Now I feel like I'm working for a company that's past its prime. Feels like we are constantly changing our message and our direction -- like we are lost, a boat adrift at sea. Layoffs are becoming the annual sacrificial offering to the shareholders to soften the blow for results that miss that mark.
To the person with health issues, PLEASE put those first. There's never a good time at Cisco to do anything - PTO, sickness, etc., but you can't delay taking care of health issues. I've seen so many people give up everything for the company (family time, nights, weekends, etc.) and be on call for Cisco 24/7 only to be let go without a rhyme or reason and without much notice or a trace of remorse.
Very capable, talented people with great track records have been ushered out, so if this happens to you, don't take it personally or see it as a reflection on the value of your work.
I updated my resume and am actively looking for a new job elsewhere and I'm sure I'll land somewhere and wonder why I didn't do it sooner.