'Open to anything', says Microsoft worker who was laid off after 30 years of service
After devoting more than thirty years to Microsoft, Jeff Bogdan faced a pivotal moment when his position was terminated in February. Reflecting on his departure, Bogdan expressed, “Being ‘open to work’ doesn’t quite capture it; it’s more like being ‘open to anything.'”
Formerly serving as the Director of Learning and Development (L&D) at Microsoft Windows, Bogdan turned to LinkedIn to share his thoughts. Recalling his impressive 33-year tenure with Microsoft, Bogdan fondly remembered, “My entire career at MS has been an amazing journey. The three products I’m proudest of are Windows Phone, Zune, and Windows 95.”
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However, Bogdan’s most fulfilling experiences occurred in his final two years, leading L&D efforts in Windows. Despite his valuable contributions, Bogdan found himself at odds with the company’s restructuring initiatives. He disclosed that his termination coincided with HR adopting the hub & spoke model for L&D, a concept he had passionately advocated for.
“Unfortunately, when my division already had their L&D team established, there wasn’t a place for me,” lamented Bogdan. Nonetheless, he remained hopeful about embarking on a new career path.
“I’ll begin with consulting. I see consulting as an opportunity to delve deeper into the industry and determine where my expertise can make the greatest impact,” he explained.
Bogdan’s journey reflects broader shifts within Microsoft. Earlier this year, the tech giant announced significant layoffs, affecting approximately 8 percent of its gaming division, impacting about 1,900 positions across Activision Blizzard and Xbox.
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