Laid-Off Microsoft Manager Exits Big Tech After 20 Years
URGENT UPDATE: Joe Friend, a former Microsoft manager, has announced he is officially leaving Big Tech behind after being laid off in May 2025. With over 20 years at Microsoft, his unexpected job loss has completely altered his retirement plans and career trajectory.
Just six months before his layoff, Friend was aware of restructuring rumors but did not believe his role was affected. In a shocking turn, he and 14 other employees, including four managers, were let go. “I wasn’t entirely surprised by the layoffs. I was surprised to get caught up in them,” said the 62-year-old from Washington State.
The layoff came as Microsoft reduced its workforce by 6,000 jobs in May and another 9,000 jobs in July, part of a broader trend known as the “Great Flattening.” This trend has seen companies like Google, Intel, and Amazon streamline their operations, significantly impacting tech workers.
For Friend, the layoff was particularly devastating as it disrupted his plan to remain at Microsoft until age 65, when he anticipated a smooth transition into retirement. “My plan was to figure out what I wanted to do over the next three years. Then all of a sudden I’m at the doorstep, and I have to make that decision now,” he explained.
Friend’s journey with Microsoft began in 1994 as a lead program manager for Microsoft Word. His career took him abroad to Indonesia for six years before he returned to the tech giant in 2003. After a brief departure to explore opportunities elsewhere, he rejoined Microsoft in 2018, drawn by what he perceived as a positive cultural shift within the company.
Despite receiving a “comfortable” severance package, Friend describes the experience as feeling like a betrayal, highlighting a shift in the corporate culture he once trusted. “I no longer think that there’s a deal where if you perform well, you’ll be rewarded and enjoy job stability,” he stated.
Now, Friend is navigating his next steps, feeling “semi-retired.” He is focusing on helping an entrepreneur build a small business rather than rushing into another high-pressure role. “It’s not about making money; it’s about supporting somebody who wants to transform their life,” he said.
As he contemplates his future, Friend is determined to avoid another position in Big Tech, stating, “I think I’d rather earn $50,000 a year doing something I’m excited about.” This sentiment reflects a growing disillusionment among tech workers facing layoffs and hiring slowdowns.
With thousands of Microsoft employees similarly affected, Friend’s story resonates deeply within the tech industry. As the job market continues to shift, many are left reconsidering their career paths and the value of job security in a rapidly changing landscape.
Business Insider continues to gather accounts from tech workers navigating these challenges. If you have a story to share, contact us to discuss your experiences.
Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving job market and the implications for tech professionals worldwide.
