The official announcement is in! I have retired from Microsoft. I’m very excited about the new opportunities in front of me. With the right attitude functioning as your world lens, it’s easy to see almost limitless opportunity for stimulating and rewarding experiences. I’m really looking forward to this next phase.

Actually, my position was eliminated as part of the Microsoft layoffs. This did not come as a surprise at all to me. After all, my goal was to “work myself out of a job” by helping to create a software team in China. Three to four months ago, I realized that my job was basically done; my marginal value was rapidly dropping. That was a great sign, a feather in my cap. But, I was a little uncertain about what to do in the future. The safe thing was to move to a different position within Microsoft, but after an interview and a few meetings, despite being impressed with the people I talked to, I just wasn’t feeling it in my heart. I’ve always wanted to take some time off for various reasons, and when the official notice came, I realized that this was the sign.  (Like being struck over the head with a hammer!)  Now is the time.  I’ve been able to save a lot of money, and the generous severance adds to it.  Of course, the severance is just what China labor law requires.  Many people expected me to be upset, but I was well prepared for this and welcome the change.  To me, this is a win for everyone involved, and I let the team know it.  Though, I will greatly miss all my friends in the Shenzhen office!

Here’s the farewell email I sent out:

Hello all,

It’s sometimes hard for me to believe, but I will soon be leaving the company.  I have been transitioning for a week and Tuesday, February 10, 2009 is my last official day.  Sorry about the short timing!  My mission as “software mentor” at MACH has been accomplished and it’s time to move on to the next opportunity.  My time at Microsoft has been memorable, enjoyable, and educational.  Thank you all.  Of all my projects, missions, and assignments, my time spent at MACH was easily the most rewarding.  It’s been a thrill to see MACH Software Team’s numbers grow, ability improve, and respect and confidence increase.  I’m so proud to have been part of this team and will always cherish these times.  I know you guys will continue to be successful.  Don’t be afraid to push even harder.  Who knows how successful you may become?  I’ll miss each and every one of you.  But, don’t forget, I’ll still be around and available for dinner with all my MACH friends.

While there are numerous special colleagues I’ll have to thank over the coming days, there are four in particular that come to mind that I should mention in this email:

Brian Williams – Thank you for hiring me.  In college, I remember dreaming of working at Microsoft.  I feel satisfied now as I close this chapter of my career.
Jason Bluming – Thank you for being instrumental in creating the opportunities for the software team at MACH.  When I first heard about my position, I remember immediately thinking, “Yes!”  I’m so thankful I was giving the opportunity to come to MACH.
Matt Pedersen – Thank you for your wonderful blend of professionalism and friendliness.  You have been a great asset for me as well as the entire MACH Team.
Jimmy Hu – Thank you for spending time mentoring me.  Minute for minute, our meetings were the most valuable time for me that I have spent on the job.  I hope all others at Microsoft can find individuals who inspire them the way you inspire me.

I’m looking forward to seeing the next great technologies that come out of MS Hardware.  I am especially excited about seeing the results of <<secret technology>>.  I will be keeping an eye out.

What is next for me?  Well, my schedule will be very tight.  I do have opportunities I am expanding and exploring.  Plus, I want to spend more time improving my Chinese.  And of course, I want to see more of China.  All this will keep me quite busy.  Please keep in touch.  You can find me on Facebook and Twitter or through my blog.

Sincerely,
Theron
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I was overwhelmed with the number of private responses that I received, the vast majority from China.  It just reminded me of how special an experience it was.  The only thing I’m not happy about was being surprised that today was my last day.  By the time people in the US read this, my email access may be shut down.  I was indeed notified a week earlier and was given an option about the path I wanted to follow:  to stay and transfer internally, or to mutually separate.  But, I didn’t learn the final date until I officially signed the documents.  Well, I hope everyone who wants to will make the effort to contact me on Facebook or ask around and find out what the URL of this blog is.  As an aside, I did not provide an email address as a subtle jab at the pervasive email culture of Microsoft.  It’s time to modernize everyone!

Here’s a wonderful response from my colleague and friend Michael; it makes me feel so humble:

Theron,

It’s really hard to me to see you leave us, you’ve helped me and the team so much, in technique, in communication, and in many many things. We have had so much fun since you arrived China, I still remember the wonderful tour to Gui Ling.

Sometimes, I feel you are not typical American because I think you are much more open minded than many Americans. Maybe that’s why you can enjoy your life in China, I strongly believe that you can get a better opportunity, and continue to have great time in China. In this regard, I am happy for you.

The good thing is that we will still have chance to see each other, to talk, to have fun together, let’s continue this great friendship.

Wish you every good thing.

Michael.