job offer. I did see external hires coming into the company with no experience though.
I took my severance & on the job training and leveraged it into my own business. There absolutely is life after AT&T. We miss our customers and team members, but life does go on. Keep your head up!
I was let go in 8/18. I got certified in a field I did a lot of work in while at AT&T, but was grossly underpaid for. I checked out the process of getting another job, but decided to open my own business. I’ve taken money from my severance and some savings to set up a business. I am using the marketing, business strategy and finance skills I learned from the 2020 training as my own pseudo-MBA plan. I took an entrepreneurship class to help me write a business plan. I am doing something that makes a difference in my local community and allows me to use my talents and skills.
With some creativity, patience and resilience, you can move forward towards your next phase of your career. Age and time of service do not determine who you are, but allow to bring out your character.
I was encouraged to take the annuity because the 401k/Rollover IRA could go up/down depending on market conditions. I did a rollover IRA because you have more investment tools, however I must wait until I am 59 1/2 to take disbursements. If I remained in 401k I could have taken a taxable disbursement but NO 10% tax penalty. There is a special IRS tax law that says if you are between 55-59 1/2 you can take an early withdraw if you had an involuntary separation from the company. This is why you need to meet with your Fidelity Financial Advisor (FREE to active and in-active employees) to know what your options are based on your personal circumstances. I was forced into early retirement, I think I am going to be okay. Please know there is life after AT&T. Many folks remark how rested, relaxed, un-stressed that I look since I left the company in Oct '18. I feel healthier too. The retiree discounts are awful, better to move on for a better deal. Expect your medical benefits to cost the same as you have been paying on payroll, it will be deducted from your monthly pension if you choose the annuity option. I recieved my severence pay about 6 weeks after off payroll date and the retirement gift selection catalog came around the same time. My years of service got me 50% of my salary minus @ 25% in taxes withheld. Remember, you WILL NOT get your pension for 1 month after your start/commence date. These were some of the noteworthy items that I can share from my experience. Good Luck and happiness to you after AT&T.
I was surplused 10/19 and started my new job 12/10. I took a pay cut 20k but I am much happier not sitting on pins and needles every quarter. Since 2007 when AT&T took over the wireless company we built it was nothing more than a toxic environment. I am so happy I was let go, it s---ed at the time but it is so worth it to not have to live in that toxicity anymore. Skills learned at AT&T are worthless, like another poster said they use antiquated systems. What my employer chose me for is the experience of what AT&T did right and what they did wrong so they don’t repeat the mistakes
If your heart still beats after being surplussed then you still have a life to live. If you need another job there are plenty of companies hiring. If you believe in yourself then you will do just fine.
Had over 20 years in the Telecom industry when I finally got my RIF. Had worked I&R, Central Office Installation and Maintenance, and Fiber and Span (OCx, DWDM, etc.)
I had just turned 50 the year of my layoff and found that Telco Technical experience did not translate to any company other than Telcos. And none were hiring then either.
Ended up doing Prem Tech type work under Contracts which I thought I had outgrown 15 years earlier. S---s for self esteem at my age, but did get me back in shape and pays the bills.
61 here. I have saved my entire life and I am able to retire. FYI...before you take the full lump sum and try to invest it yourself, remember the annuity is not tied to the stock market, your 401k is. I learned long ago about all my eggs being in one basket when I worked for MCI.
If you have been employed by AT&T over the last 10 years, the surplus/voluntary has become a yearly event. After re-living surplus after surplus after, voluntary offer after voluntary offer,"I" started planning for my future. I did not want to be in the situation some of you are now facing. My plan was to see what was out there in advance of being surplussed. The good news is there is life after AT&T if you prepare for it. I updated my resume, submitted applications and took interviews. Well as the story goes, in 2018 my group was tagged and I opted to take the voluntary offer. I left the company in August and started working in October. Actually, could have started in September, but I elected to take a few weeks off. My advice to those that remain - take your future in your own hands, don't wait until the ax is dropped to do something about your job situation! Being pro-active paid off for me. Good luck!
I was 57+ yo when I was let go with about 20 years of service.
I found another job with a lower pay but which I enjoy a lot more.
I hated every minutes of my last year at ATT due to the politics, hypocrisy and lack of direction.
So the upside is that if you’re in my age bracket, the earlier you leave, the greater your chances to regain balance after the shock.
Seems like a lot of people don't go for lesser jobs while they look for similar jobs. I am not proud and found a job paying $15k less a year and used my severance to make up the difference. I am now moving up in that company and close to what I was before i was surplussed.
Sad to say but when you get a certain age 50+ you need to network and/or use all your work connections inside and outside the company. You are going to face young hiring managers and work force who’s Mom and Dads are your age. They are not feeling comfortable managing you. Try to express how your experience can add value but also let them know that you are computer literate and tech saavy(FB, instagram,etc). Make sure you are up to date on iOS devices and can speak the language. I won’t lie, It’s not easy finding a job depending on your location and the availability of good paying jobs but hang in there and good luck!
I was laid off at 55 years old with 31 years, could find nothing, finally, after 23 attempts at the hospital I got a job in the kitchen, was so thankful and happy I was called back. Still there will have 38 years tomorrow.
Some skills may be needed in other companies i.e. sales or certified Project Managers but many don't. AT&T uses too many old systems and hasn't given good training for years. The 2020 videos were worthless. I was laid off and contract part time but I also took the lump sum and have 401k. I looked at it as retiring 3 years early. Most aren't as lucky as I am. Good luck.
I was surplussed in 2017. 51 years old Sr Manager level. Still looking. Good Luck to everyone who was cut.
My husband was surplussed in August, hasn't found anything and has used every single resource he can find. He is 58 years old.......don't see anyone hiring people that age. He wasn't pension eligible yet.