Thread regarding Cisco Systems Inc. layoffs

Best wishes to you all who are in the same position I was 2 years ago, being let go after 20+ years of service. Such a slap on the face... I cried, I got sick, I got depressed... But I am now in a much better place. I got recovered in term of health, family relationship as I trade the annual bonus for time. Found another job, same pay but without bonus. In return, only work 8 hours a day, no night, no weekend, the package helped me pay off all debts, stress is gone.

Please try extra hard to get another (transitioning) job at any cost right away, then you will have time to find a more permanent job that fits your need...

Best of luck!

“A bird sitting on a tree is never afraid of the branch breaking, because her trust is not on the branch but on it’s own wings. Always believe in yourself”

Being hit leads to dark days for everyone. Having survived multiple rounds in the past, I know this: there is no rhyme or reason to who goes. It is not your fault. The order comes from on-high with a headcount, that trickles down. Mid level managers are left to figure out who they can best manage without; it's that easy. Often the direct manager has zero say in this decision.

I have been laid off twice before in my career, each time it led to something better the next time around, even though on one of those it took a while to realise that. When I look back now and think what I would have missed had I not been laid off on those occasions, I am actually glad I was.

It is inevitable you'll ask 'why me?'. While there may be sound reasons contributing to the decision, likely circumstantial and outside your control anyway - just remember, you're headcount. It's not personal. Assuming you actually did your job, and acted ethically, you have nothing to apologise for, hold your head up high and acknowledge there is good in Cisco, and you learnt a lot while there.

Finally, good luck!

I was LR'd last year, it was LITERALLY a life saver. I was in such bad health prior. When I was sitting on the couch crying about being LR'd, my husband said "look what they did to you" and he was right. Now I am so happy and healthy. I am so thankful for Cisco and what I learned, the leaving part was hard and so meant to be. I look back now and know it was a gift.

Take the time to acknowledge your difficult feelings and meet them with self compassion. Take a moment for reflection. Never forget, the job market is popping and sadly you'll find how much you were under paid.

Look forward and let the sun shine on your face on the new direction your headed. As Elizabeth Taylor said "Living well is the best revenge"

Wishing you all wellness, happiness and the "best revenge" :0)

Just remember, God has a better plan for you than you have for yourself!

It is really, really tough. Give yourself some time to get yourself togeyher, then start the job search.

Thank you for this.

Working with Cisco is like suffering from recurrsive health issues. Bad managers and incompetent leadership. Better leave the organization as early as possible.

I was LRed 2 years ago and it was the best thing that happened to me! I'm now in a company that values me much more than Cisco.

With the Cisco name attached to your resume and hot economy, the recruiters will be hovering around like vultures!

Thank you, friend. Be well.