‘You are more than who you work for’: Ex-Microsoft director shares life after voluntary exit

Microsoft has introduced a new voluntary exit offer for eligible employees as the tech giant adjusts its workforce across several countries. Amid the development, former Microsoft Director of Business Management Diane Boettcher has shared a personal message for those considering leaving the company. The US Navy veteran, who left Microsoft nearly four months ago under its Voluntary Retirement Program, reflected on how her identity had been shaped by her work. She encouraged employees to think about their future beyond their jobs and remember that their worth extends beyond their employer.

Ex-Microsoft director's message to employees considering buyouts

Taking to social media, Boettcher said employees were once again being offered an opportunity to leave Microsoft “on their terms”. Reflecting on her own departure, she admitted she had not been sure “who the next me would be” when she left the company. She explained that the people, places and projects she encountered at Microsoft had shaped the woman she became. For years, simply saying “I work at Microsoft” had helped define how others knew her.

However, she realised that leaving did not mean losing everything she had gained there. “I took a lot of that woman with me,” she wrote. Addressing employees considering Microsoft's new Voluntary Exit Offer, Boettcher advised them to speak with friends and family and think about who they might become next. She reminded them that they were “more than who you work for” and could continue building on the work they had already done.

Internet reacts

A user wrote, "Love this message! Thanks Diane Boettcher! I still love my decision to retire as I have had so much time for family. Totally worth it. Four months went by so fast!" One commented, "Many of us were raised to believe our career would be one company, one path, one identity. What I've come to appreciate is that we're capable of building much more than that. When I left Microsoft, I didn't leave behind 20 years of experience. I took every lesson, relationship, skill, and insight with me and built a completely different chapter on top of it. Today, I have the privilege of helping other women do the same. The next chapter isn't starting over. It's building on everything you've already become." One added, "Very well said!"

Microsoft offers buyouts to employees across four countries

The development comes as Microsoft extends voluntary buyout offers to approximately 60,000 employees across India, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. In an internal memo sent to employees on Monday, Amy Coleman, Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, announced the Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) for eligible employees in participating organisations.

The programme targets eligible staff at level 70 and below who are considering a future outside the company. Coleman said the offer would give employees “a new choice” to make that transition with support. She also said it would help participating organisations adapt their workforce to changing needs.

The programme follows Microsoft's earlier Voluntary Retirement Program (VRP). According to Coleman, employees leaving under the offer will receive financial compensation packages and career planning resources. However, the scheme will not apply to every team. Its availability will depend on the operational needs of individual organisations.