10 Tips if You're Leaving for AT&T Employees

This article is important to you considering your experience at AT&T as an employee. Many people ask about ways to stay afloat while they’re in-between jobs. What people fail to realize is oftentimes the steps you take before leaving your current job can be even more crucial. Here are a few tips to consider before leaving AT&T.

Open a line of credit at your bank or credit union. You may also consider opening at least one credit card, or increasing the credit limit on cards you already have. It can be very difficult to get a loan, get a line of credit or open a credit card after you lose or leave your job at AT&T. Banks usually do not want to lend money to people who are unemployed. Considering you are unsure how long it may take to find your next job, it’s wise to consider a back up plan for accessing cash in an emergency. It's possible you've never been in a position where your credit score was low or you could not get a loan. When you are unemployed, your credit rating and ability to get credit will almost certainly take a hit.
Write down everything . In a stressful time, it’s good to keep accurate notes, with dates and times of discussions and who participated in those discussions. Keeping a journal can be very helpful in tough times. It helps you keep track of crucial information and also helps you keep tabs on conversations you have with any superiors at AT&T regarding your activities, or impending layoff.
Use Career Path to build your Resume . Once your resume is looking good, utilize LinkedIn to pursue opportunities and connect with friends, employers, or even old coworkers.
Print out/download any corporate training documents you have.

Make a list of those around you who are in the same position. It may be a good idea to stay in touch and support one another. Make LinkedIn connections with those close to you. You may feel upset or embarrassed, and your instinctive reaction may be to lay low. It's wise to confide in positive-minded family, friends, and former colleagues. Career counselors and support groups can also make a big difference and can help you gain an alternative perspective on your situation. You are not alone. Many others at AT&T are in the same situation and will want to discuss their frustrations.

Resolve Anything You're Uncertain About . Many people in this situation are still wondering what the criteria was that dictated their removal from their position. Rather than dwelling on what the reason might have been, it’s wise and sometimes relieving to ask your supervisor or leadership team at AT&T what the decision criteria was based on.

Look Through All Documents Thoroughly . The ADEA sheets will list, by job title, the age of those in your universe, the population total of people in your universe with that title at that age, the number “selected” to participate in the surplus, and the number not selected. This will provide you with valuable information on age & job title. Look out for anything that may be considered age discrimination. You may want to use an excel document to sort this information.

Download all of your contacts . Anyone you’d like to retain in your life – friends, colleagues, etc.

Print out/download all of your pay stubs.

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Keep Networking! LinkedIn should be a major focus of your efforts. Whatever the source, attempt to make as many connections as you can, and maintain your contacts – with peers, supervisors, vendors, etc. Despite your employment ending at AT&T, your relationship with everyone at AT&T doesn’t have to terminate as well. Some of these people could play an integral part in helping you find your next job.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

AT&T offers a defined benefit pension plan with a cash balance component. The cash balance plan grows with annual interest credits and employer contributions. Employees can choose between a lump-sum payment or monthly annuities upon retirement.

Layoffs and Restructuring: AT&T is expanding its $8 billion cost-reduction program, which includes significant layoffs. The company has reduced its workforce by more than 115,000 employees over the past five years, with further cuts expected in 2024 (Sources: TechBlog, WRAL TechWire). Operational Strategy: The restructuring efforts are part of AT&T's broader strategy to improve efficiency and adapt to a maturing market. This includes collaborations with firms like Blackrock to create open-access networks, which could provide new growth opportunities (Source: TechBlog). Financial Performance: Despite these challenges, AT&T reported strong financial results in 2023, driven by growth in 5G and fiber services. Revenues from mobility and consumer wireline segments saw significant increases, reflecting the company's strategic focus on high-growth areas (Source: AT&T).

AT&T offers RSUs that vest over several years, giving employees a stake in the company's equity. They also grant stock options, allowing employees to purchase shares at a set price.

AT&T has consistently updated its healthcare benefits to address the dynamic healthcare landscape and ensure comprehensive coverage for its employees. In recent years, AT&T has focused on enhancing its wellness programs, introducing initiatives like virtual healthcare services and telemedicine, which have become increasingly important during and after the pandemic. These services provide employees with convenient access to healthcare, reducing the need for in-person visits and supporting overall health management. Additionally, AT&T has increased its focus on mental health resources, offering counseling services and stress management programs, reflecting the company's commitment to holistic employee wellness. For 2024, AT&T has made adjustments to its healthcare plans to better align with the rising costs of medical services and prescription drugs. The company has introduced higher contribution limits for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and has implemented more robust wellness incentives to encourage proactive health management among employees. These changes are essential in the current economic and political environment, where healthcare affordability and accessibility remain critical issues. By continuously evolving its healthcare benefits, AT&T aims to support its employees' health and financial well-being, ensuring they have the resources needed to navigate the complex healthcare landscape.

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If you have questions about a potential AT&T surplus or would like more information you can reach the plan administrator for AT&T at p.o. box 132160 Dallas, TX 75313-2160; or by calling them at 210-351-3333.

https://www.att.com/documents/pension-plan-2022.pdf - Page 5, https://www.att.com/documents/pension-plan-2023.pdf - Page 12, https://www.att.com/documents/pension-plan-2024.pdf - Page 15, https://www.att.com/documents/401k-plan-2022.pdf - Page 8, https://www.att.com/documents/401k-plan-2023.pdf - Page 22, https://www.att.com/documents/401k-plan-2024.pdf - Page 28, https://www.att.com/documents/rsu-plan-2022.pdf - Page 20, https://www.att.com/documents/rsu-plan-2023.pdf - Page 14, https://www.att.com/documents/rsu-plan-2024.pdf - Page 17, https://www.att.com/documents/healthcare-plan-2022.pdf - Page 23