When my oldest daughter was born, my life changed completely. I knew I wanted to be an example to her in every way – supplying all her most important needs – but it still left me wondering: what if what she needed most was her father?
You see, when she arrived, we did not have any family or friends living in our city. I worked a job that kept me from her most of the day. She was asleep when I left for the office, and sometimes even asleep by the time I arrived back home. If she never saw me, how would she know I was there for her?
But it was difficult to change – my position and the hours I worked were typical. It’s just how all jobs were, right? At least, that was true for all the jobs I knew of at that time.
I often say that I did not come to Cisco, but that Cisco came to me – and showed me a different way to work. They became more than just a brand or tech company to me and came to be my lifestyle. Cisco values the most precious thing a person can have – and realizes that each person may have a different answer for what they value most.
When I started to work at Cisco, it not only opened the opportunity up for me to experience a different way of working – one filled with flexibility and a focus on work/life balance – but it also showed me the heart a company can have. Cisco is an empathetic company, and I truly feel they care about what concerns me and my family.
I also began to develop dreams and plans that seemed impossible to achieve prior to joining Cisco.
One of these dreams was to homeschool my children. My wife and I had this dream for so long, but we are just now able to make it a reality thanks to Cisco. And in this way, I can teach my children the value of time, family and work.
On a similar note, I’ve reconnected with hobbies that made my life happier and that I had forgotten about due to lack of time – like photography. I love photographing everything, but what I really enjoy the most is photographing my family.
The photo I entered into the #WeAreCisco #LoveWhereYouWork contest means so much to me as it combines almost everything that I am most passionate about in one, singular image. It was taken (earlier this year) at the Cisco offices in Mexico, featuring my daughter overlooking the city, clutching a computer. My daughter loved visiting the offices, and every time I see this image – I see how far we have come and realize that it really is possible to combine work and family (it’s only a matter of choosing the best place to work.)
Above all, this image inspires me to teach my daughter that she is capable of anything and that, while her journey may be difficult at times, there are also no limits for her.
I hope she always remembers this photo as I do – a reflection of how I never had to choose between family and work. And that as she grows, she should be able to pursue her dreams as well.
Because of this, every day my commitment to Cisco grows. My passion to be there, to do things well, to give my best all grow because I know that I’m not only giving it to a company – but to my children, my family, to my country and to the world.
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Great story Javier. Cisco is definitely a unique and rewarding place to work.
Wonderful reflection of the work life balance Cisco provides and being further accentuated now by the changing times.
Javier – Muchas gracias por compartir tu historia. Grateful you found balance between work and family. As a father of 2 girls, being there for my girls and family is top of my list (teaching, coaching them in sports, being present). In fact, I’ve left (+ been forced to leave to be honest), previous employers because such a balance was not respected nor valued in “that” culture. Kudos to you for being aware of this and making change happen. I encourage you to pass it on to others locally in your community by sharing your story and exposing them to what’s possible outside their immediate circles.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Best of luck to you!
It’s the reality for many people working in companies doesn’t understand that exist another better way.
What an inspirational story!! Times have changed. When my children were young this was not an option. Time has had a manner in which things have rolled back around. In the early 1900’s and earlier, Families were able to be together. Then we became an environment of both parents working and children sent off to daycare and school. I missed my kids growing up and feel cheated on the ability to share their youth. But Companies like Cisco is bringing Family back. I am blessed to be a part of this. Now with COVID-19 and the uncertainty of safety in schools, I have the opportunity to assist my daughter with my grandkids to help them receive the education they need. Thank you for sharing your story.
@Javier, glad to see you made the investment in homeschooling. My wife (and I) have done this with our 4 children, kindergarden through high school. Our family has experienced the blessing of being very involved in their education on a daily basis. Our oldest just completed college, one is still in college and our youngest twins are still going through middle school. It IS a huge commitment – sometimes making the decision to work with one income, other times people need both incomes and the time flexibility needs to be leaned on heavily. Thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks for sharing and I LOVE that picture of your daughter holding a computer. It inspires me to continue supporting Girls/Women in Tech initiatives. What a blessing to work at a company where you don’t have to choose between your job and your children!!
Great story, Javier.
beautiful story thanks for sharing
Great story and photos! Your daughter looks very happy.
Great story from a great person!
This article warmed my heart to tears. Thank you so very much for sharing a piece of you. CISCO The Bridge to Possible!!!
Such a lovely story!! #Lovewhereyouwork definitely! 🙂
What a beautiful article. I share many of your sentiments about Cisco.