Archive · 27 Oct 2025
Microsoft Layoffs Prompt Former Employee's Career Shift
Joe Friend worked at Microsoft for over 20 years, but he was recently laid off.
He was surprised because he had planned to stay until retirement.
The layoff changed his plans.
Instead of finding another job at a big tech company, he's now 'semi-retired,' meaning he's not working full-time but is staying busy.
He is now mentoring a young entrepreneur.
He says he is happy to move away from Big Tech because his priorities shifted to purpose and connection.
Joe Friend, a long-time Microsoft employee, was laid off in May 2025.
He had worked at Microsoft for more than 20 years.
Friend was a product management director.
He is now described as 'semi-retired', focusing on mentoring.
He is no longer interested in working at Big Tech.
- Who
- Joe Friend, a former Microsoft employee.
- What
- He was laid off from Microsoft after more than 20 years and has transitioned into a 'semi-retired' life.
- When
- Laid off in May 2025.
- Where
- At Microsoft.
- Why
- Due to layoffs and restructuring at Microsoft.
- Employee Name
- Joe Friend
- Former Role
- Product Management Director
- Years at Microsoft
- Over 20 years
- Layoff Year
- 2025
- Current Status
- Semi-retired, mentoring