I used to worry about rumors but not anymore. It is impossible to work while constantly thinking about layoffs. ATT very successfully avoids WARN with many small cuts and it is only a matter of time before someone gets cut. Nobody is safe. Isn't it wiser to focus your energy on looking for a better job instead of worrying about cuts?
17 replies (most recent on top)
Seneca says, “don’t suffer imagined troubles.” It will either happen or it won’t.
Some good stoic philosophy to cope with challenging times.
Is your energy to add new skills, develop your resume. That way you can land on you’re caught in this tech winter.
12,000 layoffs at Google. 10,000 at Microsoft.
No one is safe!
yep so much better to be working for company with competent management and doesn't over hire people just to use layoffs as a management tool.
Every workgroup has "ringers", usually the lower rated bottom dwellers. These ringers need to go away, they add nothing and are a drain on the at&t payroll.
Randall is the whale. Go Randall.
I worked at other companies before coming here. It’s the same no matter where you go. It is a lot better here than other places I’ve worked. At least here it’s only every once in a while and if I mess up, I’m not going to get fired. I’ve been a top performer here since I got here, but that doesn’t guarantee that I stick around. I know I’m just a number like anyone else. I’ve been laid off before. Hopefully I get to go out on my own, but every layoff, I’m not worried. Keep your head down and keep doing your job is the best thing you can do. Always keep your resume updated and always keep your options open. You never know when you’ll get the axe.
I don't worry because I am in mobility. They won't lay me off. I am invaluable.
You are not in mobility, but thanks for the laughs. I get where you are coming from, you are from Randell's "wirelesh" AT&T.
My approach to layoffs has always been to be prepared for them happening at any time. I'd saved money for my mortgage, taxes, etc., so I could last long enough to find another job.
Good strategy, same here.
My approach to layoffs has always been to be prepared for them happening at any time. I'd saved money for my mortgage, taxes, etc., so I could last long enough to find another job.
I don't worry because I am in mobility. They won't lay me off. I am invaluable.
It's very important that these "ringers" be identified and targeted for layoff. "
The folks that I know that have been let go from AT&T are NOT ringers. They were some of the best workers with unsurpassed knowledge and skills. The remaining teams have struggled because of their loss. It is very sad you are so insensitive and callous with your words.
This..
"It's very important that these "ringers" be identified and targeted for layoff. "
The folks that I know that have been let go from AT&T are NOT ringers. They were some of the best workers with unsurpassed knowledge and skills. The remaining teams have struggled because of their loss. It is very sad you are so insensitive and callous with your words.
That would equate to at&t having around 30K ringers!
Worrying does nothing for you. Plan to absolutely be tapped on the shoulder at some point in the future. It may be a week, a month or a year…but it will happen. So it’s really very simple. Update your resume, update your skills and search for opportunities. You don’t have to leave, but who knows, you may just find a more stable company with better opportunities. By all means, don’t let T catch you off guard. More importantly , don’t let you leadership convince you otherwise, they may be gone too.
Every company, including at&t, have, on average, about 20% of the employee base that can and should be identified as ringers. It's very important that these "ringers" be identified and targeted for layoff. Expect at&t to continue with layoffs quarterly going forward to combat and release the ringers from the payroll. Some ringers will resign as the work environment becomes more and more uncomfortable. The remaining ringers will need to be targeted for layoff.
With four decades under my belt, I'm not going anywhere either unless asked to by my employer. Not sure if that'll be anytime soon, but certainly hoping that time comes!
Some don’t worry anymore either because they are off the payroll.
I don’t worry about it anymore either, been here 25+ years. Have become completely numb to the cycle at this point. Not actively looking for another job though , because this one is pretty easy and I make good $$. That said, my resume and LinkedIn are updated. But I’m not leaving until asked to, whenever that may be.