In response to the global economic downturn, Microsoft announced its plan to adjust the company’s cost structure through spending reductions and job eliminations. The company has begun its next round of layoffs in the ongoing cutbacks announced earlier this year, with 5,000 employees about to get the axe. That wasn't good enough, apparently, as the suits that populate the office needed a few more ivory back scratchers, and the number of Microsoft layoffs has been expanded, as they are eliminating 800 more jobs. Microsoft, based in Redmond, Washington, one of the largest employers of the greater Seattle area, has also posted contractor jobs to make up for the losses, but pay less. However, the workers that gave the company its success by their labor are rewarded for service with more Microsoft layoffs and anxiety about when they get their next pay day.