[1] The riches-to-rags story follows Adams’ journey of self-discovery and redemption after losing his job as vice president of a multi-billion dollar hedge fund and finding work as a server at a local 24-hour diner.

Feeling a sense of guilt for his role in the financial crisis, Adams decides to find a more honest and gratifying job than his previous profession.

After several unsuccessful efforts applying to a variety of blue-collar jobs, Adams is hired as a graveyard shift server at Papa’s Chicken and Waffles, a local 24-hour diner chain (the restaurant was renamed in new versions of the book and in the film).

Collins becomes somewhat of a mentor for Adams, teaching him valuable life lessons about hard work and finance from a fresh perspective.

After six months at Papa’s Chicken and Waffles, Adams returns to the finance industry, this time focusing on financial planning and wealth management.