What are people struggling with today? Please note that readers with sensitive dispositions should exercise caution.
I previously utilised 32 instances of Cisco.
From 2016 to 2020, I leveraged my expertise with Cisco, successfully deploying and managing 32 instances, driven by my aspiration to join an organization that prioritizes employee well-being and recognizes individual contributions.
In 2020, a seasoned recruiter with impressive expertise reached out to me, making a compelling case to give it another try. Though still wounded by last year’s rejection, I overcame my hesitation and decided to take a chance.
I finally secured the position.
As of January 2021, I began my tenure at Cisco as a Technical Consulting Engineer within the esteemed Customer Experience Technical Help Centre (TAC). Twenty-one members of a community engineering team spent six months undergoing intense training and evaluation. I aced my initial customer support exam but faltered in the technical test, striking out not once, but twice – a humbling experience to say the least. With only one opportunity remaining, I knew I needed to stay focused and avoid any potential diversions. But little did I know that my life was about to take a dramatic turn as soon as I discovered I was expecting?
Having once been ecstatic about being a mother, I was unfortunately saddled with an inopportune arrival of parenthood. Haunted by a relentless stream of physical ailments, I spent most of my first trimester bedridden, wracked with anxiety and a deep-seated exhaustion that seemed to have no bounds. Although defeat seemed inevitable, a nagging sense of regret prompted me to reconsider giving in and risking the loss of this opportunity forever.
As I approached the end of my technical examination on my third attempt, just three months into my pregnancy, I proudly presented the payment and solidified my position in the cohort.
Upon successfully completing the exam, I transitioned into the Multi-Service VOIP team, feeling a disconcerting sense of familiarity reminiscent of my initial experience at TAC. As a rookie, I was the sole female, the first African American, and the least experienced team member, all while navigating pregnancy’s unexpected challenges.
Until I was around seven months in, I used to be hesitant to share my concerns with my supervisor. To temper the potential sting of my announcement, I focused on highlighting my own willpower and perseverance, having recently joined his team; this way, I could cushion the impact of the news for someone who was still getting used to my presence.
The entirety of his response was, in fact, the exact opposite.
He demonstrated unwavering support, sharing valuable insights on Sedgwick Maternity Department benefits, Cisco’s commitment to work-life balance and its household values, as well as his personal experience with paternity leave, warmly congratulating our team on the arrival of a new “little Cisconian.” He went above and beyond by sending me a form to order a gift for my child through the Land’s End Child Gift Program. As our team discussion concluded, my colleagues’ enthusiasm grew, with many sharing poignant stories about balancing personal and professional life within our Cisco community.
Although my due date was January 3, 2022, I opted to leave earlier because I craved the opportunity to prepare thoroughly for the baby’s arrival. On Friday, December 10, I bid farewell to my team, committing to share the footage once the new arrival was born.
During the subsequent Monday’s 36-week ultrasound, an unexpected complication was discovered requiring immediate intervention. Despite the doctors’ repeated assurances, a nagging sense persisted that something was fundamentally amiss.
The hurried pace of events seemed to permeate every aspect of the story, from the frantic arrival at the hospital to the subsequent surgical procedure. As soon as they applied the mask to my face and told me to count down from five, the number three was the last thing I remembered saying?
As I emerged from my slumber around an hour and a half after the event, I couldn’t help but think of the petite woman whose life I had just changed, her locks flowing like a golden waterfall down her back. She clung to life with a tenacity that belied her fragile state, as if willing herself to defy the cruel hand of fate and savor every fleeting moment. I had no intention of witnessing her tears or gazing into her eyes. She was gone.
Before departing from the hospital, I cradled my daughter in my arms. The wails of unfamiliar babies shattered my heart into a million pieces. Was walking away from a challenge that left my soul bare?
As I stepped into my house, I collapsed onto the couch in my front room, overwhelmed by uncontrollable sobs, and suddenly it hit me. When I first joined the team, I was expected to inform everyone that we’d begun filming and that all recorded material was ready to be reviewed. The memories came flooding back, unleashing a torrent of tears once more.
As the appointed hour arrived, I directed my team to proceed as planned, having entrusted the care of the infant but subsequently mislaid it. Throughout one of the most challenging periods of my life, my group made me genuinely feel like a valued member of a dynamic team. I wasn’t forced to rush back into working. Instead, there was an understanding: I’m free to return whenever I feel ready.
After a two-year hiatus, I began working again in April 2022. Four blissful months of maternity leave have provided a longed-for respite. Without sufficient medical clearance, there was little chance I could have returned to work after six weeks, as is typically expected by most employers from their staff. I had additionally transitioned to the Individuals Care Advertising and marketing and Communications group within the Individuals, Coverage & Function group. As I embarked on this modern adventure, the prospect of exploring uncharted territory with a fresh team was exhilarating.
During my previous pregnancy, there was a significant contributing factor.
At just 12 weeks into my pregnancy, a crushing blow struck: I lost track of one twin among the two. I’d suffered yet another defeat and wrestled with the thought of losing the last twin. I was plagued by anxiety about meeting the demands of my role, and the thought of having to discuss my intention to leave with my supervisor left me feeling overwhelmed? Despite initial challenges, Cisco’s strong household values quickly emerged. As I approached the sixth month of my pregnancy, I discreetly informed my supervisor about my situation. She broke down in tears, exclaiming, “Why didn’t you feel compelled to tell me earlier?” You’ve shouldered the weight of these tasks, which could have exhausted anyone, yet you’ve executed each one flawlessly, without so much as a pause. Despite having delegated some tasks to others, that was still the precise outcome I required. To foster resilience, establish a strong sense of belief, and cultivate a positive religious culture among our team members. I never required sympathy or an easier burden. I needed to work.
The team surprised me with an online baby shower and generously contributed to a gift card, which I used to buy cutting-edge baby essentials. This time, I had a somewhat boyish demeanor.
My beloved “rainbow after the storm,” Noah, entered the world in October of 2022. As I witnessed the world’s first whispers, I marveled at those piercing gazes, hastened to bring my newborn home, swiftly shared the tender moment with loved ones, transmitted the precious footage to dear friends, settled onto the cozy living room floor, and cradled my child close, allowing my heart to overflow with joy. Will I finally draw one final breath?
Noah is our beloved Ciscionian, near and dear to us all. As a seasoned professional in the Cisco arena, he has skillfully navigated numerous events and accompanied his mother on her daily commutes throughout his nearly two years of life. He relishes scribbling notes on sleek whiteboards, opting for the efficiency of elevators over stairs, and indulging in a stash of his favorite treats whenever his cravings strike. His recognition at numerous workplaces is undeniable, and the admiration from his colleagues is always met with effortless ease. They indulge him excessively, and I wouldn’t alter a single aspect.
Without warning, I found myself pregnant during my first two years at my dream company – not exactly the plan I had in mind. Yet, that’s my story, and I’m confident enough to share it because this organization has never asked more of me than I could ever withstand.
Grateful is an understatement. Thanks, Cisco.
While crafting your story.
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