In comparison to the culture that once was old Cellular One or AT&T Wireless, this AT&T's culture is very difficult. At the time of transition, management from the landline environment promoted their own so many of the progressive thinkers left. Money for most things has diminished year-over-year and is to a point where people feel fortunate to have toilet paper in the restrooms. There is no more coffee, filtered water, plastic utensils or even plants at allowed at desks. In fact, most people are losing their desks to shared work environments that encourage collaboration. Sounds like a good thing, however the problem is that work teams don't sit in the same state so you are in a share space and no one to collaborate with. Sadly, you cannot move easily between internal teams because unless your manager can get a backfill for your position, you cannot be released to another manager even if there is an open slot available somewhere else. For me personally, I left the company because I could not move or get away from my toxic and ineffective manager. Although there is a lot of web-based training for personal growth, there is no longer a need to interact with others through shared learning or direct contact. Level 3 managers (i.e., Directors) and above are the only audience that get exposed to travel or onsite training opportunities. The balance of people work by phone to navigate business and network issues. This company is now so massive that you are left feeling like the number you really are.
