Is there anyone else but me who thinks this company is not stable enough to end a career with? I was told when I first began to give it between 3-5 years and should move on. Looking at the direction we’re headed I am not sure I will be here that long. I’ve been learning new skills and networking my butt off in case I become part of the next layoffs - just not sure if I should wait that long.
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You: 2-5 years for raises
Me, a 20 year veteran: You guys are getting raises?
Best way to get salary increases is to change companies. If you don’t know people can be at Cisco and go 2-5 years or more without a raise.
You buy a new car every four years? That’s doubly dumb. You buy $150k cars? That’s also dumb.
I don't make $25K/month and neither does my wife, so NO, I don't buy a new car every 4 years OR buy $150K cars. But IF I made that kind of money, I could do so. The point I was trying to make, however, was that I could work an extra quarter once every 4 years and buy a replacement car without having to finance it.
And, with all the new computerized c-ap they put in cars now, they cost more yet don't last as long which means they need to be replaced more often because it's too expensive to fix/replace the expensive electronics when they stop working.
Progressive income tax, dude.
You buy a new car every four years? That’s doubly dumb. You buy $150k cars? That’s also dumb.
I wish I took advice of a husband/wife contractor I worked with when I first started. They were highly skilled programmers. They worked 3 months a year. The other 9 months learning new skills but traveling the world. They made $25k each per month. Happiest people I ever met.
By my math, that's $150K per year for them. If I could make $150K in three months, I wouldn't work the other 9 months either. I might work an extra 3 months when I needed to buy a new car every fourth year or so. But my skillset is not so in demand that I can command that sort of salary.
Never give your life to a company that will reject you at a moments notice. Think about it. You have 16 waking hours in a day. In most cases, you are spending 10 of those with a slave driver. Yes, since being let go from my company over a year ago my vision of employers is drastically different. They will take everything they can from you with the threat of being out of work. Think of everything you give up with your family and exploring the world. Reassess what is important and don't be a slave to your employer anymore.
I wish I took advice of a husband/wife contractor I worked with when I first started. They were highly skilled programmers. They worked 3 months a year. The other 9 months learning new skills but traveling the world. They made $25k each per month. Happiest people I ever met. They never had shortage of work options. They always had offers well before they were done traveling. They would choose the one that met their lifestyle and requirements. Best part was they never had to worry about the company. They were there to do a job and be done.
At least you were hired.... spent 18 months as a Red badge being promised conversion by the manager and my recruiter. Never got hired and my manager was out on linkedin looking for somebody else to do her medial work for her for another 18 months even before I was gone touting about all of the opportunities at Cisco. Get out while you can if have a chance to. Loyalty is not a valued virtue at Cisco.
It all depends on how you fit in the "diversity is our strength" dogma.
Absolutely, you are not alone. Focus on building a bridge to another company and stay 3 years tops. Worked for me. Be selective with your next role and ensure you get a sizeable salary increase (60-100%) plus sizeable RSUs (low-mid six figures+). Start working on your resume now and give yourself 6-12 months of time to find your next gig. Aim for the upper end of the salary range for your next gig. Never speak poorly of Cisco at your next role.
Long gone are the days when a company was loyal to its long term employees. This has certainly proven to be true at Cisco.
One to two years at most. Good luck!
5 years is a long time in tech , especially at Cisco