Yes you`re reading it right, as of May 5th I am no longer working at Microsoft. Didn`t see that one coming? Neither did I. As part of the latest round of global lay-offs in which probably some 3000 jobs were lost, I also was told my job was made redundant. So here I am at home thinking about what I`m going to do next. Does that mean I`ll going all Mac etc all of a sudden is what people ask me most, next to the question about what plans are for the future. It`s too soon to tell what the future will bring but I have no grudge against Microsoft so the answer is no I don`t intend to change my opininion on what I`ve been doing the last few years. I always enjoyed working here there and especially my last job felt like a good bet for the future… I still think it is but probably it was just too soon.
Next up? Some time off, talk to people about possible opportunities, write that paper I had been thinking about for a long time and probably blog a bit more again. I sure have the time now. And train a bit more to be able to get up that Mont Ventoux with my racebike in August, all on the plan. In the jobhunt I`m pretty open about what and where that can be right now – full time or project-based, employee or independent, Belgium or elsewhere. Time will tell. In case you think you have or know something for me, feel free to let me know in the comments or via email (kris@crossthebreeze.com) or just help me spread the word that I`m jobhunting by a simple Retweet or something similar. Thanks in advance.
Probably some more updates on all this soon, the jobhunt starts now. Wish me luck ;) Here is more about me on LinkedIn in case you want to know more.
'Cross The Breeze 
Hey, Kris. As someone who’s been there, done that, I’ve come to realize one thing – situations like this usually happen for a reason and often to lead to better, more exiting opportunities. No doubt that is even more true for a smart guy like you.
Worry not, good stuff is about to happen.
Hi Kris,
really still thinking about that last lunch on that last day at MS….
strange coincidences in life, that’s it…
In the case I see somehting, I let you know…
In the case you’re interested in a Business Unit Director position in a still-small, data technology oriented company, give me a ring and I drop you the job description…
Hey Kris,
I am sorry to hear that. It was great working with you though. I dont have many contacts outside of the US but if I hear of anything interesting I will definitely let you know.
Also, send me a Linkedin request as well if you are on it. Good luck. It will work out very well for you in the end, I know it.
-Chris
Kris, I’m still stunned they’ve let you go. I was one of those who didn’t see that one coming. For someone always as busy as you this silence must be deafening. I’m awaiting this post to show up on Twitter and will retweet, you never know who is reading ;) The best of luck (wish I could do more).
Your friend always,
Sunshine
Damn, that doesn’t sound too good! I’ve been laid off last week as well. So let’s go for a drink and brainstorm how we can save this economy!
Kris, genuinely shocked to hear this. You were a fantastic advocate for their business. I am sure something great is round the corner. All the best
Dag Kris, ik vind het echt super jammer dat ze je hebben laten gaan. Vind je een toffe peer en vond het tof om je (‘n beetje) te leren kennen. Ik hou je zeker van interessante jobs op de hoogte. Just a thought: met zoveel goede ex-Microsoftees die nu zonder job zitten in België, kunnen jullie misschien samen iets tofs opzetten? Anyhow, hope to be running in to you again. Always fun to see you and chat with you. Take care, wishing you all the best, Annemarie
Hey Kris, sorry to hear that. I wish you all the luck in the world with your job hunt!
I just can’t believe this. You did more than anyone else for Microsoft in the blog/twitterworld. I’m sure you won’t have much extra time to train for the Mont Ventoux, since any newmedia company can make profit by working with you. Lots of success!!
Godspeed, mate. Goud vindt altijd wel een plek dus zorgen maak ik me niet echt over jou ;)
I’m sure you’ll look back on this time as a good change. Best of luck in transition and this will be easy: keep in touch!
I don’t know how strange that idea sounds to you, but what if you join *the other side* – the open source one? http://www.nokia.com/imaginemaemo ;)
Huge loss for Microsoft, sorry this happened Kris!
Sorry to hear this news. Good luck with finding another opportunity.
Ce sont tes compétences exceptionnelles – celles qui t’ont mené à ce nouveau job- qui sont en cause. C’est trop couillon! Et très rassurant :) J’en connais qui diront Merci Mcrosoft très bientôt. Et j’en fais partie! Really really really really really looking forward starting great projects with you! Big kiss till our drink
Hey Kris,
What a shock! Simply, just can’t believe it! Can’t imagine how much they are going to miss you. I sensed a few weird tweets from you yesterday and the day before… never could think about that. But hey… better see this as the first step towards great new opportunities. Let’s lunch and ignite a few ideas one of these days. Anytime.
Sorry my man. If you need some support you can find it at The 4o5 Club – we’re all in it together!
-GD
the405club.com / the405club.ning.com
Hey Kris! I’m sure you’ll find something great. Your skills are in high demand out there. Good luck and let me know if you come through Asia.
I’m also one of the victims of the Microsoft “realignment” (as they say) but I totaly agree with mark: Good stuff is about to happen
This sucks :(
I am confident you’ll find something else soon. I am not sure what you are looking for, but take a look at http://www.getronicsjobs.be
We are still looking for some good people in Belgium.
Sorry to hear bro! You seem to be in healthy spirit though :)
Sorry for that. It’s no better here (+20 layoffs collectively in the to-be-acquired company, 13 in my current) which means that we’re all spending time in quantifying how valuable we are. All of a sudden it seems like it’s not about being good anymore, but in proving your value (preferably tangible).
Hope the package was OK enough to give you some time to think things through!
It’s a steep climb on the windy mountain, but when you reach the top, you forget all the struggle.
That doesn’t sound too good, but like a lot of things in life, no doubt you’ll bounce back, find something new that you can commit to totally and have as much and more fun as you had at Microsoft.
Good luck with the hunt, let your primal instincts take over.
Sorry for that. Good luck at finding another job. :(
Good luck Kris, this could be turned to something positive. Please let us know if you is visiting Sweden again!
Lets rock!
Hello Kris,
From a purely opportunistic view I can only applaud the extra time you have now to organise the BBQ we have all been waiting for. From a realistic point of view I can only agree with many of the reactions here : turn this into something positive.
I hope to see you soon in the independent republic of Lens-Saint-Servais with your great family to enjoy “een Jupilerke” or 15 and in the meantime I’ll be on the lookout for job-opportunies.
cya,
Bart
Their loss!
Really, I think this is by far the most short sighted layoff I heard about..
Ciao Kris,
sorry to hear this… good luck!
Bye,
Fabio
Just realised that I have literally no-one I can call anymore at Microsoft for advertising stuff. They’ve all been made redundant it seems. Sad, shortsighted, strange. Especially when remembering this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTkA9L2J2gY
Not anymore baby…
Kris, sorry to hear the news it came as a bit of a shock. we met in London not too long ago at the Microsoft pitch (Marsteller). I have also been laid off, which i didn’t see coming, but am sure that as people have said, things happen for a reason and we will go on to better things. Keep in touch and i will let you know if i hear of any opportunities for you here in London. All the best.
what a waste of talent on their behalf…. Good luck, but you probably won’t need it considering your talent :-)
Not Wise of MSFT: Thought the were embracing the new Web more now (especially here in germany) doesn’t really look like, though. Brave Hearts, Kris!
Thanks a lot to everyone for all the kind words and the support. I really appreciate this!
– Kris
A damn shame. You where an spokesperson for MS and reached many people online. By loosing you, they are disconnecting many people.
sorry to hear – but having also gone through the process myself, the world ain’t quite as tough in our world as some others… sure you’ll find something even better
damn that is bad news … hope/sure you will find a new exiting challenge soon. Wish you luck.
Kris,
I was good to see you for lunch yesterday… :-)
Effe laten “bezinken”, rustig je tijd nemen, genieten van de kids, en hop, voor dat je het weet komen er nieuwe en spannende plannen terug opdagen!
Be
sorry to hear Kris, thank you for all your support while at Microsoft, good luck and let me know if I can help in any way
You’re free, free, free at last!
Seriously, MS on the resume isn’t such a bad thing. Take a short break and get yourself reset.
Then get on with your ‘it’.
Congratulations and good luck!
Hi Kris,
Sorry to hear about the layoff. Happened to me 2 years ago this month so I know what you’re going through right now. Stay positive and work that amazing network you have developed. You’ll end up in an exciting place before you know it.
Doug
Sorry to hear the news, Kris. Been there myself in a previous life so I have an idea of what you might be thinking about.
A time for reflection and reinvention. And not necessarily in a linear fashion. You’re smart and I’m sure you’ll look through the niches. If you’re in London any time, let me know, happy to buy you a beer.
Hi Kris. Sorry to hear your news. 3,000 people! Wow! I just returned from Silicon Valley and spoke to some friends who had the same thing happen. They went into work one day and left the next. Fortunately they found another job fairly quickly. With your experience and skills, there’s loads of companies who are trying to grapple with the digital boom and need someone like you to help them figure things out. Definitely do the things you’ve always wanted to do. Breath some fresh air. Go for a wonder in different parts of the world and earn a few bucks along the way with some consulting work. All the best and hope our paths cross soon. :-) Maria
Sorry to hear the news, but I bet you won’t have much time rest. You’ll be back soon in a new exciting activity. In the meantime, I’ll keep my eyes and ears open and definitely let me know if I can be of any help. Hope to see you soon! -Luisa
Sorry about the news mate. Microsoft doesn’t know what did to themselves by laying you off. Tell you what mate, I’ll help you make the first step towards a new direction. take a look on http://beta.jobcorner.com/ maybe you might find something on there. ;-)
Johnny.
Hello Kris, in the end we are all numbers, that’s the only way things like this can be explained, and I’m sure Microsoft will loose more than you
I know there is a job vacancy at our company that might be in line with your competences (Creative Director) http://www.etaplighting.com/jobs.aspx?id=2780&c=ETAP&t=Vacancies&l=2067
But you have a very reliable source to get a good view on what the job contents is in practice, so talk to him when he is back form holidays next week before applying !
I hope this will indeed be a change for the better for you very soon and if I come across other oppertunities I’ll certainly forward them
CU
Ronny.
sorry to hear Kris, thank you for all your support while at Microsoft, good luck and let me know if I can help in any way
Its was really sad to see you going from Microsoft, just seems right. I have gut feeling that this happens because Microsoft Online track never took off in the capacity they want, and you belong to that group.
I bet you can achieve success any where you want!
Cheers
Vana
Thanks Vana!
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