Nothing special, but decent ten years of moderate progression and reasonable pay. I’ve seen the change in the company from different viewpoints, and I can confirm that Cisco today is a far cry from Cisco when I started. I fully expect to be laid off in the coming round, because I’m already too old (nearing 50, practically one foot in the grave by today's corporate standards), as well as too expensive (experience, competence and skills have become a burden). I’m writing all this just to warn the younger people and those who haven’t been here for too long already - don’t count on having careers anymore, and don’t bet on decent jobs. Stay marketable, try to change companies often if that’s financially feasible, and try to save and invest as soon as possible if you can. Jobs are nothing like 10 or 20 years ago, and will be entirely different in 5-10 years. And not for the benefit of workers, that I’m sure of.
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It is SO passed the point of tech industry needing to unionize, but doing it correctly -- one person one vote with the ability to recall elected leaders of the union. So tired of incompetent a--hole executives who learned some d-mb sh-t in business school 30 years ago and still applying the same methods and making us all pay for it with our livelihoods and families at stake.
I'm thinking I have a 50\50 chance of getting whacked. No emails or invites yet but age, tenure, and not having the protected class card 50\50 may be too optimistic.
Same here - I am 60+ white male and expect to get the boot. After the last 6 or so years I am tired of the ongoing layoff and reorg games every 6 months. I would just take a long break and see what opens up. Maybe something with more impact than useless bulst slides together for a people who don't give a sh .
Think like a Cobol Programmer. Maybe not the hottest thing around, but still good opportunities. Same for traditional networking. Millenials or Gen Z are not going to learn LISP or VXLAN or pull neat cables in your on-prem data center. So even if you are 50+ you will be safe if your skills are ok. Same if you are in sales, many customer decision makers are 50+.
@yom+1umhhAlz - I think it boils down to being able to leave the rat race (retire) at 50+ if you find you’re “released from service.” There is no guarantee you will find another role in your career field nor at your current pay grade. Plan for this eventuality very early in your career. You may not have a choice to work until you’re 70. You may find yourself unemployed at 50+ with few options.
Same here with some more years at this company and praying to be in the list.
What price are you willing to pay to stay here and have this uncertainty every 6months?
Life is more than just this company full of vanity and hypocrisy.
Sad to see what it has turned into.
Grateful for many years but not the last 4 ones here.
We’ve been saying the same thing since before you started here. I’m amazed we’re still in business.
Could not agree more! And it's not just Cisco - all sectors are really d-mbing down the employment base, cutting corners, paying much less. If you're new in your career - save and save some more. Don't get yourself into crippling credit card debt keeping up with the Joneses. It's not worth it. And when you change jobs either on your own accord or godforbid layoff, you'll thank yourself that you won't have to make desperate moves if you have an emergency fund.
Good luck, OP!
So, where do people 50+ and over go to work if corporate jobs are not for them anymore? If you walk into any start-up, it feels like you are going to pick up your kid from school.