Algorithmic Layoffs: A 25-Year Veteran Programmers Unfortunate Exit from Microsoft

There’s a lot of discussion on social media about a bizarre firing from Microsoft. A programmer with 25 years of experience lost his job due to a computer algorithm that randomly selected him. This was shared on Reddit by the wife of the dismissed employee.

According to her, her husband has developmental conditions (autism) and suffers from multiple sclerosis. Despite these challenges, he never missed a day of work, rarely took sick leave, worked over 60 hours a week, and covered for his colleagues during holidays.

The company recognized his contributions: he received significant awards for fixing bugs that cost millions of dollars and mentored hundreds of colleagues, including those who later led teams and divisions. His last working day coincided with his 48th birthday this past Sunday. As the dismissed employee’s wife emphasizes, she is proud of her husband and isn’t seeking pity, but wants to share his story.

Users responded with empathy to the account.

«What’s most troubling,» one commenter noted, «is that your story is no longer unique; it reflects a deep rot within the system. We built this modern tech industry on the backs of individuals like your husband: skilled, dedicated, and invisible problem solvers. These are the people who don’t engage in politics or self-promotion, who don’t network, but simply do their jobs. And when accountants come in to trim the fat, it’s these individuals who are let go, because loyalty and institutional knowledge are not easily quantified.»

«Additionally,» another user stated, «it would be interesting to find out how many of those selected by the algorithm are over forty and/or have health issues.»

«Perhaps,» someone else suggested, «his salary had become too high, and his responsibilities will be handed off to two or three less capable but cheaper employees. Or the company simply doesn’t want to cover his medical expenses due to his diagnosis. This system doesn’t prioritize people and their lives; it’s designed to maximize profits for shareholders.»

Earlier, Fortune published a story about Sean K., a programmer with twenty years of experience, who lost his job and has been living in a trailer for over a year while working for DoorDash, as his search for work in the IT field has not been fruitful. Sean believes the reason lies in the replacement of human specialists with artificial intelligence and the use of AI agents during the initial stages of job interviews.