Commute from Charlotte to Atlanta.
Leave Monday 4 AM.
Sometimes crash in minivan, gym membership for working out and showers.
Usually get a cheap room somewhere and overall just more convenient than apartment and cheaper.
Head home Friday mid afternoon monitoring cell phone and emails, pull over for calls.
No one that I work with is in Atlanta, all primarily in Dallas along with clients all over.
The most ridiculous thing is trying to have a client call at Lenox. I go out to the parking deck if I can't get conference rooms for the quiet. Younger people feel the need for everyone to here them walking around with ear buds.
I figure I can do this for a few more years and keep working but it does wear you down.
It wouldn't bother you that much if it was totally unnecessary but in my 20+ years ATT has never been able to target underperformance and cut heads based on that. Probably afraid of lawsuits.
Good luck to all, just my two cents from a 54 year old.
19 replies (most recent on top)
Have you thought about renting a room in someone’s house. It’s month to month and pretty cheap. I’m been playing this game too for 7 years now.
If you're in Charlotte, NC have you tried looking at working at Brightspeed? I'm sure there are a lot of former AT&T people there.
"Too expensive for me."
Not sure about where you are, but holiday inn express is sometimes as cheap as $70 per night. You may be able to get even more discount if you book a lot of days ahead.
The additional space will be ready in the next couple months.
My CRE contact says end of June is most likely.
Sign up for a hotel credit card. You will get a hefty sign up bonus plus 8-10 points per dollar spent at the hotel chain. (IHG premier is great. ATT gives employee discounts for IHG stays - although not significant) These cards come with other perks too like free breakfasts, upgraded membership status and more.
In my opinion, it's much cheaper than renting a room—no utility or WiFi bills, plus access to gyms and pools. No cleaning required. You can look for other jobs in the meantime.
Good luck, OP!
Life is good at AT&T. What is all this whining about?
I left at 50 and walked right into another career that I have been enjoying for 10 years. You’re not looking hard enough or in the right places.
"The additional space will be ready in the next couple months."
I spoke to construction crew a week ago. Only 1 floor in 1057 has had the electrical laid out. He said it is at least 4 months before 1057 is ready to go. I am not sure of the status of 1055.
I used to do the same thing, but I was sleeping at the office instead of getting a room.
“So in theory, while that lasts, you could spend only 2 nights a week in a hotel to meet your 3 days.”
This won’t be lasting much longer. The additional space will be ready in the next couple months.
To the chaos mastermind, be careful who you upset and there are a lot of us praying and wishing. I’m sorry you’re going through this but best believe these hypocrites won’t be exempted from the punishment they deserve. Their million dollars could be taken away in a flip!
They know exactly what they’re doing and they do not care. Well..we shall see.
Note: If he's in Atlanta, a lot of those groups are still doing 3 days since there isn't enough room. So in theory, while that lasts, you could spend only 2 nights a week in a hotel to meet your 3 days. Not much cheaper, but cheaper than an entire month's rent, and you don't have to worry about utilities and furniture.
Rent ain’t cheap!
My prayers are with you.
Don't you meet MR75? Honestly why not rent a room somewhere it's gotta be cheaper than what you're doing now.
Hang in there for the payout you EARNED.
🙏
Man I feel for you. It sure isn’t worth it.
Retire at 55 and you don't have to pay penalties to withdraw from your 401k.
Just hang on 3-5 more years before you retire pal, you can do it!