Archive · 27 Oct 2025
Microsoft Director's Layoff After 20 Years Leaves Him 'Betrayed'
Joe Friend, a director at Microsoft for over two decades, was laid off.
The layoff occurred in May, impacting his retirement plans and leaving him feeling betrayed.
He had planned to work longer to maximize stock benefits.
Friend joined Microsoft in 1994, left for an NGO, and returned.
He is now semi-retired and mentoring a young entrepreneur.
He received a severance package and is now prioritizing supporting others.
Joe Friend, a Microsoft director, was laid off in May after 20 years.
Friend was 62 and had planned to work longer.
He felt betrayed by the layoff, which impacted his financial plans.
Friend was one of several employees laid off as part of Microsoft's restructuring.
He is now semi-retired and mentoring a young entrepreneur.
- Who
- Joe Friend, former Microsoft Director
- What
- Was laid off from Microsoft after a 20-year career.
- When
- Laid off in May.
- Where
- Not explicitly stated.
- Why
- Part of Microsoft's restructuring efforts.
- Name
- Joe Friend
- Age
- 62
- Former Role
- Director of Product Management
- Previous Employer
- Microsoft
- Years at Microsoft
- 20+
- Layoff Date
- May
- Severance
- Pay continued until mid-July
Sources
‘It feels like a betrayal,’ ex-Microsoft manager, 62, opens up on being laid off and leaving big tech after 20 years
"Feels Like A Betrayal": Microsoft Manager Laid Off After 20-Year Stint
62-Year-Old Microsoft Employee Laid Off After 20 Years: "It Feels Like A Betrayal"
