Tuesday, December 29, 2009

FAREWELL AT&T!



Hello~ 
Today is my last day at AT&T. If you recall from this post, I recently was given a letter of separation by AT&T. 19 years later I would have never imagined I would be in a layoff situation. I started working at Southwestern Bell Telephone in Longview, Texas, November 13, 1990 with the goal in mind to retire here as well.  Since receiving the letter of separation it has been a roller coaster of emotions interviewing for positions within the company and externally. Last night LOML and I went to pick up the boxes from my office that were filled with memories. When we arrived home I begin unpacking the boxes and realized what an incredible career I had over the 19 years. The last 6 years being the best of the best! Supporting the marketing organization was a ton of fun (thank you Jamie for placing me in events!). The event org supported fabulous events such as the yearly Sales Kick Off, The Executive Briefing Center,  President's Club, Circle of Excellence, Diamond Club for both management and non-management events held at the best of the best resorts. I had the opportunity to travel and stay places that I will treasure forever!  Cabo at The Marquis,The Four Seasons at Aviara, The Westin Kierland at Arizona, The Bellagio, The MGM, The Ventian all at Vegas, The Diplomat at Hollywood, Fl,  The Del at San Diego, The Fairmont at San Francisco, The Hyatt Hill at San Antonio, The Drake at Chicago, Royal Sonesta at New Orleans. All of the activities, the Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona, snorkeling in Cabo, massages at the finest hotels, The Red Rock Canyon Jeep Tour in Vegas, The Everglades Swap Boat ride in Florida, the Alligator Farm in Florida, Behind the Scenes Tour of the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park in San Diego, The ferris wheel ride at Navy Pier in Chicago with my fabulous peers, the sunset dinners in San Francisco, the ferry ride across to Sausilto. The sporting events, the Byron Nelson Golf Event for ATT, Dallas Stars games, Mavericks play off games, Ranger games, the PGA tours, having lunch and being seated at the same table with Byron Nelson, the Baseball Hall of Fame event & meeting Rollie Fingers & Wade Boggs, supporting the ARF (Animal Rescue Foundation) event in St Louis for Tony LaRussa - the list of memories goes on and on.  The entertainment  provided at these events and meeting the bands behind the scenes was amazing! CCR, Train, Janet Jackson, Tony Marquis, The Beach Boys, fire twirlers, jugglers, etc.. Then my favorite- giving back to the community... American Heart Walk (love you Sara!), Junior Achievement (hugs Caroline!) Chip Moody Golf Classic (thanks Amy!), Denton County Advocacy Center, and many more. The opportunities, the community involvement, building the brand in the community for AT&T have no doubt changed and molded my life. What will I miss tomorrow when I don't go to the office besides the rush hour traffic and the alarm clock? My husband, the LOML (love of my life) who is still employed there (30 years of service), my dear friends, my tub mates, a few of the leadership team that truly "get" events and the importance of them, and mostly the routine I have had for 19 years!  I am thrilled for the forced opportunity to pursue a dream I have had for many years. I can't wait to share my new venture with all of you after the first of the year! I am looking forward and not back, living on faith and promise that tomorrow will be filled with another wild ride!  Love you all... Valarie

23 comments:

just a little bit shabby said...

Wow! Yah...Boo! I have mixed emotions for you. I guess they say when God closes one door he opens another. Here's wishing you great success in the coming year. I am planning on retiring this coming May and it seems that it is not getting here fast enough to suit me. You're positive attitude will get you a long way, so.... You Go Girl!!! Best Wishes!
Sandy

Six in One Hand said...

I can't imagine the emotions that you are having right now. God definitely has something awesome for you. so look at this as a stepping stone and not a stubmbling block!!!

Anonymous said...

Aww hun I am so sorry but you know when you have the attitude you do nothing will stop you! Kepp your head up and your dreams in sight because you will reach them and I for one cant wait to read about what your after! big hugs

toodles-
Sarah

paperjunk-lc said...

Val,
Good things are ahead. These crappy economic times can't last forever and out of these times new businesses will happen as a result. Can't wait to see what's in your future!

mzzterry said...

GodSpeed. Keep lookin' up.

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Oh I'm sure there is a lot of emotion going on, you've given them a part of you for so many years! I've had 26 yrs., 10 months with my company and as of Feb. or so have about 3 to go, but then who knows what the future holds. We aren't promised tomorrow. I can't wait to see what your new adventure is and in the meantime, I wish you many many blessings in the upcoming New Year, T

Unknown said...

Coming out of there with such a positive outlook i think you will be successful in anything u chose now! mishelle

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

It seems this is to be the wave of the future. We are all going through something related to the changing times. I love that you are moving ahead with a positive attitude and wonderful plans for the future!!!

I wish you the best of luck and will pray for you and your family!!!

God is control...YEAH!!!

Happy New Year to you and yours!!!
XOXO
Cathy

Stacey said...

Girl you have had such a great attitude! Carry on...can't wait to see what comes next. Could it have to do with adorable cottages?

Diana Ferguson said...

Yes, God is in control. I know you will continue to move forward with joy and thanksgiving!

Pat said...

I wish the very best for you. My hubby had his position eliminated after 26 years (6 years ago) and it created a chain of events that led to us making a move to southern DE.....which we love....so while it was an emotional upheaval, much good came from it. (I got into quilting and blogging after that!) So...I wish you all the best in your new venture and can't wait to hear about it.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Well, can't wait to see what you're up to next, my Texas friend!
Brenda

Mindy said...

How exciting and scary all at the same time. My bet is, we'll be running into each other more frequently, huh? Yippee! ~Mindy

Pine Tree Home said...

The grass is always greener...sometimes change can be the best thing.

Dreams and Decor said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your AT&T position ending, but it's so great that you have such a positive attitude! You are finding the silver lining (being able to finally pursue your dream), rather than focusing on the negative. I can't wait to hear what your new ventures is! Best wishes for a safe, happy & prosperous New Year! Patti

Christine said...

Wow, Nineteen years!
My heart goes out to you and all those who will miss being around you everyday at AT&T.
Look out 2010, here comes Valarie!

Cottage Rose said...

Such wonderful memories you have,, not many can say that they really loved what they did,, how exciting for you to travel down a new path the Lord has for you... I can't wait to hear what it is....

Hugs;
Alaura

Life In My Nest said...

Can't wait to hear what your new venture will be! This may have been a blessing in disguise. Hope 2010 is just what you want it to be.
Teresa

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

Wow Valarie... huge life change for you! One door closes, another opens, make the best of it! Looking forward to hearing of your new adventure in life!
paula:)

1 Funky Woman said...

Oh, sorry about the job, but you are so creative that you will think of something and soon I'm sure!

LaurieAnna's Vintage Home said...

Oh Val, girl we feel your emotions. I mean really feel it. My hubby was laid off the week before Christmas from his job of 10 years.

Take it as an opportunity my friend. I was laid off after 9/11 from Chase and it was such a blessing. Makes you look outside the safety net and spread your wings. I'm excited about the the surprises that await both of you...it will be great things!

Meanwhile, I'm here for support if you need anything...I know exactly what you are going through.

Hugs,

LaurieAnna

Sandy said...

I went through five layoffs in my career in the group health & dental insurance industry - first one in 1987, then 1993, 1995, 1999 and the last one in 2005. I finally retired at the end of January 2008 after a 25 year career in this field. Even though each job abolishment is terrible to go through each time I landed a better position with more pay. I hated going through the interview process (multiple layers) - one place I had seven interviews (with the HR office telling me I was the leader) all the way up to the VP to be left hanging with no response. Needless to say I didn't want to work for that company. So hang in there something great is out there for you.

One of my old bosses (and later a co-worker) works for Southern Bell in TX - he hired me back in 1977 when I first started working in the insurance field!

Teacup Lane (Sandy)

Denise said...

I just found your blog. I love your cottage (I have my own old house), your garden (we just built our own white arbor and picket fence last month) and your vintage trailer (I have a vintage in the back yard). Then, I read through your archives and find you were forced to leave a large company you were with for 19 years (60 days ago I was outsourced by IBM after 14 years)! It's amazing to me how small this big world is sometimes. Thank you for sharing your home and life...I am beginning my life 'redo' and in the process of finding out what I want to do with this next phase. I appreciate your blog and posts. Thank you.

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