I've worked my way up over 24 years from a data center grunt to SR SE, I've survived so many layoffs at many companies and always felt blessed to still have a job to sustain my basic needs. As I progressed in my career and built a financial cushion, I have an odd mental freedom that I never had before. I have enough liquid cash to survive for a year without severance/unemployment. Of course having that will be good, but living in the fear/struggle of losing your job always gave me an existential dread. I have a great network of colleagues and solid skillset. I give to fu--s if I get riffed, I'm glad to have this sense of freedom to be able to unlock my shackles and be free
11 replies (most recent on top)
Which ever way you go....I wish you freedom. Freedom looks different for everyone. For the long timers....get it while the packages are good because they will shrink eventually. I was let go in July and it was very generous after 19 years + maxed PTO + end of year bonus. It was pretty close to the last early retirment package. I'm still not planning to go back to work full time in 2024.
Sitting on the outside on this upcoming LR and hearing from my peeps, the mental toll is real. Exercise what is in your control and let the rest go. Remind yourself, Cisco is not family. Cisco is not worth your health and mental wellness. Embrace the freedom.
Pick me! 25yrs here and ready to leave the mental torture of a boss (Sr. Dir.) that is out in left field. A severance will make me so happy vs 'retiring'.
I was laid off last July. I just wanna say that no matter what you all want, I wish you all the best. If you want to stay for a bit longer, I wish you stay longer. If you want to be laid off for a nice paycheck before retirement, I wish you get it as soon as possible.
I just want to bring some lights to our human beings.
Wish you all a wonderful 2024!
I need another four years, but probably won't make it.
Nope not yet . Hoping to hang on some more 5 years before appearing on the radar and then saying goodby to the world of IT
I am absolutely hoping to be laid off - and I've only been here for 7 months. I'm putting a lot of effort into finding a different job ASAP.
Me for sure. There’ll be unknowns ahead without a regular pay check but in life there are always unknowns. I will deal with them. It can’t be worse than working here. I can access my savings and 401k and use the LR payout to bridge the gaps. So many others feel the same.
hope to end this foolish game soon.
If you have been planning for it financially, and have something else lined up for next career path; it can be one of the best things that happens to you.
Cisco allowed us to raise a family, I knew I would eventually be cut loose. Why? Promotion. All it takes is your current great boss promotes you, then your new boss looks at you as irrationally in that grade. Then six months later, you are gone.
It was for the best; you can't place a price on the mental freedom of being away from perpetual work political toxicity.
I'd rather be let go while the severance is still decent, than in the future when it is bound to be reduced.