I actually enjoy working here. The pay isn't incredible but it's fine. The work keeps me interested, and the people on my team make the day go by faster. So I'm genuinely worried about getting laid off. I don't want to start over. I don't want to leave this team. And yes, I know I'm in the minority, but that's my take.
18 replies (most recent on top)
@OP
Youre not the minority dude. No one wants to start over. Theres just some people who cant fathom someone enjoys their job and their coworkers. Those are the people who make the most noise.
I took the buyout after 32 years in multiple positions in craft. Didnt enjoy every day but i cant remember which ones. Great career, great people and thankful every day i was able to make a good living and receive a good retirement. Keep looking forward and pay no attention to the men behind the curtains.
@1na
Was thinking of a cdl purely for driving/delivery/long haul. Had one for 18 years on the line crew....Until we were dismantled and all line work went contractor only. But my original point stands. If you need it for your job in a trade, then your trade job is keeping it from being replaced by automation.
@1rf voice should have been ended years ago. Long overdue
Appreciate this perspective. I’ve enjoyed my time at Lumen too. Sure, there are things that annoy me or that I wish were handled differently, but honestly that’s been true at every company I’ve worked for. No employer is perfect, and no job is guaranteed forever. Sounds like you get that, and it’s a healthier way to approach it than most.
@OP RIF today. 100+. Not going to sell voice going forward. A lot of SE and SA let go with long term valuable managers. Hard to make quota selling NaaS.
Many trades require a CDL where I live. There’s no reason not to get one.
@1ka
Not sure there’s an upside to getting a cdl. The future is automated including vehicles. Hands on trade work is the only industry that’ll survive. Sales, accounting, customer service etc will all be handled by ai and computer systems. Including manufacturing, warehouses, driving. Ai/automation can’t fix your down power lines, build your house or fix your broken pipes. He-l, computers will be regularly performing surgery in our lifetime. Tell your kids to join a trade school. Prepare them for the real future.
@1ey
The comedic value is in your own statement. You “do better than most union techs”. At what? Installer, fiber splicer? That’s it anymore on the tech side. Maybe sales? I believe you make a nice piece rate. Bust out jobs and earn more. When you’re working. But that’s when companies need you for overflow work. Now go pay for your own travel, maintenance, vehicle, gas, tools, medical and let’s not forget no paid time off or sick time. How about a company pension or 401k? The big picture is way bigger than your little comment.
All I can say is y’all better get your exit plans prepped. Some areas have about 7 years left of maintaining the copper service before sh-t starts hitting the fan. Get your CDL, start getting yourself into alternate trade work. AI and more layoffs will be in our future.
@m6 there is comedic value in this statement. Most techs that are non union chose that and were offered to sign up. However, I do better than most union techs and the CWA as a whole is very weak.
And not to pull your halo down
Around your neck and tug you off your cloud
@OP I loved the people I worked with, and had leadership not decided to sell off everything that wasn't nailed down just to turn around and buy something new, I think it could have been a great place to work. But the behavior of the leadership team over the past year left me with nothing but disgust for all of them, so I didn't care one way or another when the hatchet came for me. There are SOOOO many layoffs and restructures that it was almost a relief to know my number finally came rather than surviving and having to pick up the pieces after yet another poorly executed layoff. Save as much as you can so it's not a huge impact when your number is finally up.
wow, they deleted the halo comment. Really?
@jv
Pay no attention to the non bargained for. They’re still pissy about non being unionized and canned on any given Friday. Most who’ve gotten the axe still come in this page to “guarantee” and hope all the union members get the same treatment. In some disturbed minds it makes them feel better about their own life…….signed, cwa member living rent free in desk jockeys heads since 1995.
@ax This comment adds to my point. Some tech who was stuck as a tech most likely a conditioned union member. Wanting more for less.. I will take being called a boot li---r as long as my pay continues to increase and my family happy.
The telecommunications are the best fun jobs I've ever had. I'm going to miss it when I leave.
I started out as a grunt for a contractor company.
I finally got a job as an IR, Copper splicer, fiber technician, and eventually made it to the engineering. Too bad the Telco jobs are now obsolete!
I agree. The haters are just living miserable lives and most likely have been checked out for awhile.
Once a bootlicker, always a bootlicker. I'm sure you can latch on somewhere else, with your transferable skillset.