I’ve noticed that people scared of layoffs are mostly those who are very loyal to the company and don’t like to get out of their comfort zone. Slaves of habit.
On the other hand, I continuously changed jobs throughout my working life and worked in many, many companies. I think I'll get out of here before I get laid off. The more jobs you change, the easier it will be for you to leave.
11 replies (most recent on top)
Depends. People have made a lot of money at T, especially if you've moved up. They have lots of vacation days and health benefits. Plus, several have spouses that own businesses and they stay here just for those health benefits so they don't have to buy it on the open market. Many people are single (no spouse) with children and changing jobs is very uncomfortable for them if they're making enough money now. Lots of reasons. In any case, always be prepared – have good verbal communication and written skills. Those are needed in all businesses.
There is a lot more to it as it is not easy for everyone to pick up and move or change careers/jobs especially if not living near a Tech area or city and one has family responsibilities etc. It is not always about being in one's comfort zones. If young and no responsibilities one can easily pick up and move on.
I think that one of the things that prevents many people from leaving att is that they lack marketable skills. They won't be worth what they are paid at att to other employers. I don't think age is as big a factor as some people think. Those in their 50s and over can do well in the market if they can prove technical competence.
AT&T wants you to work for a few years then leave the company but at the same time you will find a lot of employees changing roles and positions every two years or so inside AT&T. If you get the crappiest MBA that exists out there, you can go for a promotion and climb the ladder inside this cr—y company.
Lots of truth to the OP's post.
I've been in many departments and positions over several decades. Some of those departments had nothing in common with the others, some didn't even directly work with telecom. On the other hand, I've also known folks who spent 35+ years IN THE SAME OFFICE, literally at the same desk, using the same locker.
For me, the early job changes were far more difficult than later moves.
There's really nothing wrong with the personal choice to stay at the same desk for decades, but I agree that seeking new assignments can facilitate a lot of personal growth, make someone more marketable (even internally), and makes forced change a lot easier to deal with.
LOL!
Yes, people who are scared of [fill in the blank] tend to be more fearful in general, than those who congratulate themselves on their foresight in jumping from situation to situation, just before things "get bad."
Ask yourself why things start out ok for you, but keep getting so bad that you can't stay in any one place too long, and you may find the common denominator is you.
I suspect the OP is of a younger generation, because by and large companies are not lining up to hire serial job hoppers. Why would they invest time and money into acquiring, training, and building up an employee if the history indicates that employee will bolt in a year or two?
That said, the OP's point about fear of change is real. Comfort and convenience often keep people in a job well past the time they should begin to consider leaving. Particularly when the market is as tight as it is now. As the old saying goes, the de–l you know is preferable to the one you don't, even if the one you know is an arrogant, incompetent, disgusting, reprehensible, misanthropic sociopath like Stink.
There is a lot of irony in the comment that other employers don't pay as well as AT&T, yet AT&T had to keep laying people off because it cannot afford them. Both businesses are facing the same market. Increase the value you bring in as an employee to help AT&T keep you. Consumers aren't going to buy land-line phones just because you worked a whole career in copper. They aren't going to buy monthly TV channels or pay per text message, either. Learn the next product, and help sell and support it. We can succeed together, around the globe.
What kinda work do you do?
Your also missing the point , if someone is in their 40s or 50s there's really not that many places to go that will pay you a wage commensurate with your age and experience, never mind benefits...
Sure you can find work for a fraction of what your being paid at T ...
Reality is people stay at T because while there's a risk of being canned, corporate work (while your not canned) has better salary,benefits and work schedules than most other comparable jobs.. plus corporate culture with 13 levels of management is a lot different than a small nimble startup..
You are exactly the type employee T is looking for. Get in, work a few years then get out.