Those who quit for other jobs?
25 replies (most recent on top)
Over about 18 months my friends and myself all went to one or two OEMs or VARs that aren’t complete Cisco drones.
no regrets at all. was only there a short time (3 years) but already felt the undertow of a large company. You start to see everything as it relates to you as part of a highly relevant, extremely well-known company, and it becomes increasingly difficult to imagine life outside that bubble. After 10, 15, 20 its even harder. Trust me, while its a good company its not worth making it your entire world if you arent truly satisfied being there.
Closing in on 20 years at Cisco. My wife is really pushing me to quit and find a better job as she sees how miserable my life got here over time. It used to be great, but the way Cisco treats engineers in sales (SEs, SAs) is just terrible. The new comp plan, lack of stock options (that ended in 2007), not getting any RSUs, management that s—s, toxic work environment - all is contributing to me thinking very seriously why am I still here ... Competition is throwing numbers at me that I could only dream about making here at Cisco. The only reason I am around is friends. Plain and simple. Some people I have known since my day 1 at Cisco that are still here - that is what matters. I want to stick with them as long as I can. But if the right opportunity comes - I will be gone. But it has to be a darn good opportunity for me to turn in my green badge. I am still very technical, I can configure any network from scratch - route/switch, security, etc. Multiple CCIE certifications didn't go to waste just yet.
What I saw is that getting LR’d isn’t any real stain when you’re looking. I was there from 2000 and got LR’d in 2015, the same week that they had the going away party for JC at Levi’s Stadium (I went and pretended it was for me). Everybody in the valley knows it’s all about age and wage, and if you have too many raises and promotions you’re high on the spreadsheet. I had a couple of lean years working some contract jobs but my current job at a security company is 1,000% better now in every way. I liked my work at the big C, and I liked my coworkers (even my mgr, who got LR’d at the same time I did), but what struck me more at the time was not the people they chose to lay off, but the people they chose to keep. Things really are better on the outside.
Yeah, I regret it very much. I used to get free meds for my extreme mental issues. Now I just survive on the edges.
Couldn't agree more with that comment. Long tenure at Cisco + over 50 yields negative opinions on the part of recruiters and interviewers that must be overcome. You have to "sell against" your time at Cisco.
I would never defend a recruiter - they are worthless in every sense of the word. But when it comes to the age discrimination, this is set by executive team demanding "Early In Career" Talent.
Couldn't agree more with that comment. Long tenure at Cisco + over 50 yields negative opinions on the part of recruiters and interviewers that must be overcome. You have to "sell against" your time at Cisco.
Nope. I left voluntarily last year after 20+ years of service. I miss my team, great people, they have become my friends and family. But, I am glad I left, life is much better now, people in my new company actually care for what you have to contribute. No front and back stabbing, or at least much less. My advice to those current employees at Cisco who has 15+ years and over 50: push the panic button now, and get out as soon as possible, dont wait until LR. 15+ years experience at Cisco is a negative assets in your resume. I had to go through at least 50 (yes 50) interviews before I landed on my current job. Most of the hiring manager frowned on my long tenure at Cisco and think that I didnt do any real job after that long in the same company. They had doubt that I can do "hands on" job, and worried that I wont know the detail level. That's 20 years at Cisco for you. So get out now!
NOPE
Was a good job for most of my time there (7 of 10 years).
Smart people, taking chances and doing very innovative stuff. As time went on the work became less important and the politics and self promotion, a part of survival. When 'Managing Up' becomes an accepted, expected core part of your day-to-day, the 'virus' has spread. Was time to go.
I had regrets/fears in the beginning, but quickly realized leaving was a great move. I have zero regrets.
@11geHYtu-ckit. Cisco started going downhill long before 2014. I started in 1996 and was there almost 21 years. From my observation, Cisco started going downhill after the first big layoff in 2001. Most people who were around at that time all tend to think the same thing. I finally got hit in 2016.
I worked in groups with good and fun culture where they help each other out in learning technology and building products. I also worked under managers and groups with bad culture and technically inept people. Stick to group with good culture and that works to develop stable, good features and focus on customers.
I do miss the old Cisco I once knew. It definitely was the best 10 or so years of my professional career.
The post 2014 Cisco is a toxic environment. I am very glad I left in early 2017.
I left in June for a cloud job... I wish I left 5 years ago. The outside is great!
Nope, not one bit. Wish I had left a few years sooner.
You've gotta be kidding.
I didn't really have much of a choice but to leave. Had to walk the plank.
Only Carnes.
I am sure there are always some people that regret leaving a company. Cisco is no exception.
The only ones who will regret leaving cisco are those who want 11-3 job and cut slack. Except for handful of good teams in Cisco, it is a sh– place, literal stinking place. I left it, and I am so happy. I should have never joined is what I will say to anyone
If you don't like to stay, find other job , and go. This company will still the same for some more years
Not a stupid question at all.
It's a question all Cisco employees should be asking themselves considering the current state of the "leadership" in this clown show.
Only if you are in the sales organization.
Yes. Many have. Especially after leaving Sales.
They say there are no stupid questions, and yet...