Note from a laid off Cisco Manager to all, valid life lessons:
"Just a quick 7 min Webex and a very long career is over. Even after serving my entire career, running a very large team, building software, minting $100 Million in YOY revenue. Stuck with legacy technology knowledge no one wants in other companies with age that's discriminated in tech companies.
I am feeling like the biggest fool now and learned loyalty never pays.
Hard Lessons-
Self serve first. Corporate companies are not your friend. They are there to make money even if US citizens suffer. Cheap Indian 'engineer' will one day take your job anyway. Keep yourself relevant by learning market-relevant technologies. In today's time, stick to open-source technologies. Do not work on proprietary technologies. In case you are stuck, have an exit plan.
Do not be lured by false future promises. Stick to what can be compensated in the present. No one knows the future, not even your boss or his boss. You will be taken advantage of if you allow that to happen. Fight for your rights diplomatically if your personal situation allows else have an exit plan ready. Do not stay for more than 2 years in a place unless you see strong future growth
Maintain a work-life balance. I regret this as time lost will never come back. Try getting a side income, you never know when your side hustle will turn out to be a life saver. Save as much as you can and invest wisely."