My final Microsoft email

It’s tradition for Microsoft retirees to send a final email to their coworkers. It’s not traditional to include a PowerPoint littered with pictures of those coworkers. But, hey, I’ve never been one to follow the rules. Here’s the email, but I really just want to share the memories. Note: I did not obtain permission to share any of these photos, so if you object to photos of yourself or others, let me know and I’ll ditch them!

**********************************************************************************

Hi! As many of you may know, I’m taking advantage of the VRP and my last day with Microsoft will be Thursday, June 25^th. It’s impossible to capture everything, but as I peruse my SkyDrive camera roll, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the people I’ve met who have taught me how to navigate life in Corporate America and the experiences I’ve been fortunate enough to have, both inside and outside the conference room. A massive thank you to everyone! Feel free to skip to my contact info so we can stay in touch. 😊

TL;DR:

Work is work. But here are some highlights of the fun stuff in my last ever Microsoft PowerPoint deck… you might see some familiar faces!

Then there’s the merch! I have fully embraced Microsoft technology over the years, and still have all of it somewhere:

• Variety of Zunes (and their super cool skins) – I still have three, including one arm band for running (as if…).

• Original Surface – we were lucky enough to have two, while David and both worked here. Eventually, we gave them to the kids, which was a lifesaver on long flights.

• Windows phone – if only we had apps! Still the best layout and functionality of its time.

• Microsoft band – (sigh)

• Xbox 360, Xbox ONE, Xbox ONE S, Xbox ONE X… we have a collection. Don’t ask me about my favorite game; I don’t play.

After nearly 20 years, my Microsoft blood still runs thick; I just bought myself my own Surface laptop. I’ll continue to wear all 14 of my Microsoft sweatshirts and 10 t-shirts with pride (plus, they’re all really comfortable). However, the thousands of white board screenshots? I can clear up some serious OneDrive space.

What’s next?

After a bit of R&R, a couple of oblications, and other short trips, I’m applying for a Master’s in Social Work program with the intention of becoming a grief therapist. I also plan to obtain my death doula certification. I’m hoping to learn how to listen and support others through their most challenging of times. I also have plans to learn more about investments (need to cover that pay gap), write a couple of novels, and remodel our kitchen (anyone have a sledgehammer?). And solve world peace.

I will forever write in bullets and think in flowcharts. Cheers to the memories, the lifelong friendships, and myriad lessons learned.

Contact me:

Here’s my personal info (please don’t sell it… or if you do, please cut me in):

• Mobile/WhatsApp: 775.220.3549

• Email: annie.neudorfer@hotmail.com

• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/annieneudorfer

• Instagram: aneudorfer

• Facebook (retiring = I’m old): Annie Briggs Neudorfer

• Myspace: probably aneudorfer

• AOL Chat Rooms: April1575 (pretty sure this is no longer a thing…)

All the best,

Annie

**********************************************************************************

As the saying goes, “That’s all she wrote.” Until my LinkedIn post, that is…