Stick with AT&T or jump to Verizon?
Recently made an internal move when my department made cuts. 2 years, 4 months in. Looking for feedback and opinions. Why I’m asking: thinking forward, this economic boom will turn full cycle, I want to make sure I’m in the more secure place of the two when the shit hits the fan. I am looking to take the next 2 years to finish my undergrad (I have the first two years already) and play a part in the rollout of SDN as it replaces previous generation MPLS services. 28 years old, no kids. Currently: AT&T Datacenter Technician 80k, hourly, 3 year lock-in before I can relocate Silicon Valley 6% 401(k) match at 100% Small cash-balance pension ($1500/mo at 30 years, $3700 at 40. Seems to have increases tied to life expectancy, not years of service). $5k/yr tuition reimbursement Potential Opportunity if offer extended: Verizon Voice Engineer 60-75k, salary Raleigh, NC 6% 401(k) match at 80% No pension for new hires $8k/yr tuition reimbursement
What about time off? You will lose your seniority. Although 75k if you can get that will go a lot farther in NC than 80k in Silicon Valley. I don't really have much insight into datacenters, but how insulated are you? How much is your job at risk to offshoring or automation? Like I said, I don't have a ton of insight into that profession, but I can't help but think that title carries as much weight as it did 20 years ago.
We are remote hands. Our data centers are contractually guaranteed to the customers as being staffed 24/7 by employees in our job title. Each center is staffed by exactly 6 of us. I was hired into the 6th spot following a promotion of one of the techs. We have union contracts that are renewed every 3 years, and have a “watermark” guaranteeing a minimum number of employees in our org that AT&T MUST staff. I don’t think seniority would have any weight at VZ. A voice engineer would be super easy to outsource, I talked to many of them on the phone while working for Windstream Enterprise Repair.
Sounds like you should stay then!
Verizon after the creation of OATH is about to go through some serious RIF. Wait till the dust settles. Plus AT&T will be finalizing the TW offer which should open more opportunities
There's lots of top companies that do sign on bonuses, its partially made for situations like yours where you would need to reimburse current employer. So don't let that stop you from considering to relocate. Remember that sign on is taxable, so ask for more than the amount owed.