I was laid off by Google, then asked to come back. I gave up a 6figure salary and unvested stock to bet on my startup.

Image for article I was laid off by Google, then asked to come back. I gave up a 6figure salary and unvested stock to bet on my startup.
News Source : Business Insider

News Summary

  • Rob Waters, 42, cofounded Kanawai AI and lives in San Francisco.
  • He was laid off from Google in November 2025.
  • Waters: "I could return to Google and restart the cycle of a high salary and equity vesting, or I could see this as my opportunity to finally pursue my startup dreams" "It was time to bet on myself.
  • The move — putting my Virginia house up for sale — was part of betting on the company I'm betting on," he says.
This astoldto essay is based on a conversation with Rob Waters, a former Google employee who was laid off last November. The 42yearold cofounded Kanawai AI and lives in San Francisco.

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