Was picked and off payroll in 2 weeks. I didn’t find the PDF they sent very informative. Can anyone who’s been thru the process advise on best practices? What should I look to sign first, what should I handle first? What are some big don'ts ? Thanks in advance for positive assistance.
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“ Anybody and evetbody over 50 is gone within 2 years“
Let’s hope that’s the approach used.
A violation of federal law.
Anybody and evetbody over 50 is gone within 2 years. You got hit today the rest will be tomorrow.
I am still hanging on, as I suspect you were. I know my day will come too.
I maintain a large network of contacts and have made it a point especially to keep in touch with those I worked with here at T.
There is not a single one of them that is not glad they left (whether on their own or via surplus). Not one. So it’s my firm belief that you’re going to be fine. Best of luck to you
You'll get a better understanding once you have the call with HR, but also once you have access to the Surplus site. There will be an order in which you need to complete things. Read all of the documents on the surplus site, but know that it can still feel overwhelming and stressful.
Be prepared with questions for the HR call, but also takes notes on what's being said.
Keep a document with all of the phone numbers (HR, payroll, benefits, surplus center, etc.), and new passwords you will need to create. You will need them at some point.
They will tell you that you will get your severance in 30-45 days, expect it to be closer to 45 days. Your bonus should be paid out when it normally is. If you have any accrued PTO time, you will be paid out for that as well.
As another poster stated, since your last day is March 4th, your benefits will end on March 31st. Schedule as many appointments as you can for you and your family before the 31st.
Talk to your supervisor about ordering a box that you will use to return your laptop, accessories, and badge.
Best of Luck OP, and to all others impacted.
It will help once you have the call with HR. Prepare a list of questions and take notes during the call.
Once you have access to the Surplus site, you’ll get a better understanding of what needs to be done and when. It will still feel overwhelming over the next couple of weeks.
As another poster said, since you’re off payroll on March 4th, your benefits will end on March 31st.
Keep a document with all contact phone numbers (benefits, payroll, surplus team), new passwords you’ll need to create, etc. You will need to use them at different times,
They will tell you that you will get your severance in 30-45 days, plan for the 45 days.
Talk to your supervisor about ordering a box for you to return your laptop, accessories, badge, etc.
Best of Luck OP, and to all others impacted.
Pay attention and take notes during the upcoming offboarding call.
Keep any and all paperwork they email you about offboarding.
Make sure you have individuals in HR's contact info. so you can call or email them with follow-up, instead of having to go through some big generic catch-all contact situation.
Try to only email, but if you have to call, follow it up with an email where you summarize what was discussed in the call you just had with them, so there's written proof, should you need to confirm anything. You don't want anything to fall through the cracks.
Download any personal stuff of yours re:
- HR (original signed offer letter, contact names/emails/phone#s, all offboarding paperwork, healthcare info./cards)
- $$$ (d-load all paystubs, tax forms, 401K, HSA, etc.)
- Correspondence (D-load any emails where you've been commended on good work...ask these people if you may use them for references, too.) Delete ALL emails after you've gotten what you want to keep...check all folders.
- Delete everything from your calendar, Zoom calls, any written interoffice communication of yours that's been saved.
- Clear out anything you may still have physically in the office which is yours.
Take whatever severance they give you, and consider it a blessing.
Pay attention to deadlines with returning equipment, do what's asked (making sure to retain proof, and email to confirm whatever actions you're taking that they're asking of you): "Dear HR/IT(whoever)__: Per the offboarding letter dated I returned my laptop to the address provided on _ via FedEx, with tracking #___. I understand that I will receive my severance direct deposit by ___." Reiterate in writing what they requested, how and when you fulfilled their request/s, and what/when you expect them to give you your $.
Don't argue, don't put up a fuss...just be cooperative and smooth, take the $$$ and run.
Look forward, and get your next job ASAP.
Be honest when interviewing and say you've been laid off. There's no shame in it, since it's happening to so many people now; and it serves to help when if they offer you the position, you can negotiate a start date which is after your "limbo" time w/ T. is up.
Health: get in any doctor/dental/vision appointments by end of month for yourself & family. Get your preventive care done. If you’re being let go on 3/4, you’ll likely have coverage until end of March. Confirm this at the HR mtg.
Switch to your spouse’s insurance if that’s an option-some you’ll need to signup & start at the 1st of the month to be covered for rest of month.
Finances: call fidelity & understand where you’re at with finances: what happens to your pension (if applicable) & 401K. Start cutting out unnecessary expenses until you’re certain about your next paycheck if you’re not financially setup to retire yet. Map out your expenses for 6 months-1year & start a budget/plan. Consider switching to a lower priced cell phone plan/possibly with a different provider if it’s cheaper & better without the employee discount.
Resume & Networking: time to revise & adjust the resume. Look back at your emails and projects & previous year end reviews to remember the good work that you’ve done here. Start reaching out to former colleagues to let them know that you are leaving & looking for new opportunities. Use free AI tools, they are helpful for resume & cover letters. Create different versions for each job type. Small-medium sized companies may prefer those from a large organization like T because of the structure & processes & experiences you bring. Start calling in favors from your network including vendors you’ve worked well with. Use the resources that T provides to review the resume & cover letters. Focus a bit on self grooming & presentation: haircut, color your hair, neat & well fitted clothes in case they have video screening or pull you in for a quick face to face meeting. Start rehearsing for interviews.
At HR mtg: take careful notes. You will find the info useful at some point. Find out date of when your severance & bonus gets deposited.
Unemployment: in some states you can apply right away. Call & find out.
~Do not make any major/rash decisions now~ Find a T buddy (from your same state ideally) that is going through this so that you can support each other. See who’s on that call- this was a big one, you’ll likely recognize someone. Reach out to folks from your state who were surplussed last year, they might share some info & best practices including tax implications from getting the severance. Lean into good friends & family to get you through this.
As many have said before- there’s life after AT&T. Stay positive. Talk & interact with the positive people in your life. Take care of your body & mental health. Keep waking up in the morning & march towards your goals. Best of luck to you. Hoping you find happiness & people who value & respect you at your next workplace.
“Su-ks for u buddy maybe hit up the soup kitchen and make sure to file with the Texas u employment office”
Not funny and you’re a ph----g twot waffle.
hope they come to Louisiana next !! 🙋♂️pick me
The 3 hour call isn’t a joke but gives you an opportunity to ask any questions you have. READ everything even though it puts you to sleep. Unfortunately, it’s the only way to get to the important information. It is frustrating and not intuitive.
Su-ks for u buddy maybe hit up the soup kitchen and make sure to file with the Texas u employment office 😜
Do not look back, it's okay to remember back though.
You will receive an invitation to a 3 hour call that covers all of it