Microsoft just offered 60,000 people the door. I know that feeling.
Investor · Wolcott, CT · Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 6 votes
Microsoft just offered 60,000 people the door. I know that feeling.
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Chris BrownPro Member
Investor · Locust Grove, GA · Member since 2023 · 23 posts · 13 votesI work for Microsoft, and while I’m currently in an OU that isn’t eligible for the voluntary program, I see it much the way you described. It’s an opportunity that allows people to make a choice at a specific point in their careers. In my opinion, that’s far better than layoffs.It gives individuals the ability to decide whether the option is the right fit for themselves and their families. Personally, I hope a program like this is available when I’m ready to transition into real estate full-time. I’d welcome the chance to make that decision on my own terms.A lot of people keep pointing to claims that 60,000 employees will take the offer. However, the last voluntary separation program Microsoft offered saw only about 3% participation. From what I understand, it was somewhat surprising to the company that a number of highly talented developers chose to leave. Realistically, I think the number will be much smaller, perhaps in the range of 2,000 to 5,000 employees. And many of those individuals were likely already considering a transition before the program was announced.My hope is that those who choose this path approach it with the mindset you mentioned: using the opportunity intentionally to build something greater than simply collecting another paycheck. For some, it could be the chance to pursue a passion, start a business, invest in their future, or create a life they’ve been working toward for years.
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- 1dChris BrownPro MemberInvestor · Locust Grove, GA · Member since 2023 · 23 posts · 13 votes
I work for Microsoft, and while I’m currently in an OU that isn’t eligible for the voluntary program, I see it much the way you described. It’s an opportunity that allows people to make a choice at a specific point in their careers. In my opinion, that’s far better than layoffs.It gives individuals the ability to decide whether the option is the right fit for themselves and their families. Personally, I hope a program like this is available when I’m ready to transition into real estate full-time. I’d welcome the chance to make that decision on my own terms.A lot of people keep pointing to claims that 60,000 employees will take the offer. However, the last voluntary separation program Microsoft offered saw only about 3% participation. From what I understand, it was somewhat surprising to the company that a number of highly talented developers chose to leave. Realistically, I think the number will be much smaller, perhaps in the range of 2,000 to 5,000 employees. And many of those individuals were likely already considering a transition before the program was announced.My hope is that those who choose this path approach it with the mindset you mentioned: using the opportunity intentionally to build something greater than simply collecting another paycheck. For some, it could be the chance to pursue a passion, start a business, invest in their future, or create a life they’ve been working toward for years.
- Investor · Wolcott, CT · Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 6 votes1d
Appreciate you sharing this, especially from inside.
That perspective matters.
Couldn't agree more a choice beats a layoff every time.
And thanks for the context on the last program.
Most people hear 60,000 eligible and assume 60,000 people walking out, and that's not how it usually plays out.
Your 2,000 to 5,000 range sounds a lot more realistic.
Love that you're already thinking about the full-time jump into real estate.
When the right window opens, you'll know.
What part of real estate are you leaning toward?
God bless, and thanks for adding to the conversation.
- 1dChris BrownPro MemberInvestor · Locust Grove, GA · Member since 2023 · 23 posts · 13 votes
Hi Willie,I appreciate you asking! I've been investing in real estate for about two years now and currently have seven properties. They're a mix of STRs, MTRs, and LTRs across Georgia and Florida. Honestly, I've really grown to like the MTR model. It feels like a nice balance between the higher involvement of an STR and the stability of an LTR. I'd love to get into commercial real estate investing one day, but we'll see where the journey takes me. 🤗
I also wanted to comment on your post, not to debate the point you were making, but just to share a little perspective from my experience at Microsoft. I've seen quite a few people on LinkedIn comparing this news to layoffs, even though I know that's not what you were saying. Microsoft has been a great company to work for and does put a strong emphasis on work-life balance. That said, like many companies, it's gone through multiple rounds of layoffs over the past few years as it adjusted to changing market conditions, from the rapid growth during COVID to the shift toward AI. That's actually one of the reasons I started investing in real estate. I wanted to build something outside of my day job and create a safety net in case I was ever impacted by a reduction in force. Because of that, I'm genuinely encouraged to see Microsoft exploring strategies like this instead of relying primarily on layoffs to reduce headcount. It seems like a more thoughtful approach that could be better for both employees and the company in the long run. Thanks again for the conversation, Willie. I always enjoy hearing different perspectives.
God bless you as well! - Investor · Wolcott, CT · Member since 2026 · 9 posts · 6 votes1d
@Chris Brown I’m super genuine. So always love hearing other input and learning from people inside. So no feelings. Thank for educating me.
Love the path your going in
- 1dJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
Hey guys how does buy a handful of rentals replace a 200 to 300k a year job that also comes with health and retirement benefits ??? Unless your paying cash.
I get it as a long term investment but I fail to see how it can replace your monthly income ??? and now that your self employed you have to pay our own insurance etc etc. Of course unless your doing 2 to 4 flips a year and making 50 to 100k per flip or new build ?.. how does this all work math wise.
I suspect a lot of folks that take the voluntary program were close to retirement anyway ???
- 22hChris BrownPro MemberInvestor · Locust Grove, GA · Member since 2023 · 23 posts · 13 votes
Hi Jay,
I completely understand where you're coming from. When you see blog posts or YouTube videos claiming, "I retired with four rental properties," it's easy to wonder how that's possible, especially for someone earning $200,000 to $300,000 per year. In many cases, it isn't that simple.
The reality is that everyone's financial situation, expenses, and goals are different. Financial freedom is based on replacing your expenses, not necessarily your income. If someone has lower living expenses, they need less passive income and therefore less investment capital to reach financial independence.
I'm actually in a similar position. My goal isn't just to retire from my W-2 job, but to replace that high income with a comparable level of cash flow and wealth generation.
A couple of things to consider:
Is the $200,000 to $300,000 figure gross income or net income? Real estate offers several tax advantages that can significantly reduce your taxable income and improve your overall financial picture.
Real estate is not a get-rich-quick strategy. One thing I appreciate about what Dion McNeeley teaches is his realistic perspective. He often points out that achieving financial freedom through real estate typically takes around 8-10 years on average. While that may sound like a long time, compare it to the 20+ years many people would need to continue working at their current job before reaching retirement. Depending on your age and goals, real estate can actually be a faster path to financial freedom.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal goals and the reasons behind them. Once you're clear on what you're trying to achieve, it's much easier to determine whether real estate is the right vehicle to get there.
I'd recommend checking out Dion McNeeley's "Dion Talk Financial Freedom" videos on YouTube. He has a lot of great content that dives into these topics and provides a realistic framework for evaluating what's possible with real estate investing.
I hope this helps. Happy to talk more if you have more questions. - Member since 2026 · 11 posts · 3 votes21h
@Jay Hinrichs I was 55 when I was offered a check to leave after 33 years with Motorola. Took the year severance and a million in my 401K and bought 20 B class single family houses in between Austin and San Antonio along IH35 over the next few years. Some call me lucky, I call it God's grace. It can't be done today the way I did it 10 years ago that's for sure.
- 20hJay HinrichsBusiness MemberReal Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
key factor is you had a MILLION to start with that changes the ability to succeed a tonne. Plus market conditions at the time you bought etc. Congrats.
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