Tech entrepreneur cries out over job loss, depression, life-altering surgery

A Nigerian tech entrepreneur, Toba Samuel, has shared a deeply emotional story about how 2025 became the toughest year of his life, a year he says “broke and undid all the healing” he had experienced from previous struggles.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Toba recounted losing his full-time job in the United States early in the year, followed by another major career setback, losing a $240,000-per-year offer that included relocation benefits.

He revealed that the rejection email came unexpectedly after he had already reached a verbal agreement with the company’s CEO, describing it as a devastating blow that worsened his depression.

As if that wasn’t enough, Toba was soon diagnosed with a bone tumor that had weakened his femur and hip, forcing him to undergo a major surgery costing over $17,000 in just two months.

“Every year comes with its own baggage, but I think this year broke me,” he wrote.
“I was laid off from my full-time job in February, went through depression, lost a $240k job in July, and later found out I had a bone tumor. I spent August and September in the hospital tied to a bed.

“This year has been a big lesson in pain and tears, but things are beginning to look up. We move.”