Matt WamplerCEO & Co-Founder, ClearCOGS · CEO & Co-Founder, ClearCOGS 🔪

Getting Laid Off Was the Best Worst Day of My Life

11 Nov 2025 · 0 min

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0:26

In this personal narrative, the speaker recounts the disorientation felt after being laid off and the pivotal advice received from a supportive figure who urged them to pursue their lifelong passion for cooking by opening their own restaurant. The speaker reflects on the five‑year journey since taking that advice, highlighting the shift from dependence on external validation to self‑reliance and the fulfillment found in turning a long‑held dream into reality.

Didn't know what steps to take. Didn't know which way to go. She looked at me about a week later. I'll never forget it. And she said that, just go do what you want to do. Go do what you love. Go start your own restaurant. You've done it for 30 years. You love it. You're good at it. Stop depending on everybody else and start depending on yourself. Wow. And 5 years later, I'm sitting here talking to you.