Laid Off from Microsoft or Big Tech? 9 Real-World Steps to Take Now
It starts with an email — the one you hoped you'd never receive.
Your heart races. Your hands shake. You open it, and your fears are confirmed: your role has been eliminated.
The language is clinical. The moment is anything but. It’s a shock to the system — even if you saw it coming. I’ve been there. More than once in my career.
Tech layoffs have surged again. Microsoft recently cut nearly 7,000 roles — 3% of its global workforce — following earlier reductions this year and a 10,000-person layoff in 2023. Many affected were long-tenured employees, some just years from retirement.
If you’ve just received that “Critical Business Update” email, you may feel overwhelmed, angry, or unsure of what to do next. That’s okay. You are not alone — and you are not without options.
This guide is here to help you take the next steps — clearly, calmly, and with purpose.
✅ 1. Breathe First. The Resume Can Wait.
The instinct to immediately update your resume or LinkedIn is strong — but stop. Take a breath. Being laid off, especially from a long-time role, is like losing a part of your identity. You may go through the stages of grief: Denial, Anger, Depression, Acceptance. (Skip “Bargaining” — these decisions unfortunately are rarely, if ever, reversed.)
Give yourself permission to feel before you act.
🤝 2. Find Your People
The most healing thing I did after being laid off was connect with others who were in the same boat. Community helps. Check Facebook groups, Discord channels, or LinkedIn to find others impacted — many companies have alumni or "survivors" groups. Example: there's a Microsoft Survivors Facebook group.
Don’t be afraid to ask around. People want to help.
📤 3. Secure What You Can (Before You Lose Access)
If you still have access to your work email or internal systems:
Forward important emails, especially anything related to the layoff, or other information (like performance reviews, paystubs, contacts, etc) to your personal account. Of course ensure it is nothing confidential that would violate the terms of your agreeement.
Ask your manager and colleagues for LinkedIn recommendations or if you can used them references later.
If you have an FSA or Limited Purpose HSA, use the funds ASAP — many are “use it or lose it.”
Same with any unused health and fitness benefit.
📑 4. Review the Paperwork (Yes, All of It)
The exit packet may feel overwhelming, but it contains deadlines and important financial info. You don’t have to go it alone — reach out to peers or support groups to help decode it. Don't miss out on benefits, severance details, or appeal windows. You may want to have a lawyer review before you sign anything but NOTE that you cannot use a lawyer as part of your employer sponsored plan to do this.
🧠 5. Don’t Take It Personally — Seriously
I know, this is a tought one. It is difficult NOT to take it personally, but here’s the hard truth: most layoffs today are not performance-based. Managers often don’t even know someone on their team was cut until it's over. These decisions are increasingly made by distant execs, mysterious algorithms, or budget models.
It’s normal to replay everything in your head. But please: don’t blame yourself or at least TRY not to.
🌿 6. Disconnect and Go Outside
Doomscrolling layoff posts, Reddit threads, or headlines can make things worse. Step away from the screen (phone and laptop). Get some sun. Take a walk. Reconnect with nature. This can bring a surprising amount of clarity when everything feels murky. Studies have even shown that walking barefoot outside is surprisingly healing. You will better when you return than you did before.
😤 7. Let It Out
Whether it’s a close friend, your dog, a former coworker, or online community — vent. Talk it out. Cry if you need to. Rage if you must. Hit the gym, go for a run, or find a physical outlet. This stuff is heavy. Don’t carry it alone.
💸 8. Reassess Your Finances
Another tough one but necessary. After some time to process emotionally:
Create a temporary budget.
Cancel subscriptions or defer big purchases.
Look at severance and unemployment options.
Are there payments you can defer such as student loans?
Financial clarity can reduce anxiety significantly.
💼 9. When Ready, Update That Resume
When you've had time to process, update your resume and LinkedIn profile. It is a personal decision whether to turn on the public green “open to work” flag. Even if you can let recruiters know without the green flag. Don’t wait too long — the job market can get saturated quickly after major layoffs. A jump start can make a big in this competitive job market.
💬 Final Thought
Being laid off feels like a gut punch — especially when you’ve given your all to a company. But it’s not the end. It’s a reset. One that can lead to something better, even if you can’t see it yet.
You’re not alone. You’re not broken. You’re just in between chapters.
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