All good things come to an end

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After 23 engaging years at Microsoft – and having made it through at least 10 rounds of layoffs – my name was pulled from the hat, and I was asked to pack my things and leave.

That is obviously not entirely how it went, but it definitely is how it felt.

On the bright side, this gives me the chance to pursue a long-overdue dream: starting my own business and helping customers and partners in areas where I can truly make a difference.

Running my own business also gives me the flexibility to prioritize myself, my family and our overall wellbeing to a higher extent than has been possible for a long time.

So, what’s next?

As already stated, I’m starting my own business and will soon begin offering services to customers and partners who could use my help – more details coming soon.

I’ll also be dusting off my golf clubs, getting back into a regular exercise routine, and hopefully hitting the bike trails again.

But first, a break: I’ll spend June wrapping things up, then head to Greenland and Iceland in July with my wife and close friends – finally taking a real vacation, without a Microsoft laptop.

Follow me here on my blog, on LinkedIn or on my future homepage, which I will share here as well.

Godspeed

Freddy

8 thoughts on “All good things come to an end”

  1. Hello Freddy, from the southern tip (or nearly) of Africa – Cape town, South Africa.

    This is sad, and it is also good from so many angles. I am really glad for you to be able to do your own thing and generate your won revenue and create your own free time and Family time.

    Thank you for all the anonymous input you have given me and my colleagues over the many years of NAV and BC – you have always been a beacon of truth for us and it’s more deeply appreciated than you can imagine.

    Best of luck with the new venture – your followers will stick with you.

    Lind regards,
    Theo Stock
    +27 82 451 0436

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  2. I must give you a big THANK YOU! for all the effort you have put in to help us partners on sorting out our daily work life in the last couple of years. It hasnt been easy but your work has helped.

    I wish you a great vacation and all the luck with your future adventures.

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  3. Hi Freddy

    You were such a bright spot for me at Microsoft. Your calm and measured approach to technical challenges and ensuring you made things better for everyone are only some of the things I remember. That was appreciated especially as the environment was quickly evolving.

    While it’s been a while since I was in the channel I still miss the conferences and the chance to meet with you and some of the others on the team.

    If you ever find yourself in the Toronto are don’t hesitate to reach out. I can hook you up with a bike and trails or some skiing depending on the time of year!

    I hope your family is all doing well. Enjoy your travels and the time dedicated to you being you again.

    Dan Oughton

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  4. Thank you for all the help you give with both BCConatinerHelper and AL-Go for GitHub. I have always been impressed by the speed at which you answer queries and the level of help you give.

    I’m really sad to here this news, but can imagine there are equal amounts of sadness and excitement you for the future. I’m sure you will have plenty of opprortunities, good luck.

    Nick Goddard

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  5. You’re always welcome to visit Tanya and I in Utah for some skiing in the winter, white water river rafting in the spring, and hiking and biking in the summer.

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  6. Hi Freddy,

    Want to thank you for your years of great help and for always replying to emails with that impressive speed as Nick Goddard already said above. It feels like your are always online for your partners, did you sleep enough 😉 ?

    Wishing you all the best in your next chapter – I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ll build!

    Kind regards,
    Bart van Beek

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