I’m not looking for answers like: start looking for a new job. Of course , that’s implied. What I mean by this question is should we try to apply at other companies it the telecom sector, or should we try to look to change the industry and seek our fortunes in different sectors. Personally, I’m leaning more towards the second way, given that most of the companies in the business are reducing their workforce, to some degree. Opinions?
12 replies (most recent on top)
Being laid off is a tragedy and a blessing. You have to react as is best for you. There are millions of jobs to choose from. Work for you brother-in-law's company, get a law degree, be a ski bum, get a certificate in "tour guiding" and do tours. What do you like?
There's a saying about running your own business: you'd better like it because you're going to be doing it all the time.
The jobs a T pay well, but there's other ways of making money. Can't really tell you anything more. Start exploring now.
Why would you want to stay in telecom after all this? There are greener pastures to graze elsewhere. Take your SIP and do something better with your life.
I retired. I enjoy exercising each day using the gym membership provided by the subsidized pre-65 health insurance. I manage my retirement investments. I volunteer. There are enough errands and activities to keep me busy. Basically as long as you have your health and financial situation in order, life is good outside of AT&T. I loved my job, helping people, solving problems and designing solutions and I miss my co-workers, but overall I am very happy.
After i got laid at AT&T, I went home and cooked dinner for the husband
Go to medical school and get an MD. It's in demand, good hours and work environment and pays well.
If you are ok with contracting, I heard Verizon is spending like no tomorrow.
Of course they can afford it after their layoffs...
you will be competing with India Salaries, if you go with Technogy, Real bad outlook regardless where you end up
If you approach the OP’s question from the philosophical side, it’s not a bad question. I sense the OP is a younger person, uncertain and nervous on their future....something I really never gave hard thoughts about when I came onboard over 30 years ago.
But @ncg wrote a ‘spot on’ response which should be read, and re-read for effect.
Never be afraid to ask questions, it’s how we learn and form opinions.
I applied for a job that was related to my job title, but in a completely different industry and received an offer. I’ve worked at AT&T for 17.5 years and am in my early 50’s. So, no, don’t limit yourself to telecom. Write a generic resume about the skills that you have that can be applied to the job title and skills other companies are looking.
Most if not all of our skills/experience are related to the Telecom industry. Best thing to do is use T to pay for certifications like Ciisco or Microsoft. I have 18 years at T and was offered $20 an hour at another telecom., just like a kid out of college. Every situation is different, but I would suggest looking at a different sector---Unless you want to move to India!!
You should delete your account for asking stupid questions! Stay in telecom or change fields? Nobody can answer that for you!
As with so many questions that come up here, the answer is not cut and dry. It depends on a number of factors, including your age, your working history (background), etc. For example, if I was young and had been here only a few years, I would likely be looking to change fields. If I am 50 or older and have been here 20+ years (like me)...this is pretty much what I know. I have built up a solid group of contacts that have left T one way or another over the years. Most of these folks still working in the wireless sector. There is still a lot of hiring going on in wireless and I don't need to work another 25 years, more like 15 tops and hopefully less. So I am not looking to change careers at this point, personally. Best of luck to you in whatever you do.