I spent 12 years there - from 1999-2011 when I accepted the early out - a fantastic package. Overall, Cisco took good care of me but it probably took 10 years off of my life.
It's the most hectic, high-stress, place to work - bar none. The good ole days of doing more with less are gone.
Now, it's all about doing a ridiculously amount more with a ridiculously amount less. Everyone I know who still works there hates it and wants to find a way out.
I worked for Cisco from 1998 to 2009. I am a female now in my 60's. I will agree, very stressful job. Cisco was one of the best companies I worked for. I was a full time employee, I took a package in 2009, was not forced out and feel I would probably still be employed if I had wanted to stay. It's hard to say since I know a lot has changed in the last 7 years with the economy. By the way, I had lots of experience with my job, but did not have a college degree, but was always treated as a highly respected professional. I had 20 years experience from a previous large company. If I had stayed with Cisco, rather than taking a package in 2009, who knows. Still I respect the company for taking a chance with me and I did not let them down.
I worked at Cisco from 1999 to the end of 2014. I agree that it was an extremely stressful working environment. I survived numerous restructures and layoffs as a manager. The impacts of a globalized workforce collaborating and communicating across multiple time zones has pros and cons. I believe it takes a toll on the physical health of many. However, diversity is a wonderful thing as it brings many perspectives and experiences to any given project. I wanted to keep working for a few more years, but after my team was abolished, I had no more energy left to give. I was grateful to get a package myself at the age of 64. It's a tough environment at Cisco, but it truly was a great company. I've been away for over a year and not sure I would still say that about the company. I wish everyone the best!
Quiet just means one step closer to the grave or to scared of taking a chance.
Being one who more than a half century old too, I see too many of you quiet people in the work place taking up space and robbing the rest of us of oxygen.
Looking at Cisco and it's former CEO, Chambers kicked some serious but in his 50's.
So stop throw in the age card or step aside and let the rest of us lively ones by.
I am one of those guys. I just turned 50 and was with the company since 2007. I am quiet worker but productive, I don't like brown-nosing and I don't take credit from others achievements. There's just too much politics, i can't stand it.
How is health now?