Thread regarding Cisco Systems Inc. layoffs

Getting promoted to Grade 12: Are danger sign ahead?

Not much difference in pay from grade 11 to 12 (in USA), but many who get promoted, find themselves expecting to produce much more that leads to lower IPF, few have been LRed. Should one accept Grade 12 or just hang my hat with Grade 11, and be glad having a job with LRs looming ahead. Similar experience with 10 to 11. What has been others experience with nature of work, their pay grade, and conflicts with managers, directors?

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| 3871 views | | 12 replies (last January 18, 2025) | Reply
Post ID: @OP+1jhfzyx2v

12 replies (most recent on top)

Yes, 12 grades have no jobs to move to and it is a typical advancement you took a life to get but has very little surviving rate attached.

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Post ID: @11e+1jhfzyx2v

If your face is white & your hair is gray grade 11 is where you'll wanna stay...

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Post ID: @10f+1jhfzyx2v

As a rule Cisco doesn’t like people moving more than one grade up or down. I think it’s policy that you can only go up one grade.

Be warned though, at least one G12 colleague of mine was put at risk, found a G11 job and were then cut in the next round. I guess if your face no longer fits, grade doesn’t matter.

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Post ID: @zs+1jhfzyx2v

If you are an Individual Contributor then it’s (relatively) safer to be a well paid G11 rather than G12. In Europe there is a big overlap in the pay scales. Sure, you miss out on some of the benefits if you are on the P&LI scheme. I also got way more RSUs as a G12.

The problem with G12 is that it’s a management grade so comes under greater scrutiny. LRing a G12 IC is an easy decision to make. They are, generally, more expensive and, being IC, there’s little fall-out from letting them go.

It’s easier to ‘hide’ as a good G11.

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Post ID: @zr+1jhfzyx2v

Don't let fear prevent you from financially benefiting from a promo to grade 12. Take advantage of the pay increase and higher bonus %. LRs will continue to happen and impact all grade levels. Focus on doing good work, being a collaborative team member, and getting paid. Worst case scenario, you get LRd, get a bigger severance, and have a higher salary to negotiate against with other companies.

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Post ID: @s1+1jhfzyx2v

@cq+1jhfzyx2v

High earners are marked for exit, no matter how skilled and talented. Some could apply for internal reqs, even interview but they will not be hired as the system marks them for exit. This was told by one of the manager friend who didn’t want to be identity.

When your time comes, take the severance ride and glide into future. Enjoy and not work too hard to change the destiny.

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Post ID: @k2+1jhfzyx2v

Decline the promo to GR12. The bean counters will sort through the excel spreadsheet and your name will be close to the top. Easier target to be let go. Lay low at GR11 and cruise along into sunset.

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Post ID: @gp+1jhfzyx2v

In a layoff quite a few years back some people claimed they couldn't apply to other jobs internally to avoid their layoff because their grade was too high, but I hadn't heard anything about it before or since.

Does anyone know if this limitation is still being applied and if so what grade is the threshold for not being able to apply internally after being notified of your layoff?

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Post ID: @cq+1jhfzyx2v

Got G12 two years ago after 12 years as G11, and 25 with the company. Got pinched last go round in Oct, no complaints made my look back for severance a little sweeter along with good achievement on sales plans during/after COVID. If you’re old, grey and expensive…..you are a target at any higher grade. (10+)

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Post ID: @bz+1jhfzyx2v

At G12 you'll have more obligation to be "visible" but otherwise it's a G11 with slightly more bonus. I didn't notice much of a change in expectations. You're just more expensive to the company.

Going through G12 to PE is when expectations become excessive. To the point where you're restricting the kind of work you're able to do because of the cost to have you on the team. Not to mention the amount of $$$ you take from the team pity budget.

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Post ID: @bn+1jhfzyx2v

Learn to build strategic relationships & play politics or be eliminated.

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Post ID: @az+1jhfzyx2v

Cisco considers Grade 12 your senior year and you will get a LR cap and gown an be let go to have the rest of your life somewhere else so they can give split your salary on two cheaper employees from bangalore or mehico.

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Post ID: @aq+1jhfzyx2v

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