How did you manage to keep your head on straight and not completely lose your mind while looking for a new job after being shown the door? It's not exactly a walk in the park, so what did you have to do to stay focused and not totally fall apart during that stressful time?
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Unfortunately, the victims of T's latest "restructuring" (i.e. covering for management blunders) are in a very difficult situation that I was in when I was surplussed back in 2019.
It took almost four months and close to 200 applications before I finally landed my current job (though I did have one offer after only 3 weeks, but T taught me to identify toxic workplaces so I declined the offer).
There are going to be times when it is really tough to maintain your drive and optimism because you get overwhelmed with rejections, scams, and the games that other T-like companies like to play with applicants. Plus your mind can't get past concern over being able to afford rent/mortgage, food, healthcare, etc. And with the tech sector so terrified now, openings are becoming more and more scarce.
What I found was the best strategy is to give yourself time away from your job of finding a job. For me it was that I spent the first half of the day (from 8 until around noon or one) searching for openings and sending in letters/resume. Then in the afternoon I would do things like play guitar, play with the dogs, read, play chess, etc.
Ultimately, my search benefited from looking outside tech. I ended up with a job at a non-profit organization and it's been the most positive thing that's happened in my entire working life. Yes, the pay is lower, but:
- I truly enjoy what I do and I know it makes a difference
- My work goes to helping people who need help, and not to helping an overpaid, arrogant, incompetent, lying, d'ouche CEO get a bigger bonus at the end of the year.
- No worries about layoffs.
- I'm actually appreciated.
- I don't have to endure those self-congratulatory onanistic Town Halls or cringey videos.
- My agency doesn't lie to me by micturating on my shoes and telling me it's sweet summer rain
So I would highly recommend looking in other professional areas. If your skills cross over, look at education, healthcare, non-profits, etc. There are openings out there. You may need to settle for a slightly lower salary, but the mental health benefits from escaping a spithole like T more than makes up for it.
Good luck!
Having a lengthy tenure at T on your resume is a liability, not an asset. The typical low level of current IT skills held by T employees is pretty well known in the industry.
It's a part of life these days to have to look for a job several times or more throughout a professional career. It's extremely rare for anyone to stay with the same employer their whole career anymore. Younger employees jump companies frequently in a years time or less.
Update your resume, post it online, network and practice your interview skills. On average the process takes five (5) months from the time you separate from your old employer to when you land a new job. Be open minded to new opportunities and maintain a positive outlook. Stay connected to the outside world socially.
Be diligent in your search and put the time in to research out new opportunities. Take online classes and watch videos to learn as much as you can to prepare yourself for your next position.
Remember, AT&T is not the only place to work, there are many good companies out there you just have to be patient for the right opportunity to present itself.
Lastly, remember to pray for God's leading in your life. Best with your search.
Wow, can't believe all this unnecessary vitriol!
Molly, you in danger girl.
I had a supervisor who claimed he was an SME on inside wire. Glad they got rid of him.
@uap+1lHuu6mi must either be a russian bot or some other repressed kid that hides in his basement all day doing unmentionable things with himself. just ignore this piece of sh-t
@uap+1lHuu6mi - "If you would have seemed out continuing professional education, inside and outside of AT&T along with networking contacts, you would not be having a problem. Glad you're gone."
You undoubtedly are the lowest form of life on the planet. You obviously know NOTHING about real life, or how T works.
Someone can take all the relevant training there is, go back to school and get that degree or whatever. The company STILL will not recognize your accomplishments nor will they promote you. Lateral moves are a thing of the past. You can get a relevant certification but unless you are actually performing that work in your daily role, and getting OTJ training it will not matter at AT&T, nor any employer. Employers want proof you can do the work, but with a certification and no work experience they will not hire you.
If you would have seemed out continuing professional education, inside and outside of AT&T along with networking contacts, you would not be having a problem. Glad you're gone.
It is frustrating due to the lack of professional development on the job. The internal corporate training is a joke. AT&T hires you for your skills but then does not keep them current with the SME area you are in which means you become less valuable outside the company and slowly wither inside the company until they dispose of you like yesterdays trash. Not only that but you are now a number of years older and age discrimination and bias sets in for hiring.