The latest wave of tech layoffs has left even the most loyal employees scrambling, with Mike Kostersitz, a 31-year Microsoft veteran, among those impacted. After losing his job in May this year, Kostersitz has been actively seeking new opportunities but has yet to secure a role despite interviews with companies like Nike and Nvidia.
“Me and 120 other anonymous faces got told our jobs had been eliminated,” Kostersitz told Business Insider. He recalled that in May, he had a meeting with his manager, which he thought went well. However, the next morning, Kostersitz was marked for a high-priority meeting, where he received the bad news. He, along with 6,000 others, was laid off. The list also included his manager.
Unexpected Layoff Spurs Reflection on Career and Future
The sudden termination came as a shock to Kostersitz after decades at the company. “After 31 years, you would expect at least your manager or your VP or somebody to come to you and say, ‘Hey Mike, this is going to happen and here is why’,” he told the outlet. Initially, he admits feeling anger toward Microsoft, though he remains grateful for the company’s “55 and 15” policy, which allows employees aged 55 or older with at least 15 years of service to retain their stock grants after termination.
This financial cushion is providing some stability as he searches for a new role, though he acknowledges it won’t last indefinitely. Originally planning to retire around 67, the 60-year-old is now contemplating early retirement. “Technically, we could retire,” he said. “Would it be a huge change of lifestyle? Absolutely.” Despite his experience, Kostersitz is finding the current job market challenging. “They said it’s a game of chicken right now. The person who has the longer breath and can stick it out longer will get the job.”
