Pit Bull,
I was in the SAME situation as you with Bell Atlantic. I had 27 years of service in 96 and was offered an early retirement package. I really didn't want to leave that early but, like you, I was getting gun shy watching all of the down sizing in all departments.
I've been working as a contractor for Verizon for the past 5 years and we've been threatened with termination year after year. It's like I never left the telephone company. Same volitale policies,,, same threats.
It seems no matter where you live or what company you work for, we all eventiually are faced with the posibility of lay offs. Lets all hang in there as best as we can and see if by networking among each other, we can possibility help each other find new employment.