12/05/09, 11:02:20 PM

I’ll never forget the day; August 13th, 2008 was when I let go from Bell after starting my career there over eight years ago. I was in the role (Application Support Specialist) at Syntex Drive in Mississauga (former GT/360Networks IT team) for less than a year (nine months to be exact). It was a very difficult day as I thought I would have been a ”lifer” at Bell but learned the difficult way that wasn’t meant to be. I enjoyed my time at Bell but the aspect I was going to miss the most was all the interaction with the various teams/people I had worked with over the past eight years. I made some long term friendships there and that’s what I was going to miss the most!

Almost immediately I began my job search however this was only the start. After over a year of being let go (from Bell, 16 months ago) and 13 interviews later...success! I landed a job at Research In Motion in Waterloo as a full-time/permanent IT Support Analyst! I start on December 7th, 2009. RIM was one of those companies that I thought I would never get into. After submitting over 25 applications to various positions at RIM I was finally acknowledged for this position. I am very excited to start this new chapter in my life.

For those people struggling and not knowing what they’ll do next (after Bell) all I want to say is determination and perseverance pays off! After going through 13 interviews (a couple of them I came very close to landing but was shot down at the final stage) and submitting hundreds of job applications you would think that I would get discouraged. However I kept my head held high and kept on the path to find work and that hard work does pay off! Keep focused and your eye on the prize! You will all get there!

There DEFINITELY is life after Bell!

10/13/09, 3:22:23 PM

My departure last year was a mixed blessing: I received salary continuation to age 55 retirement, before the buy-out kicked-in, but found the Bell pension after 31 years of service too small for real retirement. ... But it’s too soon anyway!

With a software, technology and architecture background, I thought moving into the next position would be relatively easy -- probably true if you’re a C++ or Java programmer; not so much when you’ve become very specialized -- the needs are there, but only surface once in a blue moon.

After many months chasing leads everywhere, for anything related to my background, and finding hi tech continuing to cut everywhere I was applying, I decided to focus on the federal government, since there lies the stability I seek. It took many months to come to this realization -- I wasn’t in urgent need of something, so didn’t move quickly enough from ”broadcast” to ”focus” mode.

The second step towards my success was to determine what my next position should look like. I landed on Enterprise Architecture -- the next logical move for me after Business Solutions Architecture. But I discovered from interviews and job postings that I needed formal training (at least for the federal government), and embarked on that, achieving the important TOGAF certification.

It was in post-certification pursuit of more knowledge around the area, as well as to make contacts, that I was linked to the job I started in late August.

I thoroughly enjoy the work, the supportive, collaborative environment and the people -- and I was lucky to get in on the ground-floor in creating a new area. As a result, I’m participating in a multitude of functions, even though EA consumes most of it.

It is invigorating to be back in the job market, and to be learning and applying new skills.

Moral of the story: (1) determine your market and focus on that; (2) determine your goal (dream job) and brand yourself (and employers love to see you’re willing to invest in yourself and upgrade skills); and (3) network!

I also determined early-on that contracting/consulting was not my objective, but would only ever be a stop-gap for me. It’s personal taste; but I like to contribute broadly to a work environment; and I’m not keen on being on the constant search for another position -- too much ”unbillable” time spent looking ... and I’ve had enough of that for a very long time.

I had an awesome, diverse career at Bell, met a ton of fun & interesting people, and learned a lot. I was shocked & surprised at how small Bell pensions are if you leave before age 60, and that was a tough life lesson for me. But I’m bullish about the future and enjoying life and work.

John

09/23/09, 6:09:29 AM

Hello everyone -

I passed the 6 months probabtionary period with my new employer as of yesterday. Harder than I anticipated. But I made it.

My transferrable skills needed more dedicated work and time to improve to the level required to continue in this job function. This is due, in part, to regulatory change outside the organization which changed some of the core job requirements while I was in my probabtionary period.

However, I was still able to improve my competence and performance to the point where they decided to keep me.

The lesson learned is that I am much closer to knowing what I don’t know than I am in being closer to knowing what I do know about this new industry and its subject matter.

The bar moved. I still had to get over the ”bar”.

Don’t be discourgaged, it is do-able. It just took more continued hard work and some more sleepless nights. Some things don’t change.

The second thing I learned was how crucial written communication is to my continuing to stay after the probationary period.

About 3 weeks ago I had to find and take a self directed ”crash course” on clear writing.

I found some great items on the internet and in the library on how to measure the ”fog index” in my written communication.

Making three small but crucial changes to my writing and writing style made a huge difference in the clarity and readability of my written communication - a key job requirement over and above learning the new subject matter material.

Best wishes for your success too.
K

08/09/09, 1:29:06 PM

Thursday May 28, 2009 will forever be a monumental day in my new career path. It was the day when a dream was about to become a reality. After two years of searching and applying to Vancouver 2010 Olympic position postings I finally had my shot at the games. This day came after 9 trying months of job searching locally in Ottawa since my departure from Bell last August. I had re-branded myself into a marketing professional.

My first couple of months on the job have been very inspiring, challenging and rewarding. My position is responsible for promotions to the 12,000 Torchbearers and coordinating their relay time operations. The 106-day cross-Canada 45,000 km journey begins late in October will be the longest torch relay ever staged in a single country while visiting over one thousand communities along the way, the biggest thing that may ever happen to some of them.

I know for a fact that my many challenging projects and team work at Bell and beyond have given me the technical backbone and business acumen that I need to be successful in the road ahead.

I am the product of the many colleagues and friends that have encouraged my growth and development over my years at Bell and then life afterwards with Chris’ support network that started last August. It has been a lift in more ways than I can describe in this space. I am proud and grateful to be associated with such an amazing group of people - past and present.

I will be travelling with the relay starting in a few months and hope to see my friends and family along the route.

No matter how tall or insignificant a task may seem, always know that everything happens for a reason and it takes work to follow your vision. Believe in yourself and don’t give up on your dreams. In the end, anything great takes hard work.

07/30/09, 12:19:31 PM

On July 20, I started a new career.

I accepted a position as Project Manager with the City of Hamilton - Transit division. I will be responsible for implementing and launching the PRESTO card for Hamilton over the next 12-14 months. This is a full time position, which will require working with the transit companies between Hamilton and Durham, OC Transpo in Ottawa , GO Transit and the provincial ministry. This is a long term role, with opportunities to evolve IT infrastructure for Hamilton’s transit division.

HSR - Hamilton Street Railway has been a long time innovator in transit. They implemented the first phone check system nearly 20 years ago, they have on line web trip planning, they will be implementing automated stop announcements. The HSR is an innovator in accessibility and alternative transportation in Hamilton. I will be proud to work for them and it’s only a 15 minute drive or forty minute bus ride to work!

I have been looking for nearly 10 months for an IT position in the Golden Horses**** area. In January, I rebranded myself as a Project Manager. I took a PM Certification course at the University of Waterloo. That course led directly to several interviews and the job offer.

I am proud of my association with Bell Canada and the great people who work (worked) at Bell. Business decisions which led to my exit from the Company do not diminish the dynamic and dedicated folk who I worked with over the years. I wish you well. May you and your families stay healthy and enjoy life.

Regards
Nick Houston

05/31/09, 1:43:00 AM

On the job search side, this past week I officially accepted a 4 1/2 month term position at the Public Service Commission as an Economist (ES 4/FI 5) in Program Evaluations. I hope it can turn into an extension or permanent position or open up other doors in other depts in the Fed Gov’t. I start Monday. This brings me back to my early days before joining Bell - spent 3 yrs with the Feds as a Junior Economist and then 3 more yrs in Eng Econ at Bell. It also allows me to leverage my project and program management experience.

You are doing a wonderful thing for so many by maintaining the Life After Bell website. Thank you.

Warm regards,

Ted

05/18/09, 10:22:38 AM

I was the Manager, Events at Bell Mobility and then, Bell Distribution. I organized all the annual Galas, product launches, meetings with the dealers, incentive programs and trips. I even won a CEO award in 2001. I was laid off on August 18, 2008.

Two days after, I went back to school in the travel industry. At 54, it was not an easy challenge. Last week, I graduated and accepted a job in special and corporate events for the Barreau du Québec. The Québec Bar ensures the protection of the public; the Québec Bar seeks to forge bonds of trust between lawyers, governments and the public. I am honestly on cloud 9.

To celebrate my diploma and my new job, I will travel to the Amalfi Coast in June for 10 days.

Thanks for the Life After Bell - The Journey Constinues. Life after Bell is getting to be wonderful for me.


Diane

05/14/09, 12:28:23 PM

I only found out about this group today, which sucks because I would have gladly joined last year.

I was part of the original exit class of May 08.
Just like many of you, it came as a shock and disappointment. Bell has been my family and life for over 10 years.
I grew up with it, evolved and became a better person from it. I still say if you cut me, I bleed Bell blue.

I had the luxury of working in one of the best groups in company in terms or growth, revenue generation, EVI and team members.
When I was told the crappy news, it really broke my heart…not the loss of money or security, but leaving the great group of people that I worked with for so many years, whom I consider family.

I sent an email to all my business contacts when I left stating that, I would be in touch etc. After sending that email I received 15 job offers, some below my skill set, many on the same level and a couple above.
What I realized from this little exercise was, there are a lot of opportunities out there and your value as an employee of BCE (which ever business unit you worked for) carries a lot of weight. It’s yours to seize and realize.

After much deliberation and soul searching I accepted the role of CEO at AOV international Inc 3 months later. We are the largest distributor of premium adult content in Canada.
Now it’s not exactly what I thought I would be doing after Bell, but it allows me to leverage all my skill sets, marketing, business development, technical, merchandising, new product development and sales.

The point I am trying to make is I would have never attacked a job opening like this one if I was still at Bell. After leaving, you start to realize your worth in the job market, the sky’s the limit my friends!

I wish you all the greatest success in your chosen paths!

Cheers,

05/07/09, 1:25:38 PM

After 4 interview processes (3 in telecom and one in the public sector), 8 months after unexpected early retirement, I landed! I accepted a term position as an Economist in Program Evaluation in the Public Services Commission that allows me to leverage my project management experience from Stentor/Bell Canada. I hope it will lead to an extension or a permanent position. It is funny how life is. Pre my career at Bell after graduation, I worked as Junior Economist within the GOC for 3 years. Now almost 25 years later, I have come full circle. Who knew!

The Public Service continues to be isolated from the impact of the recession and is facing the need to staff up to meet the anticipated growth in retiremets over the next 2-5 years ...for those thinking about what’s next - think about networking in this area, about applying on-line or using agencies for contract work! Get your foot in the door.

There is magic wand that opens new doors. I encourage you to network every day where ever you are, nurture what you develop and keep it growing, be positive, be patient, read and stay fit, work diligently at your job search (daily routine is key!), cast a wide net, help others find that dream job (it feels good!), surround yourself with good friends and humour (laugh!) and be gentle on yourself.

Bell folks are rock stars, each in our own ways. You will land - just do it!

04/27/09, 9:47:40 PM

Like many here, I was let go from Bell last August. I figured, okay... this has happened before to me in my work career ... no problem. Nonetheless, I still had to process my feelings on this abrupt career termination. Former colleagues helped but so did other IT castaways at the ITO office in Ottawa.

The rest of the economy wobbled into a recession and IT spending in Ottawa took a hiccup as our national government played power politics and took an extended hiatus.

So what worked for me? Networking and more networking...

I found that I only had time for positive people so I passed on meeting with folks who have a negative view of the world. No hanging around with Bell people worried about their jobs! I needed to find one of my own!

I went back about 8 years in my contacts archive and started letting folks know what I was looking for and that I was available. The nice thing about working in a sales environment at Bell was that you meet alot of people from many walks of life. I also went to Job Fairs and peppered the online IT staffing agency websites etc. and went to visit their recruiters. The folks that met me - liked my resume and felt that my qualifications were good - still no job. Met some firms who would like to hire, but didn’t have the cashflow to carry me through an extended recession, so no joy.

A former colleague whom I hadn’t seen in 6 years proposed me on a small sub-contract which took 3 months to be signed with the client and 2 more to finish. Not full-time but enough to exercise the brain and strangely enough earn a rave positive client review which led to an offer of full-time employment with the main IT contracting firm. FYI, the job was never advertised publicly so I didn’t have to compete with the rest of the ’herd’. Sometimes opportunity knocks and you just have to listen hard for it.

At DBM, we were told that it would take approx. 9 - 12 months of searching for work to find a decent opportunity. This is consistent with my experience.

So don’t give up. Buff your skills to show why you’re different than the rest, and keep talking to people. Success can be defined in many ways, so get moving again - remember you can’t merge into the fast lane from a standing start. Best of luck everyone. Now go make some luck happen.

04/13/09, 8:40:34 AM

I left Bell in September, like all who left I was emotionally overcome, 30 years is a long long time. Funny the other day I was speaking to an old Bell friend, who was let get about 5 years ago, it was nice to compare how we felt about being dismissed. One common thought Bell made us feel like a looser, this is BULL****, and we are not and can contribute

I am now working as a Telecom Consultant for the FOX GROUP; we are a team of experienced, independent, trusted management and technology consultants in telecommunications, networking and call centers. Our focus is to work with our clients in industries that we have deep expertise and work experience in. We provide trusted senior level analysis and advice in telecommunications, networking and information technology for medium and large sized, distributed, technology-dependant organizations.

Our organization is a member of the Canadian Telecommunications Consultants Association (CTCA) and prides ourselves as independent and provides professional consulting.

Bell People have lots of knowledge, be proud of that, and keep yourself educated, sign up to our free information dispatch, and I will let “Life after Bell” know if our firms needs talented people to manage projects.

To all you Bell guys and gals, hang in there…. There is life after Bell…

Feel free to sign up to the FOX news journal (www.FOXGROUP.ca/DispatchSignUp.htm), Bell is often mentioned….IT IS FREE….

03/29/09, 9:28:56 PM

It was one of the worst times in my life. It was February 2001, when my team and I were all let go. I had worked at Bell for 12 years, giving the company my blood, sweat and tears. Part of the reason that it was so shocking, is that we had all returned from a business trip in Kingston promoting our department and fostering teamwork etc.. So, sitting in that ominous office, with the Director across from me ushering those words, seemed surreal to me.

However, when all was said and done, I had a fair and humane departure. I was given 2 weeks to stay and “clean up” my desk, given a good severance package and the services of a DBM Human Resources specialist to help me in my career path.

After some thought, I had decided to become a consultant with the government and use my project coordinating skill-sets I had attained at Bell to work here.

My first job was at Health Canada as a Project Officer, dealing with Childhood/Youth Issues and making 30% more in salary! I had a window office for the first time in my life! I couldn’t believe that not only was there life after Bell, but there was a better life after Bell!

For 8 years now, I have done a myriad of consulting work with different government departments and am presently working for DND (Department of National Defence) as a Project Administrator. By the time this contract is over, it will be over a year of working with DND.

I have been fortunate to have had many great experiences as a consultant. Many of those experiences would never have happened at Bell.

Good luck to all. The world is most definitely your oyster!

03/24/09, 4:09:20 PM

It took time and a thousand applications but I have been offered a PM position at RIM.
If I pass the security check I will be starting fulltime Apr 13.

For once leading a boring uneventful life will pay off!
>8-)
Bob

03/22/09, 11:11:54 PM

I was part of the Group Telecom/360networks team that became Bell Service Bureau at Syntex Dr, Mississauga in 2004. I was let go from Bell August 13th. I was quite ready to go but as the economy changed so did my search plans have to change. The opportunities I anticipated weren’t there.

But I did what my DBM coach recommended ....and ....after a fair number of contortions and revisions ended up with my newest and latest cross functional resume and job search tool kit by late November. Much later than I expected. Yikes.

The new resumes were built around finding a more local job closer to home which meant a change in industry, job role and job position. About block 7 or more in the 9 block job search illustration. Going to take much more time!!

Dec 14th I found an opportunity for a job which would be 10 minutes commute instead of 1 1/2 hour each way all the way across Toronto. I applied for that one and several other local jobs. No answers, few interviews or responses until an invite for a 3 person panel interview with 2 hour written exam. It was a regulatory affairs job quite different from telecom in fact going back to some work and life experience I had more than 20 years ago.

I really studied and tried to really immerse myself in that new subject matter area and update myself on what had happened in that industry sector. Let’s just say - a lot had changed.

More no answers and more resumes and cover letters went out then I got a call from one of my references who I had really prepared to help me get that particular job. He said, my references were being thoroughly checked with very good questions.

I had virtually given up hope that one especially based on how I thought I did on the panel interview. I told the panel I had tons of transferrable skills and I would be a quick study on the subject matter even though I was not currently expert in that subject area. Turns out they saw things about me they liked more than other internal candidates with much more direct industry subject matter knowledge.

I accepted their written offer 7 months to the day that I was let go from Bell. I start March 30th - 10 minutes from home. Two learnings to pass along.
1- Do arm your references well. I gave them the job ad, my cover letter and that version of my resume. I called them to let them know when I was called for the panel interview.
2 - yes, there are some people out there that consider an older worker as an asset for experience and wisdom, not something to be discarded. I am 58. If I found someone, you can too if you are also an ”experienced” worker.
Look at your entire work and employment history, not just the last 10-15 years in terms of what you are looking for. Cross functional resumes can work.

For me there is now Life after telecom, not just Life After Bell. And above, as Churchill said: never, never, never give up....(or lose hope). I thank God everyday for giving me the strength to persist, for opening doors of opportunity I had to go through, for all the new people I met and for all the old friends I got reacquainted with.

I learned - Stay closely connected to your support network. If you are not closely connected, it is likely you not them that moved away. Get back in closer connection and stay there. Whenever things seemed really wrong, it was usually my perspective. I could change my perspective fairly quickly once I figured that out.

I am now using the knowledge and experience to start a local job search/employment support group through my local church. So many church friends and neighbours have been hammered by this same tough economy. Time to give back, not just be a taker.

I wish you all well. Best wishes in your job search. There is one out there for you. Keep digging until you find it. Ken

03/16/09, 11:45:59 AM

Folks,

The day after my lay off, I was offered a new job, development agent for ”Le sentier Maritime du Grand Montréal” Small pay, but gathering tonnes of contacts in the Sea Kayak world.

6 months later, the project comes to an end but it provided me enough $$$ to purchase a sea kayak float and to start renting them, offering training courses and expedition around the aria.

This is freedom for me!

Michel Happy Lajoy

Enjoying every single day on life.

03/16/09, 8:21:38 AM

After 6.5 months of looking I now have a permanent position in the Hydro Industry as a Business Analyst.

Dan

03/06/09, 9:50:35 PM

Last week I registered to Life After Bell stating that I did not have a job after 6 months of intensive

Search, interviews and workshops. But this week after passing a second interview I am confirming

a job in my area of expertise which is Quality Assurance Management. I will be responsible to create the Quality System at Campus Fort Saint-Jean a private company responsible to maintain the building infra-structures and restaurants for the Royal Military College.

Congrats Walter you are proof that there is ”Life after Bell” Thank-you for sharing your story!

Chris

03/03/09, 9:10:24 PM

I was let go on September 3rd, after 21 years at Bell. I spent the fall working on my resume, my house, on my emotions toward what had happened. After going to seminars, to job interviews which did not have much meening to me and to friends for moral support; I was starting to have more fun at playing ”Home Dad” and less fun actually looking for a career for the next 10-15 years. In mid February, two jobs were offered to me ; one for a part time ”feel good” job with bad pay ( on weekends)and one in the telecom business for a mid-entry coordination job (with a lot of potential in the coming years). Finally, I now work for a company who is growing and not downsizing, but one which has a very different focus on things. ”Praise the Lord” there is LIFE AFTER BELL ... You can do it too!

03/01/09, 9:42:05 PM

After 10 years at Bell, I was let go in mid-august 2008. 6 months later, I began work as an employee of a major international financial institution. Even though they’re had multiple layoffs over the past year, I became part of their technical services as database administrator and developper.

It was hard going, but well worth it.

02/12/09, 2:31:47 PM

I was one of the few folks who actually asked for a termination package - I had 28 years and I am over 55 so full pension was easily within 18 months. My VP asked me to stay on until just before Christmas 2008. My department treated me really well, hosted a small retirement dinner, with the President’s wallet and nice words - all-in-all a very civilized way to leave Bell. I set a target of applying for at least 2 jobs a day. I set up a URL and website and personal email address. Over a two month period, I submitted about 100 applications, I was invited to 5 preliminary telephone interviews with HR departments or search firms, and invited to one serious job interview (four hours long!) which resulted in a job offer as a Six Sigma Black Belt for RIM in Waterloo. I start February 23. What made it happen was the tremendous opportunity to get training and experience at Bell, especially in Six Sigma. Thanks Bell!

02/09/09, 4:52:05 PM

Terminated at the end of August, it took me three months of daily toil to find another career. I was at the point of seriously considering moving my family to another city, since high-tech jobs, and telecom work in particular, is hard to find in London. Eventually, the first company I submitted a resume to asked me for an interview. Three interviews and 2.5 months later, I landed a job as a Project Manager with a local control systems company, right before Xmas. While I miss my old Bell friends (and my 35% discount), I don’t miss the stress over worrying about my job security, and the constant directive to do more with less ie no AIP, no raises etc, while Sabia skates away with tens of millions in bonuses over the past few years. There is life after Bell.

02/02/09, 8:17:46 PM

After being out of work for over 5 months, I finally landed a full time position with another Telecom company.

01/19/09, 9:05:21 AM

There definitely is Life after Bell...

I took the plunge and formally incorporated myself a few months ago and recently accepted a contract position in Project Management with TELUS. I look forward to all of the exciting things that independence and contracting will bring to my life; it is definitely the start of a new and exciting journey.

Good luck to all who are looking!

Marg

01/18/09, 9:24:49 AM

This is something that I promised Christine some time ago - my procrastination always seems to prevail!

I joined Life After Bell simply to network with old colleagues and friends from a company that I always revered as a premium place to work. The days of ”you look after Bell and Bell will look after you” of course, are no longer and it is crushing to those who have gone through it.

I was asked to leave six years ago. With age and years of service, I qualified for a very small pension and post retirement benefits - and I thought I was getting screwed!! How could they do that to me, I had a mortgage, a daughter in University and I was not ready to leave. Furthermore, if I was going to leave, I wanted to go on my terms!!

Well of course it was on their terms and I have since learned that I was very lucky to get what I got. Job opportunities back then were not bountiful for a hard working, 50 year old marketing generalist!

Sales and customer service was always a passion of mine - my solutions oriented approach to things brought me back to how I started my business career - Sales. Then of course it became a question of how,where and what. I had become quite comfortable with working with a large company, receiving a regular pay cheque + benefits AND paid vacation. If I could replicate that, then I would be happy!!

Well of course that didn’t happen - after a lot of soul searching, I decided to try my hand at becoming a Realtor. It was an opportunity to finally test my ’entrepreneurial’ dreams, really test my passion for customer service and to supplement my - what I thought - was a meagre pension. Luckily for me I have had success and thoroughly enjoy my work. It hasn’t been easy but I was not going to let that stupid management decision mess up my life. I would not be a casuality! My competitive spirit and my work ethic didn’t allow for failure. The skills I learned as a manager and professional allowed me the success I was looking for.

I urge you all to think outside that box we got ourselves in @ Bell, and really examine what you want and need from the rest of your worklife - you might be surprised that it takes you away from the old thing, to something new and adventurous. It might take some personal re-tooling; major adjustments to a budget or lifestyle, but, it might also take you down a path that opens up a whole new life for you!

Good luck and all the best to everyone out there looking!

LC

12/22/08, 4:01:12 PM

Hey folks,

Less than 3 weeks after leaving Bell I was offered a contract as a Telecom Consultant. It was just for 8 weeks, but I figured I had to start somewhere. It turned out to be an excellent experience with great people to work with. It was a very small office (6 employees in Canada - but over 500 worldwide) so it was very different than Bell.

I’m looking for a new opportunity now, as a consultant or as a permanent employee - it doesn’t matter to me as long as the job is interesting - and I’m confident I’ll find something early in 2009. There is still a lot of jobs posted despite the economic turmoil, so one of them must be for me.

You never know what lies ahead in a new job, so if you have a good feeling about it, try it.

Good luck to all!

Yannik

12/21/08, 11:25:07 AM

Hi all,

Marie Paquette my transition worker introduced me to Ibiska at Recruiter Fair the transition center had. Then I was more passionate about sharing the Life after Bell website than I was at looking for employment!

Ibiska reviewed my resume and contacted me about an opportunity at National Defence, which resulted in a 20 week contract. I am now officially a consultant and employed!
I started my new position the beginning of December.

National Defence is treating me the same way as the other employees. I am included in their holiday gatherings and meetings too! They have given me flexible work hours 7.5 hours between 5:00 am and 8:00 pm. Don’t let the things you are scared of hold you back, face them it’s the only way you will be able to prove to yourself you can do it!

Ibiska had a wonderful Christmas Party, to thank their consultants. Dancing, door prizes, games, an open bar before dinner and the most wonderful buffet… it was hosted at the National Art Center. I won a BBQ Cooking set nicer than my BBQ! Wow…

What have I learnt? We have skills that are transferable! A lot of us feel we are too specialized. Don’t give up, persistence and networking will pave the way!

The website is my passion; my job will be my means to continue to develop it!

My personal goal 3 months ago was to provide a way for us to stay in touch, assist each other and to network. The network has grown!

I need you help in ensuring the continued growth of the site.!

We have to continue to look out for each other even after you find employment.

We have all learned a lot in the last 4 months, about our finances, networking, and how much impact we have on each others lives.

We are the Bell Alumni!

You have all helped the network to grow to almost 550 people in less than 3 months, simply by word of mouth! Thank-you!!

We are the living proof that there is Life after Bell!!!

Be safe, Christine McGee

12/16/08, 8:21:38 AM

I am starting some consulting work with Kids Help Phone in Toronto assisting them with national organization of Walk for Kids and also transitioning to a new sponsor (yes, Bell is pulling out after 2009). I worked on four walks during my time with Bell and also volunteered with Kids Help Phone for other events. It pays to build a network.

Best of luck to all and I hope everyone continues to migrate to this site to keep in touch.

12/11/08, 10:29:47 PM

I am pleased to share that I start a contract with Canada Revenue Agency tomorrow as a Project Specialist. After fifteen years as a Bell Canada employee I am anxious to start my new career as a consultant.

I owe a big thanks to the folks at DBM, this website and for all the support from everyone along the way. It made a big difference!

Best of luck to everyone and Happy Holidays!

Kim Gebara

12/11/08, 11:24:08 AM

I was a Bell employee for almost 6 years. 4 months after becoming a confirmed manager I was laid off. It was a huge disappointment for me.

Now I am lucky to be in the position to go back to school. I did some digging for programs and was accepted to Second Career and start college for a 2 year program in January.

The support from second career is fantastic and I urge anyone who wants to upgrade their skills and take a new path to check it out.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/secondcareer

You can do it too!

12/09/08, 9:05:52 AM

As I was only a manager for 3 years and when I started looking for work I found myself going back to basic. This job landed on my lap with Pitney Bowes and its only 5 minutes from home. I don’t have to get up early and leave at 5 o’clock in the morning to avoid the Toronto traffic as I live over an hour away from Toronto. I am happy that this happen and its only been 13 weeks since I was let go. I will not be making the same money I was but there is pros to working so close to the house.

Good Luck to all still looking there.

Monique Kelly (Ajax)

11/24/08, 7:06:03 PM

I’m very happy to report that I started to work at CGI last Monday Nov 17th as a Communication team lead. I must say that what we learned at the career center being about 80% of the job not being posted (hiden) seems to be accurate since it is how I found this permanent position. I must thank the career transition center (Filion) which was really good and most important I was having someone to discuss about my fears of the unknown. Don’t hesitate to contact anyone you can think of sometimes it might not be that person that can help but someone else in reference. Christine this site you created is simply the best big tumbs up to you.

The very best of luck to everyone and like many are saying bellow yes there is a Life after Bell.

Regards

11/17/08, 8:52:59 PM

SuzanneCôté

I officially started applying for jobs end of Sept after a challenging hum... I could even say ’’painful’’ process of putting together a resumé starting from scratch. I finally got it done trying to condense 32 years into 2 pages, WOW indeed quite a challenge!! I must say that I followed the DBM process very thoroughly and the work has paid off...

I am now very pround to let you know that I was offered a casual position for 5 months at the Public Health Agency of Canada in the Workplace Well-being unit to carry out HR related responsibilities. I am positive that once I have entered the Federal Government, many opportunities will soon be available for full time position.

We are all highly qualified & experienced people that have worked for Bell for so many years and must keep faith in our abilities knowing that we can make a difference in other organizations. Stay positive, focus on the type of work you want and the right job opportunity will come.

Best of luck to all,
Suzanne

11/09/08, 6:23:41 PM

I am now in the field that I love - sports product marketing in the non-profit industry. My contract is with Hockey Canada for the U20 World Junior Hockey Championships coming to Ottawa this year. Thank you to all who have given me encouragement and shared your wisdom and experiences over the past couple of months. It has been instrumental and inspiring. When one door closes it is usually means many more can open when you stick to your vision and passion. I wish you all well in your pursuits.

11/04/08, 10:34:40 AM

I left Bell 11 years ago and never looked back. I created a company that truly refects my personal likes and preferences. My main goal was to be ”paid to be Creative”.

So now I get paid to paint, create and coach others to live a life they were meant to live. Now I am semi retired at age 40 and spend my winters in Florida. I would never been able to live this lifestyle if I were working in a corporation.

I coach others to create a life of passion and purpose. If you are not finding what you are looking for in a company, create your own! Stick to your dream and create a solution to make it work. If I can help call me for a 1/2 hour free consultation. 416-557-8084
www.CreativityGuaranteed.com

10/30/08, 9:45:10 AM

After looking for a few weeks and an interview process taking longer than that...I have accepted a Project Management role with CBN. They create the security strips on currencies and other valuable documents. It’s essetially going back to the good-old-days of Stentor; smaller company, where you have a hand in many different tasks.

If anything good has come from working at Bell, it’s the fact that we are valued employees with a strong work ethic...and the outside world wants that.

There is life after Bell...it’s called a new chapter.
Enjoy and Good Luck!

10/28/08, 8:57:13 PM

Indeed there is life after Bell.
I have been successful in landing a contract position with Rogers Wireless. The wireless industry is an area I have always wanted to pursue so I am happy that I stuck to my ‘guns’.
This whole transition went very smooth with the help of the career counselling service that was made available to us. Verity is an outstanding and professional organization that helped me develop the tools to advance my career.
Keep the faith!

10/27/08, 10:19:28 AM

I was off for 3 weeks after 31 years at ”The phone Company” I started a company to ditribute LED lighting. LED’s are energy saving,no heat and last 30-50,000 hours. I figure there are a lot more lights out there than phones and the last thing to go out is the lights. So that being said, I thought I would share that there is life after Bell.....I heard there is another round of ”right sizing” on the horizon at Ma Bell.

10/23/08, 10:02:10 AM

Hi,

I too have quickly found that there is life after Bell. I am working for Ceridian based out of the Ottawa location. I am delivering a 3 month contract to develop a change management and employee adoption strategy to 2 major programs within their Canadian base. There is the opportunity for me to take on a Director leadership role in the new Relationship Management organization once my contract is complete.

Wendy

10/21/08, 9:49:38 AM

hi there,

I also have found another job -- (took less than 30 days being gone from Bell)...

It is Mississauga based - but thank goodness, they had a telework option as I live about an hour and a half east of Toronto.

It is in the data storage market (a little different from what I did at Bell - primarily with data hardware/Cisco)...
but there is DEFINITELY life after Bell...

Good luck to all,

Jayne

10/20/08, 7:41:06 PM

Hi,

I wanted to stay in the project management game but no longer I wanted to create, build and deploy virtual solution... I have found myself a job at Metro... project managing construction of new grocery stores or renovating existing stores all over the province of Quebec...

Be confident, there is a life after Bell and Bell isn’t all...
Sylvain

10/20/08, 6:07:06 PM

I have landed a contract with CIPO. Far cry from Telecom. The team I’m with is on a project to make some application changes to transmit data electronically with their European affiliate, related registration of patents. It’s very interesting and the people have been really great so far.

I wanted to try my hand at contracting, and so far I love it. You have flexibility, can be ”your own boss” a bit; all you have to do is make sure you meet your clients’ needs. We’ve all done that and more at Bell.

Be confident in your abilities!! Good luck to all.
Suma