As someone let go back in November, it saddens me to see yet another round of layoffs. The way the world works today, for those at any stage of a career, it's probable this won't be the last time you get LR'ed. I'd say 'get used to it' but of course, you never do. My LR at at Cisco came after surviving very many previous, it's a numbers game.
Take heart, don't take it personally, it's rarely aimed at you as an individual.
The good news is there is life outside Cisco. The economy is buoyant. Cisco on your CV still carries weight. There's never a good time to be let go involuntarily, but this is not a bad time at all.
You will feel a range of emotions, one of which will be relief as realization that the constant threat of this happening has generated significant stress over time that will now evaporate.
I realize we all have different yet similar circumstances, but I for one could not be happier with what I'm doing now, I'm less stressed, my contributions mean more to me and my employer, and I'm financially better off too. There is no reason why this cannot be you too.
Good luck all, chin up.
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It's one thing to be in career at Cisco. But who the heck wants to join this company from the outside, with the exception of early-in-career chasing salaries? The best and brightest want to work here? Really?
Cisco is a dead man walking. Just feel good you are moving on.
Yes there is a better life after Cisco. I certainly do not miss the constant looking over my shoulder. In my final 2 years I had 3 job role changes because sales management were constantly screwing each other over myself and other grade 9s were the collateral damage. It’s better after. Enjoy the next chapter of your life.
Indeed life after Cisco. Miss the people but not the LR harvesting. Take a deep breath and if it happens, you will make it though. Worse things will happen to us all eventually.
Spoiler alert: don’t hang your hat on LHH’s circa-1975 methodology to land a job.
Kudos to LHH as well. I was impacted in November and found their service VERY helpful. No illusions though...depending on the locale you are in it may take 6-7 months to find the right position. Take that as your likely path if you are planning finances. Hope you can do it more quickly.
LHH really helped me sharping my skills, linked in profile and job search process. Sign up when you are ready to begin in earnest. Apply for unemployment, if applicable, right away. You will have to wait a few months to begin collecting, based on your severance and PTO payments–they have better services than you may think also. Good luck to all those impacted!
Totally agree..there is life outside of Cisco. Having gone through this phase last November, two things helped. 1. Self belief and 2. Staying positive. BTW their LHH service is very good. Take advantage of it. It prepares you to face the job market. Good luck you all..!!
I left Cisco several years back after nearly 20 years of service. Salary had stagnated and leadership kept insisting there wasn't any in the pool ( for at least 6 years, this was the mantra ). So, after receiving a call, I decided to pursue a new opportunity. I'm now at my second company since leaving and life really has not been better. While I miss the people, this is a career move I should have made 10 years earlier. If you need things to happen in your career, best to make them happen for yourself.
@10j1cIKR-hry
Easier said than done for people on a Visa. Very stressful when you're on a timeline though.
Thank you! It is really encourage
I could not agree more with the OP here, as someone who has been impacted by a CSCO LR. In particular, for those of you who haven't worked elsewhere – life can be much much better elsewhere. You can learn more, do more, make more money, have less stress, and essentially have an improved life. There are many things that are great about Cisco, but it is NOT a typical work environment in many ways because of the size of the organization, the layers of politically infested management, and the callousness that can come into play.
Hard to imagine if you are impacted, but take it from me and others – you will look back in the not so distant future, and.....ironically....you will be glad. Consider it character building.
Go home, do your favorite things with your favorite people for a few days and clear your head.
Thank you for the encouraging words.