This first-person narrative stems from a discussion with Rob Waters, a 42-year-old ex-Google staffer dismissed last November who co-founded Kanawai AI and resides in San Francisco. The account has been condensed and clarified for readability.
In November 2025, while en route to Los Angeles for a client meeting, my laptop screen abruptly went dark. After rebooting, I couldn’t log back in. Then my personal phone vibrated with an email from Google HR stating my position had been eliminated due to layoffs, effective immediately with zero warning.
I had to contact the client from my personal email to cancel our meeting. The timing seemed surreal — like a scene from a film.
I’d dedicated nearly six years to Google, a lifelong career aspiration, culminating in leading the data analytics and AI sales specialist team for Google Public Sector. Then, instantly, it vanished.
I had an opportunity to return to Google
I arrived in Los Angeles around 12:30 AM. Before sleeping, I saw an email from my manager scheduling an 8:30 AM Eastern call — 5:30 AM Pacific — leaving me roughly two hours of rest.
During that conversation, I learned about a new team forming and was urged to apply when the position opened. By early December, Google extended a six-figure offer. Accepting would restore financial stability and continued stock vesting. I calculated declining meant forfeiting approximately six figures in equity. With a wife and son to consider, the choice was agonizing.
Yet how my Google tenure ended altered my perspective on returning. I’d grown disillusioned with internal bureaucracy and reorganization handling. After pouring immense effort into my role, the layoff felt like the only return on that investment.
Launching my own company had been a long-held ambition, but leaving a secure corporate role always seemed daunting. The layoff forced the decision. I could re-enter the Google cycle of high pay and vesting, or seize this moment to pursue my entrepreneurial dream. I viewed it as now or never.
Ultimately, I declined. It was time to wager on myself.
I relocated across the country to pursue my startup
I didn’t actively develop my venture until January, after fully severing ties with Google to avoid legal complications. Months later, a former Google colleague departed, and we collaborated on what became Kanawai AI. We’re creating an AI system of record — a single platform delivering AI visibility, governance, and security mainly for commercial and enterprise clients.
For the first half of 2026, I commuted regularly between Virginia and California. The West Coast offered superior access to founders, builders, venture capital, and the startup ecosystem. Eventually, I moved to accelerate growth.
On July 1, I relocated to San Francisco with just two suitcases and computer equipment. Securing housing was challenging without income, relying on savings. But I eventually leased a two-bedroom apartment.
Earlier this month, roughly two months post-move, my wife and son joined me. Listing our Virginia home was part of committing fully to this venture.
Founders need a touch of delusion
Transitioning from a six-figure Google salary to zero income as an entrepreneur was brutally difficult. Since departing, I’ve lived on savings without a salary.
The saying goes founders must be slightly delusional. But I saw this as a now-or-never moment. I’m not the typical 22-year-old Stanford founder, but bring years of AI and data experience, including in demanding environments, which I believe is advantageous now.
We’re early-stage but already onboarding platform clients, partnering with major tech vendors, and initiating a pre-seed raise in San Francisco.
My top career advice for tech professionals: never get too comfortable. Discomfort drives growth — whether pursuing certifications, promotions, job changes, or radical pivots. Only you know your next uncomfortable step.
I’ve long dreamed of two things: working at Google and founding a company. I spent nearly six years achieving the first. Now I’m betting on the second.
Nothing is guaranteed, especially in Silicon Valley. But the chance to pursue both dreams makes it worthwhile.
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