In addition to many other points made by others, don't report to weak management, noting that Directors and VPs are management. It's battling tops at every level and when a higher level person loses the entire organization under them is at risk.
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25 years now so I’ve made it through all of them.
I just work hard (not just in my function but across the group), participate, come to work, and have developed a wide and high network.
Survived 12 got hit on 13 and I’m back.
Build your network. Stay Grade 11 or below. Don't be a manager with no reports. Align your work with revenue if possible - with corporate strategy for sure. Make your leaders look great, and make sure your leaders know you're the one behind them looking great.
mind your own business. don't be nosey. work hard. deliver.
I’ve been nearly 25 now.
Nothing to do previous years with last 8 or so.
Used to change roles every 4 years aprox.
Big network and lots of luck in the last “algorithm” LR’s
If you are asking in the emotional side: always hurts see your friends go. Regarding oneself, some stress first times and then you really interiorize you cannot change what you cannot control. Sad but true, it becomes normal.
But always a little stress previous days, we are all human.
Be good or be good at it
Its a very big company with lots of different groups and functions. Like others have said make sure you skill set is current and that you are adding value where every you can. Also, consider moving around every few years while expanding your network of people that "know what you can do". It might not be a perfect recipe but it will always serve you well.
Stay technically updated and get a ccie
Honestly, luck plays a huge role.
People are often saved if they've developed a strong enough network. Fast tracked to interviews for internal roles etc if they get LR'ed. Someone can have a multi-decade career here but still be LR'ed several times.
I’ve met 25yr+ folks probably even people touch 30yrs - I guess if you’re good and in the right place you can survive the cuts. But it’s not been this bad in the past. Usually big cuts were performance or truly underperforming businesses (which may have been successful before Cisco acquisition) and if you managed to switch out in time you were safe. It’s only now that the “core” businesses are getting sc--wed