When did the best engineers become a walking cost here rather than a valuable commodity that adds value? Do you think that the situation at Cisco will ever change for the better while engineers are seen as a cost factor? I think it’s impossible to expect any prosperity while top dogs think that way.
7 replies (most recent on top)
You have been absorbed into an operational expense entry. Just remember, build up your side gig in the meantime. You have plenty of skills to offer on the open market- don't doubt that.
You’re all just stats and values on a spreadsheet/database. I’ve been there too. No company is perfect but Cisco doesn’t care.
Cisco doesn't make anything anymore so they don't need engineering. They buy companies and do short term product support. Cisco has been more of a finance company for a decade or more.
Engineering is only a liability in America and the majority of jobs have been delivered to India. If you are an engineer in America, it’s guaranteed your job is in jeopardy.
Over many years, some of Scott Adams DILBERT cartoons have reflected our industry, well, cisco.. Look at todays Dilbert...
When did the best engineers become a walking cost here rather than a valuable commodity that adds value?
2008 or 2009
Do you think that the situation at Cisco will ever change for the better while engineers are seen as a cost factor?
No.
I think it’s impossible to expect any prosperity while top dogs think that way.
Most of us here would agree with that.
As the prior reply said, it's all about the short term "how much can we lower costs?". We'll just re-hire people in a couple of years when we need to refresh/replace/upgrade whatever those SME's were supporting that we cut to save costs. The new guys "can just figure it out" and then we'll let them go when they're done and we have to repeat the cycle again.
VPs and Directors at Cisco are evaluated by how much they can lower costs. Quality is not an important factor. Also poor quality engineers do not challenge leadership.