Microsoft Layoffs 2025: 31-Year Veteran’s Sudden Termination Highlights Corporate Shift

A long-time Microsoft employee was laid off after 31 years of service. Mike Kostersitz, 60, was terminated in a mass layoff this past May. The news came as a complete shock to the veteran techie.

He was one of approximately 6,000 employees let go by the tech giant. His story, reported by Business Insider, underscores the personal impact of ongoing industry-wide job cuts.

The Sudden End to a Three-Decade Career

Kostersitz had a routine meeting with his manager in May. He believed the discussion had gone positively. The very next morning, his situation changed drastically.

He was marked for a high-priority meeting. There, he learned his position had been eliminated. He was joined in the virtual layoff meeting by 120 other colleagues.

His direct manager was also laid off in the same wave. The impersonal nature of the notification was a significant point of distress. After more than three decades, he expected a personal conversation.

Navigating Life After a Surprise Termination

The financial fallout has been mitigated by a Microsoft policy. The “55 and 15” rule allows long-serving employees aged 55+ to retain stock grants. This provides a temporary financial cushion for Kostersitz.

Despite this, he is actively searching for a new role. He has interviewed with major firms like Nike and Nvidia. The current job market remains highly competitive and challenging.

He originally planned to retire at 67. The sudden layoff has forced him to consider early retirement. Such a move would, however, require a major lifestyle adjustment.

The human cost of corporate restructuring continues to surface, with the latest Microsoft layoffs serving as a stark reminder that job security is no longer guaranteed, even after a lifetime of dedicated service.

Thought you’d like to know

How many people were laid off from Microsoft in 2025?

Microsoft laid off around 6,000 employees in the May 2025 wave. This was part of a broader restructuring effort within the company. The cuts affected multiple teams and levels.

What is Microsoft’s “55 and 15” policy?

It is a company policy for long-term employees. Those aged 55 or older with at least 15 years of service keep their stock grants after termination. This provides crucial financial support during a job search.

Is it hard to find a tech job after a layoff?

The current market is very competitive. Experienced professionals like Kostersitz are finding the search difficult. It often becomes a waiting game for the right opportunity.

Why are tech layoffs happening so frequently?

Companies are restructuring to focus on new priorities like AI. Many are cutting costs to improve profitability. This has led to widespread job reductions across the industry.

Was the Microsoft layoff expected by employees?

For many, like Mike Kostersitz, it was a complete surprise. He had a positive meeting with his manager just before the termination. The news was delivered abruptly in a large group setting.