HIGHLIGHTS

Microsoft has announced the layoff of approximately 6,000 employees.

Gabriela de Queiroz, the company’s Director of AI, is among those affected.

Queiroz revealed that impacted employees were instructed to cease work immediately.

In a significant downturn for the tech giant, Microsoft has recently conducted a round of layoffs affecting around 6,000 employees from multiple divisions. One of those affected is Gabriela de Queiroz, who served as the Director of AI at the company. She took to LinkedIn to express her emotions, sharing insights into her experience and how she is navigating this unexpected change.

“It’s bittersweet news that I must share: I’ve been impacted by Microsoft’s latest layoffs,” Queiroz wrote, illustrating that regardless of one’s contributions or commitment to the organization, job security often remains uncertain.

In her message, Queiroz disclosed that the affected staff members were instructed to halt their work immediately and to set an out-of-office notification. Despite this abrupt directive, she felt compelled to remain engaged a bit longer, saying farewell to her team and participating in final meetings. “It was important for me to be present a little longer, wrapping up what I could,” she said.

“What comes next? I cannot say just yet. It feels too soon to predict the future. However, I have faith that something beneficial will emerge from this situation,” she assured her network.

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Gabriela de Queiroz poignantly captured her thoughts on LinkedIn:

It’s bittersweet news to share: I was impacted by Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs.

Was I expecting it? Perhaps.

Today’s environment shows that no matter how dedicated you are, how much you advocate for your company, or the results you deliver—whether it’s helping Microsoft become a respectable name in AI startups or working relentlessly to improve the workplace environment for many—none of this guarantees protection from restructuring.

Am I sad? Without a doubt. My heart aches to see so many brilliant individuals I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with being let go. These are individuals who genuinely cared, continuously exceeded expectations, and made a significant impact.

But if you know me at all, you are aware that I’m someone who seeks the silver lining in every situation.

I remain an optimist at heart. That hasn’t changed. My smile, my gratitude, and my belief that each day presents a new opportunity—these feelings are very much alive.

Despite the directive to cease work immediately, I opted to continue for a brief period—attending meetings, bidding farewell, and trying to conclude as much as I could. It felt right to me to do so.

What happens next? I do not know at this point. It’s too early to determine. Yet, I have confidence that something positive will unfold from this.

To others facing similar circumstances—you are not alone in this. We are at least 6,000 affected together.

And to everyone who has reached out—thank you. Your support and kindness mean so much right now.