Navigating a career transition after 30 years at Microsoft, Jeff Bogdan's story embodies resilience amidst organizational changes. Explore his journey and reflections on departing from the tech giant.
After dedicating over three decades to Microsoft, Jeff Bogdan faced a career crossroads when his position was terminated in February.
Reflecting on his departure, Bogdan expressed a sentiment of being "open to anything" rather than simply "open to work" as he navigates this transition.
Bogdan served as the Director of Learning and Development (L&D) at Microsoft Windows, contributing to the company for 33 years.
He took pride in his contributions to notable products such as Windows Phone, Zune, and Windows 95, reflecting on his remarkable career journey.
Bogdan found his most rewarding experiences in the final two years, leading L&D efforts within the Windows division.
Despite his significant contributions, Bogdan's termination coincided with the company's restructuring efforts, particularly in adopting the hub & spoke model for L&D.
Bogdan shared his disappointment as his termination came at a time when his division had already established its L&D team, leaving him without a role.
The adoption of the hub & spoke model for L&D, a concept he had championed, further added to his sense of disconnect.
Despite the challenges, Bogdan remains optimistic about embarking on a new career journey, starting with consulting.
He views consulting as an opportunity to further explore the industry, leverage his expertise, and contribute to its advancement.
Bogdan's experience reflects broader changes within Microsoft, including significant job cuts earlier in the year.
The tech giant announced layoffs affecting approximately 8 percent of its gaming division, impacting around 1,900 positions across Activision Blizzard and Xbox.
Conclusion:
Jeff Bogdan's journey serves as a testament to the evolving landscape within Microsoft and the challenges faced by long-term employees amidst organizational restructuring.
Despite setbacks, Bogdan's resilience and optimism highlight the potential for new opportunities and growth in the face of change.