1000’s of Microsoft employees have been laid off up to now yr, and Washington resident Mike Kostersitz is only one of them. After spending 31 years at Microsoft, he’s now on the lookout for a job for the primary time in additional than three many years.
In Might, the 60-year-old principal product supervisor lead stated a brand new high-priority assembly appeared on his calendar out of nowhere.
“Me and 120 different nameless faces received instructed our jobs had been eradicated,” he instructed Enterprise Insider (1). The layoff got here as an entire shock. “After 31 years, you’ll count on not less than your supervisor or your VP or anyone to return to you and say, ‘Hey Mike, that is going to occur and right here is why.’”
A number of years in the past Kostersitz introduced an ‘architectural deep dive” in a YouTube video and launched himself as a PM lead on the Azure Kubernetes Service on Azure Stack HCI (AKS-HCI) staff (2).
Kostersitz is amongst 1000’s of tech employees abruptly compelled to navigate an unfamiliar job market reshaped by automation, AI and an industry-wide slowdown.
The excellent news is that he not too long ago shared on LinkedIn that “one thing thrilling is brewing” and he’s feeling “grateful, fired up and able to lace up for what’s forward.”
Microsoft’s layoffs are half of a bigger pattern. In current months, Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet have all trimmed their workforces. Amazon reduce 14,000 jobs in October, citing a shift towards AI automation. Meta eradicated roughly 600 roles in its “superintelligence” division, whereas Alphabet lowered employees in its cloud unit.
In accordance with govt outplacement agency Challenger, Grey & Christmas, cost-cutting and AI have been the highest causes employers cited for job reductions in October (3). The so-called “DOGE influence” is the main cause cited for layoffs in 2025 general.
The tech {industry} introduced 33,281 job cuts in October 2025 — a pointy bounce from 5,639 in September, and the very best quantity recorded throughout any non-public sector that month. For all of 2025, tech corporations have introduced 141,159 job cuts, up 17% from the identical interval in 2024.
Whereas general U.S. unemployment stays comparatively low, it has risen because the begin of the yr. It could seem competitors for tech roles has intensified. Stories counsel 1000’s of expert professionals at the moment are competing for fewer openings, typically requiring up to date ability units in AI, knowledge science and automation.
Trending: Warren Buffett used 8 easy cash guidelines to show $9,800 into a shocking $150B — begin utilizing them at this time to get wealthy (after which keep wealthy)
Layoffs could be each financially and emotionally jarring. However as Kostersitz’s story reveals, there are methods to remain grounded, adapt, put together for what’s subsequent and land someplace new and thrilling. In case you’ve been laid off or concern you can be, listed here are a couple of steps to assist discover a new function and navigate the emotional influence.
It’s regular to really feel shocked and even betrayed, particularly after spending many years at one firm. Kostersitz stated he took the remainder of the week off earlier than starting his job search. Taking a couple of days to reset might help you assume extra clearly about subsequent steps and what you actually need in life.
Some employers, like Microsoft, embrace profession companies or monetary counseling as a part of severance. Kostersitz instructed Enterprise Insider the tech large offered a profession advisor as a part of its layoff bundle, including that he additionally employed a non-public coach to assist with resumes, cowl letters, and LinkedIn optimization. In case you’re laid off, ask about inner sources you’ll have entry to, equivalent to on-line coaching or interview prep.
Kostersitz admitted that reentering the job market after 31 years was like being a fish out of water. Use this era to brush up on rising instruments, particularly AI-related applied sciences, even when your function isn’t technical. Free on-line programs and certifications might help bridge gaps and make your resume extra interesting to recruiters and hiring managers.
Analysis interview questions in your {industry} and put together solutions for widespread questions. Count on behavioral questions. Provide you with three to 5 concise tales that spotlight problem-solving, management and adaptableness, backed by measurable outcomes. The purpose is not to look scripted, however to show that you simply’re ready and succesful.
Referrals could make a world of distinction in a aggressive hiring subject. Kostersitz, for instance, landed an interview with Nvidia due to a referral from a present worker. Attain out to previous colleagues, alumni teams, and {industry} friends. Even when they’ll’t rent you, they’ll typically join you with alternatives or advocate for you internally.
As layoffs proceed to rise within the tech sector, now is an efficient time to get your funds so as. Even when you do not feel such as you’re vulnerable to a layoff, contemplate beefing up your emergency fund and refreshing your resume. Preparation — each financially and professionally — could make navigating a layoff simpler.
We rely solely on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For particulars, see our editorial ethics and tips.
Enterprise Insider (1); Carsten Rachfahl/YouTube (2); Challenger, Grey & Christmas (3)
This text gives data solely and shouldn’t be construed as recommendation. It’s offered with out guarantee of any variety.
