EduInvesting.in | May 15, 2025
In yet another episode of “Big Tech: Powered by AI, Paid by Layoffs,” Microsoft has officially laid off 6,000 employees, or about 3% of its global workforce. Because apparently, ChatGPT doesn’t need a coffee break or a 401(k).
And yes, that includes people from LinkedIn, Microsoft Australia, and even senior AI leadership — proving that no one is safe in the Age of Azure.
📦 What’s Going On?
Microsoft isn’t broke. In fact, it recently posted a quarterly profit of $25.8 billion. That’s more money than some countries have in foreign reserves.
So why the layoffs?
According to the company:
- “We’re flattening management layers.”
- “Optimizing for efficiency.”
- “Repositioning for AI-led growth.”
According to employees:
- “We’re flattened, optimized, and repositioned… to the unemployment line.”
🧾 Where Are the Cuts Happening?
- Across geographies and departments
- Particularly
- in middle management and non-engineering roles
- Even at LinkedIn and AI leadership teams
- Nearly 1,985 jobs in Washington state alone
- Around 100 jobs in Australia & New Zealand
Yes, even Gabriela de Queiroz, Microsoft’s AI Director for Startups, was shown the exit — because clearly, AI has now evolved to the point where it can replace the people who build it.
💡 But Why AI? Again?
Because AI is the new bitcoin, the new metaverse, the new SaaS. And Microsoft is betting big — like $80 billion big — on AI in FY2025.
From:
- Azure OpenAI
