Why I Left Microsoft
In 2016 I left Microsoft. There are thousands of jobs in the company and a really large range with different compensation models, expectations, travel requirements - the choices seem endless. This month there have been jobs cut yet again at Microsoft and I'm sure some have joined me in "Microsoft Alumni eligible" ranks (more on that later). There is one distinction that I have interest in that you cannot obtain at the company - that is the MVP (Most Valuable Professional) recognition. It's an award given to an individual for outstanding contributions to their technical community in a volunteer capacity and those MVPs I have met are the most passionate group of Microsoft supporters I can think of.
Don't get me wrong - there are hundreds of thousands of deserving people that volunteer, give back to their technical communities and are extremely talented technical people, but the MVP distinction certainly does have a way of recognizing a few for going above and beyond (and the MVPs I know all support each other in a very genuine and authentic way that I see in other communities like the MIE (Microsoft Innovative Educator) community - https://education.microsoft.com/en-us/resource/18485a7b
Prior to joining the company in 2005 I was a MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) since 2000 (and a MCP - Microsoft Certified Professional since 1998), but I had never acquired the MVP designation. It's on my bucket list, so we'll see if I can achieve it (and how long it takes). The requirements aren't as clear cut as a certification. There isn't a test to pass or a class to teach. It's about community engagement and giving back with your time as well as how and where you give presentations to various technical communities.
Besides training, I have also been consulting on Microsoft technologies - including new products like the new LinkedIn desktop experience that was rolled out in April. The codename "Neptune" was used for this UI change. A lot of people have strong opinions about this new UI and the more time I spent in the new interface, the more I liked it. I consult on how to use LinkedIn effectively and answer a bunch of "how do I" questions for users.
Microsoft's latest restructuring has not only changed the sales team that I reported into while spending 11 years with the company, but also the focus. Microsoft Azure, Office 365 and Dynamics are all disciplines that are needed and valued. Windows is no longer the only OS most people use (it's still dominate on desktops and laptops, but what about 5-10 years from now?) - check out https://www.netmarketshare.com/ for info on browsers, mobile and desktop share. The cloud isn't only Amazon Web Service (look at the year over year growth of Microsoft in this report - https://lnkd.in/ec-ks9u). Companies that get it don't shy away from competition and innovation - their best people define a new direction, correct what was wrong and restructure.
UPDATE: In May 2019, I returned as a full time employee at Microsoft. The break was a great time to expand my network, partner with many Microsoft partners, attend some conferences (adding the 5th Microsoft Ignite to my streak) and rediscover why I'm passionate about this company. Here's to all the #boomerangs who have returned and to a much different NEO (New Employee Onboarding) experience than I had in 2005! EVERYTHING has gotten better!