Thread regarding Cisco Systems Inc. layoffs

FYI I worked with many PhDs at Cisco over the years, and none stayed for more than a year. In general they were smart enough to figure out they were not using their existing skills and not developing new skills which arguably as important as any other part of the compensation package.

@P5wCKXh-2siv SP innovations are jokes. Hackathon is because there are too many software defects. Bug Blitz is due to the new director has no clue where the problem is so he has to hold a blind competition to see which engineer finds most of the bugs. It is street smart and not a good way to use company resources. All the other software products are failing. Where is the increased revenue? The SVP and his villagers are hiding under the revenue stream of ASR9K which was built by someone else. These people can promise and lie. Only time can tell. If I were you, I would run away from SP as soon as I can.

I got LR last year after 10 years full time at cisco. If you are desperate take it but if you have options go for the other. If you do take it keep looking and move again. Cisco is not for long term. My friends that are still there worry on a yearly basis and most are not happy.

Consider a move to Cisco a short term "job" on the path to your long-term "career". IF you take the plunge, understand it will be short and intense. Negotiate hard on the way in, don't expect a raise and get all you can with a 2 year horizon. Get in and get out.

I did something similar. I recommend you exhaust all your other options first. before joining.

Do not relocate for a job at Cisco, the company is extremely unstable...

When considering total comp, keep in mind that at Cisco, raises are usually tied to promotions, and that your first promotion (to Principal) may be YEARS in the future if it occurs at all. Also, as a G12, you'd pretty much be walking in with a target on your back. Recent history demonstrates that G11/G12 technologists are prime layoff bait.

I'd say Run, Forrest, Run! - unless you can negotiate a HUGE entry package, and have a very high tolerance for chaos.

Just go and check out numbers on Glassdoor. It's fairly accurate - the site is within 5% error margin for all levels that I manage (in my geography)...

Whining on this site should be indicative to you - it's a warning sign, there is a good reason why we have so many posts here.

My hunch is that you'll be offered between about 275K total... Would need more details to be more precise...

HR reads this board. Frequently...

If you're going in as a grade 12, you should assume that you'll never get another promotion to Principal unless you become really good friends with your VP and SVP. It's not a meritocracy here, purely relationships.

A g12 bonus is 25% of your salary. There's too many companies that are growing. Even if they give you $200k worth of stock, our price isn't growing, so don't expect it to be worth 1.5x more in 4 years. You'd be lucky if it's worth $200k once you've fully vested. Also, while many companies in tech, give out stock each year to keep you around, Cisco gives out really small amounts, regardless of your grade. Unless of course you and your boss are best friends. As the mgr decides how much stock you get each year (unless (s)he's not friendly with their boss, then they get almost nothing).

SP is a great team to join. Here are some innovations in SP according to the senior mgmt: Hackathon, Bug Blitz, Cisco Automation Factory, Panini, Fretta, Scapa, Rosco, Sunstone, etc. The list goes on and the innovative result is well received by Cisco customers.

if in SP group run away! there are no innovate, just use avago for everthing and mgmt do not care about your ideas for product.

An honest advice from a Sr.tech lead, don't join if you have another option! If you're desperate to change your current job or this's the only opportunity you have take it but expect to get laid off after a year or two. Again as many commenters mentioned, it's not worth it!

You should be given something around 200-220k in cash compensation, and probably 50-100k in stocks. Stocks number are very, very, very dependent on a particular group you're in. Cash may be higher if they really like you.

Wow - textbook narcissist!

This is a messed up company - people hang around mostly because they appreciate the good people. Once enough 'good people' have been LR'd they'll finally move on.

Seriously - if you are employed by Cisco - GET OUT as soon as you can - there is nothing but pain here.

I'll be leaving soon and am looking forward to it - I will miss the good people.

Mate, by all means come to this site for advice on compensation BUT don't expect anyone to say anything positive. Most people who reply will be miners. People sad with the life at Cisco but either too apathetic or too unskilled to move on.

Personally I think Cisco is pretty good. It's got great benefits and good folks. I come to this site because I find the moaning quite funny.

You should hit ~250 tc. I don't understand the comment about not getting a raise. If the company is not giving a raise, just move out.

Run a mile dude. With s G12 on your back you won't be there long.

OP, if you are not from the same country as the hiring manager or VP, likely you will not receive the offer. Good for you! In Cisco, there is only one country that the SVP, VP, and managers are from in the network group. If you are an European or eastern Asian decendant, don't expect you will receive a fair treatment. This is why someone tells you that you will not see a raise for many years to come. Even worse, you are likely the first one to let go in the layoffs that have happened every quarter in the past few years.

Unless you are really desperate and don't have better options, it is probably best to keep looking. If you do negotiate with Cisco, consider that you will probably ly not get a raise for many years after joining. You should also keep some significant personal assets liquid to manage the annual layoff risk.

Cisco has become a really miserable place to work.

sr tech lead is grade 12... I would say between $200-$220 : total comp

OP here again.

I'm still yet to get an offer with all the numbers, but have been asked by HR for expectations.

And I'm not from the same country as the hiring manager or the VP 🙄

Can you please help with some numbers that are typical? Also what grade is technical leader?

The compensation depends on how much you are close to your VP and if you are from the same village as his. Your best luck is not to join. It is a sinking ship unless you need a place to practice and test your PowerPoint skills.

Is it a joke ? After reading all below you still look for a job in cisco ?