After spending two decades at Microsoft, 62-year-old Joe Friend never imagined his career would end with a sudden layoff. But in May 2025, the veteran manager was abruptly let go — a decision that shocked him and forced him to rethink his retirement plans.
“It feels like a betrayal,” Joe told Business Insider. “I wasn’t surprised by the layoffs, but I was surprised to get caught up in them.”
Joe, who worked as Director of Product Management, had nine people reporting to him and a strong performance record.
Even when he heard rumors of layoffs, he felt confident about his job. But when the cuts came, 15 people from his department, including four managers, were let go.
Retirement Plans Shattered
Joe had planned to work until 65 so that his unvested stock would continue to vest after retirement.
“I planned to figure out what I wanted to do over the next three years,” he said. “Then all of a sudden, I’m at the doorstep, and I have to make that decision now.”
Joe’s journey with Microsoft began in 1994 as a Lead Program Manager on the Microsoft Word team. After a few years, he left to work for an NGO in Indonesia before returning in 2003.
He stayed another 14 years but left in 2017 due to burnout. Later, in 2018, he rejoined Microsoft, drawn by what he saw as a “new cultural shift.” Seven years later, that chapter ended abruptly.
“The Unspoken Deal Is Broken”
Microsoft offered him pay through July and a generous severance package, nearly equal to a year’s salary. While financially stable, Joe says the emotional impact remains.
“It feels like the unspoken deal is broken,” he said. “If you perform well, you used to be rewarded and secure. I don’t think that’s true anymore.”
Moving On from Big Tech
Joe now plans to move away from the corporate tech world.
“I think I’d rather earn $50,000 a year doing something I love,” he said. “It doesn’t mean I won’t work again — but it definitely won’t be in Big Tech.”
For Joe, the layoff was not just a professional loss — it was the end of an era of loyalty and trust in a company he once considered home.
