Thread regarding Cisco Systems Inc. layoffs

Thanks for this post OP. I was let go about 1.5 months ago and I am yet to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Your post gives me hope. How long did it take for you to land another job?

There is life after LR. Do not despair folks. Be positive. When it happens, give yourself time to recover and think. Worst things are going to happen to us all in this world. No one gets out alive. Try to enjoy it. You are a smart person just to be hired by Cisco. The rest of your life awaits.

Gotta need suggestions.... I Just survived 2 LRs first in August and second now (probably saved). My team in DCG BU was badly impacted in august and this time as well. I am not feeling lucky being saved rather more tensed now, i got one offer from one Cloud/SDN domain (medium scale) company with good hike .

Should i give second thought staying back in Cisco or quit immediately and join other.

Echoing what dul said: Once you are over 45, GAME OVER. Try finding a job after you are LRed from a company like Cisco. In fact if you were at Cisco for anywhere over 5+ years, GAME DOUBLE OVER.

Here is a warning for all people over 35: Keep your eyes open and watch how your older colleagues are treated. In fact, do you see a lot of grey beards around you? If not, that's a warning sign.

Cisco loves H1Bs are outsourcing, because they are CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP. I stopped counting, but entire engineering trees (from director to the working bee at the bottom) even in San Jose are filled with people from ONE COUNTRY - the same country where they ALSO have a huge outsourcing center (I heard they have a sprawling campus out there, and by now, have crossed 10000 people easy).

Cisco is not a place for older Americans to consider a career. The sooner this company is driven to extinction by its competitors, the better it will be for all of us. The competitors are also doing a fine job. Despite sinking close to $100B in stock buyback over the last decade, Cisco's stock is BARELY ABOVE 30. LOL.

OP, congratulations that you got out and have a job. All others: Don't expect the OP's experience to replicate for you. It's anything but. If you are in Cisco and are approaching 50, your days are numbered. The title doesn't matter (you might be a director - it's immaterial). Polish that resume, find something (ANYTHING) like crazy, and abandon ship before it throws you off in the ocean full of sharks.

While I agree that getting out of Cisco is good.......it's not if you are over 40-50. Ageism is rampant in tech companies right now. Finding a job (let along a good one) is very very challenging. I suffered repeated, blatant ageism, even though my tech skills are up to date and I'm an excellent interviewee. You can find a new job, but don't expect it to be quick or easy.

thanks op, good post

Good post OP. My own experience aligns almost exactly with what you described. You will go through the different emotions but rest assured life outside of Cisco can be good if there are suitable jobs in your area. Once you are removed from the toxic environment that is Cisco these days you will find yourself enjoying life again. Best thing that ever happened to me also but I do appreciate everybody's experience will be different and that might be dependent on location and external opportunities in your location.