I think it’s kind of ironic that everyone is balking about having to go into an office; did people think they’d be able to live like covid was never going away?
If you sold your home and moved further away during covid, it’s unfortunate, but that’s on YOU.
And if you never bothered to keep your ear to the ground, network, keep your skills and certs up to date and learn new ones, interview for other jobs (an interview doesn’t usually lead to an offer, but even when it does, that doesn’t mean you have to accept), we’ll, that’s all on you, too. The company owes you NOTHING other than a paycheck. Not even a thank you; as Don Draper would say “That’s what the money is for!”
I also find it ironic that many of the same people who want to get raises that are not based on meritocracy but rather due to a union bargaining contract, and who also want to do the bare minimum for the maximum amount of money, are now bitter at the people (a union and a company) they left their destiny in the hands of.
If you don’t like being told what to do, go run your own company. This is just how it works. This is what happens.
And if you think a company like ATT with ALL its bureaucratic red tape and processes is bad, then you’re in for a RUDE awakening if you’re let go. Y’all have NO idea what the real world is like, because let me tell you: private businesses that are not publicly traded? There is NO place to hide. There is NO red tape to delay things. There are NO raises just for showing up. There are NO raises because of inflation. There are NO bonuses to placate unions. You either work your tail off, or you’re fired. And fast. There is no PIP; you’re shown the light, you’re let to the light, and you’re outta there.
You ATT lifers literally don’t know how good you had it. I’d highly suggest applying asap and ONLY to another publicly traded telecom or cable mastodon, or finding a government job. Because you’re in for a SERIOUSLY rude awakening once you’re let go from ATT. You’ve been living in Xanadu.