Washington man spent 31 years at Microsoft only to be fired on a call with 120 others. Here's how he's rebuilding at 60

Core Insights - Microsoft has laid off thousands of workers, including long-term employees like Mike Kostersitz, who has worked there for 31 years and is now seeking employment for the first time in decades [1][2] - The layoffs at Microsoft are part of a broader trend in the tech industry, with other major companies like Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet also reducing their workforces due to shifts towards AI and automation [3][4] Industry Trends - In October 2025, the tech industry announced 33,281 job cuts, a significant increase from 5,639 in September, marking the highest number of layoffs in any private sector that month [5] - For the entirety of 2025, tech firms have reported 141,159 job cuts, reflecting a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2024 [5] - Cost-cutting and AI advancements are cited as the primary reasons for job reductions, indicating a shift in workforce requirements and skills needed in the industry [4][6] Job Market Dynamics - Despite relatively low overall U.S. unemployment, competition for tech roles has intensified, with many skilled professionals vying for fewer job openings that increasingly require updated skills in AI, data science, and automation [6]