Thread regarding AT&T layoffs

For those tired of leadership and looking to leave

I think it's safe to say that many people here are unhappy with AT&T and would jump at the chance to leave if they could maintain (or even improve) their compensation. This post is for the people who genuinely want to put in the effort to make that leap.

When I first started applying elsewhere, I was filled with anxiety about interviews and constantly doubting myself. I felt like my skills were either outdated or had declined altogether. I think a lot of us fall into this mindset after being in the same environment for so long, especially when surrounded by negativity.

But here’s the truth: your skills are more valuable than you think. You’ve adapted to changes, handled tough situations, and navigated a complex organization. These are things that many employers are looking for. The key is to recognize your strengths, be honest about what you want, and start taking those small steps forward.

I’ve been steadily progressing through interviews, and it’s been a game-changer for my confidence. Every conversation with a potential employer has reinstilled a sense of belief in my skills and marketability. I now see the end of my time at AT&T very clearly, and it feels really good. I can say this because I’ve felt it: the shift from fear to hope is real, and it’s incredibly empowering.

If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re good enough to make a change, I want to remind you: you absolutely are. It’s not going to be easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It just takes focus, a bit of faith in yourself, and the willingness to put in the work. There’s a world of opportunity out there, and the skills you’ve developed at AT&T can be a solid foundation for your next step—whether that’s a role in tech, management, customer relations, or something entirely different.

I know this site has its share of negativity and trolls, and that makes it even harder to stay motivated. But I want to encourage those who are truly ready for change: don’t let this environment dictate your future. Be inspired by the fact that you’re here, reading this, which means that some part of you already wants more.

Take action, however small—whether it’s updating your resume, signing up for a new course, reaching out to a recruiter, or simply researching what’s out there. Every little step will make you stronger and build your confidence.

You’ve got this. It’s time to start believing that you can leave AT&T, not just for another job, but for a better one.

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Post ID: @OP+1v9Lds8c

17 replies (most recent on top)

There is life after AT&T! I voluntarily left AT&T after 20+ years. I took the lump sum pension payment. It took some time and patience, staying positive wasn’t always that easy. Regarding job applications and interviews, I had a few solid humbling let downs along the way. But a little over 6 months later, I landed my dream job with a substantial pay raise. Hang in there and don’t give up. My advice is to definitely shoot for the stars and see what happens.

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Post ID: @3nua+1v9Lds8c

Corporate America su-ks. Corporate India us where it’s at !

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Post ID: @2tnd+1v9Lds8c

This is the first post that has ever inspired me to make a reply here. Thank you so much for this. It’s what I needed to hear.

I've watched in horror and frankly disgust at what T has done over the past year+. After more than proving we can do our jobs remotely their response is not only RTO but expecting us to move hundreds of miles away to do the same job? It makes absolutely no sense and there’s not a chance in he-l I will be moving.

I’ve been keeping my skillset fresh and I need to keep in mind what you said for when I move on next year.

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Post ID: @1hyb+1v9Lds8c

Thank you for this!!

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Post ID: @1dee+1v9Lds8c

I am well compensated here in T for what I do, I hate to lose the autonomy of my job and be the new person again and start all over again. I am young, and not even the target of this RTO, but seeing how this company treated the senior employees who carried years of knowledge, my coworkers who made my transition easy and my work easier is everything to me + I value flexibility, time and having meaningful impact within myself, my coworkers, and to this company. However, I could no longer stomach how low Stankey and the BOD went this time. I underestimated the vileness and evilness. Recently, hurricane Helene torn down several states in the SE and we worked endlessly night/day, weekends. We were 1st responders and was away from our family to help out clear the monstrous disaster that up to now is still crippling NC. Not even long ago that the effort was finished and this news came up. I have never seen such wickedness in any leaders before T, I believe T is the worst. Stankey is the worst. He destroyed countless of lives and that is not without retribution.

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Post ID: @1cqo+1v9Lds8c

A lot of people want to leave but most of them are not as good as they think they are.

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Post ID: @1cun+1v9Lds8c

Quite honestly, this is one of the best posts that i've ever read on this site. Keep up the great work and many thanks, OP!

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Post ID: @1gno+1v9Lds8c

"Be inspired by the fact that you’re here, reading this, which means that some part of you already wants more."

The only reason I'm here is because I get a real kick out watching the never ending parade of geniuses with all the answers, and the longer line of fools who listen to them.

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Post ID: @iqb+1v9Lds8c

You can carpool if you all quit at the same time, so there's that

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Post ID: @awf+1v9Lds8c
I'm just lazy.

I relate to that very much. I hate doing things if I don't have to. That being said, if staying at AT&T is what you determined was best for you, then there's nothing wrong with that. This was more for the people who are more tired of working at this company than they are lazy.

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Post ID: @smq+1v9Lds8c
OP is correct - a lot of good opportunities out there. AT&T was once a great place to work that hired excellent people. It's no longer a good place to work and has lousy leadership like Stankey that have destroyed the company. That said - a lot of smart people here who have very transferable skills. Make the move - it's worth it...constantly looking over your shoulder wondering when the next cut is no way to live...make the move, you and your family will be glad you did.

This 10000%. I've gotten the opportunity to work with a lot of talented people at AT&T who report to people who don't see their value at all, and they just keep putting in so much time/energy with so very little reward. There are so many other companies/teams out there who would love them, but they're just used to feeling undervalued/unappreciated. I think they just need to start looking/talking to people outside of the company and they'll soon find they have a lot more to offer than they originally thought.

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Post ID: @ebx+1v9Lds8c

I'm just lazy.

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Post ID: @ico+1v9Lds8c

OP is correct - a lot of good opportunities out there. AT&T was once a great place to work that hired excellent people. It's no longer a good place to work and has lousy leadership like Stankey that have destroyed the company. That said - a lot of smart people here who have very transferable skills. Make the move - it's worth it...constantly looking over your shoulder wondering when the next cut is no way to live...make the move, you and your family will be glad you did.

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Post ID: @asg+1v9Lds8c
What courses would you recommend going for? I know a ton of individuals that have been here for less than 5 are already done with this company.

This is dependent on what roles you're looking to get into/what experience you have. I'd honestly start with what genuinely interests you/what you're naturally good at, and then go from there. You can then start making educated decisions on what topics/courses to look into based on market trends.

For example, if you're a manager maybe you can take courses related to another industry that your'e interested in because your managerial skills can be easily transferred, and taking an industry-related course shows initiative. If you're a developer, you might want to take a look at what technologies are being used the most (this could look like hopping on linkedin and typing in different technologies using the job search function, identifying which technologies have the most job openings and then taking a course on that). But try to stay within your experience or adjacent to it so your application is stronger.

Once you finish the course though, find any way to apply what you learned so you have a fresh experience to talk about during interviews. Also, in finding ways to apply what you learned, you might meet people who are willing to help your job search!

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Post ID: @ngt+1v9Lds8c

"OP and @bff+1v9Lds8c are either the same person, ot their menstrual cycles are synchronized"

LMAO!! I blew spaghetti all over my drop-in workspace. It was worth it. Next dude can clean it up.

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Post ID: @qez+1v9Lds8c

What courses would you recommend going for? I know a ton of individuals that have been here for less than 5 are already done with this company.

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Post ID: @khs+1v9Lds8c

Definitely looking and have been for a little while. Hardest parts are finding opportunities that truly look like a positive move and then actually getting to the interview.

Even if you are happy in your role and like this place you need to check what’s out there periodically to make sure your comp hasn’t fallen behind and to be ready in case of a layoff, especially here.

The RTO cr-p makes no sense but the biggest thing for me is that leadership’s constant lies and doubletalk related to it and just about anything related to ‘culture’ destroys their credibility on everything else.

I just hope I can find something and hope it has a decent culture. Most places are not a lot better than AT&T based on 25+ years of experience at multiple companies. I’m just done with the BS here.

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Post ID: @bff+1v9Lds8c

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