Not Working at Microsoft, But Still Showing Up at the Office: The Unexpected Tale of a Veteran Let Go
When a company lays off an employee, it is usual for both to go their separate ways. However, there are exceptions that break all molds. This is the story of Freddy Kristiansen, who, after 23 years at Microsoft and despite being officially laid off, continues to go to the office with the same dedication as always. His decision, far from being a symbolic or economic gesture, reveals a deep connection to his work, his colleagues, and a way of understanding professional responsibility that knows no exit clauses.
#### The bond that a layoff does not break
Freddy Kristiansen, 59, was one of the over 6,000 employees Microsoft laid off in 2025. His departure came in May, after more than two decades with the company. However, to this day, he continues to go to his office in Denmark, as if nothing had changed. The reason? “I still feel committed to the products, to those who use them, and to my colleagues,” he stated in an interview.
Kristiansen started his career at Navision, a company acquired by Microsoft in 2002. What he thought would be a temporary job turned into a solid 23-year career. Although Danish law grants him six months’ notice and three more months of severance pay, he insists that his daily presence is not motivated by economics.
#### Leaving a mark, even without a contract
Kristiansen claims that he cannot simply disappear from the radar: “I feel the responsibility that customers know they are in good hands. If they need help, I will be there to answer, advise, or simply provide support.”
Although his attitude may seem surprising to many, he sees it as an opportunity. In reality, he did not feel anger or frustration after his layoff. On the contrary, “It was a relief,” he confesses. During the layoffs in 2023, he even considered requesting voluntary dismissal, although he never did.
After working more than 60 hours a week for years, he believes it’s time to slow down. Now he focuses on designing a new path: he wants to offer consulting services as a CTO, give back, and regain healthy habits. On his personal blog, he repeats a phrase that sums it all up: every cloud has a silver lining.
#### Respect for what was built does not expire
Despite no longer having contractual obligations, Kristiansen continues to organize sessions with his team, attend meetings with users, and share knowledge. “No one forced me to work the , I did it because I cared,” he acknowledges.
His commitment does not end with his contract. The respect for what he helped build—products, relationships, and learning—is what drives him to continue. In November, he will have to return his laptop and badge, but until then, he will continue to show up every day, as if he still wore the Microsoft logo on his card.
