We quit our jobs to buy a sailboat and enjoy a 'first retirement' — it's been worth the risk

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Technology
Charles Boddie and Bianca Chan with their dog
Charles Boddie and Bianca Chan had careers on the upswing, but they quit their jobs and bought a sailboat to travel and pursue hobbies. Months later, they are happy with their decision.

Courtesy photo

I moved abroad for my husband's job. It made me question who I was without my career.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Politics
A woman standing and dressed in black.
Chatrine Siswoyo moved to Hong Kong for her husband's job opportunity.

Provided by Chatrine Siswoyo

I thought it was normal to come home from vacation feeling worse. Then I changed how I travel.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A woman wearing a yellow hat in Paros, Greece.
Maria Laposata and her husband took a year off to travel; she found two-week vacations difficult when they got back.

Provided by Maria Laposata

I've worked with over 100 women returning to the workforce after career breaks. They all downplay their experience.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Palmer headshot
The author coaches women reentering the workforce after a career break.

Courtesy of the author

I left my career to be a stay-at-home mom. I didn't expect to lose my identity.

Tech Insider : Business
mom holding baby

NataliaDeriabina/Getty Images

  • I left my career at 38 to stay home with my child.
  • I struggled with guilt, identity loss, and my changing relationship with money.
  • Over time, I found purpose and connection through shared experiences.

At 38, I faced the toughest decision of my career: whether I wanted to continue working.

When my job started feeling like being with a bad boyfriend, I knew I had to quit

Tech Insider : Business
Lisa Fail
Lisa Fail decided to take a career break after experiencing a "bad boyfriend" moment with her relationship to work.

Courtesy of Lisa Fail

I quit my job to travel for a year. Here are 5 things I'd do differently.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Environment
A woman wearing glasses posing with a sandy road and moutain in the background.
Maria Laposata quit her job and traveled around the world with her husband for a year — there are a few things she'd do differently.

Provided by Maria Laposata

I took a career break to spend a summer with my kids. It changed how I think about work

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
Kids looking at ocean
The author took a summer off to spend it with her kids.

Courtesy of the author

I help women return to professional work. These are the mistakes I see most often.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura Palmer headshot
The author coaches women reentering the workforce after a career break.

Courtesy of the author

They quit, traveled, and rethought their lives — meet the adults taking gap years

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Photo collage featuring travelers with a suitcase, a person practicing yoga or meditation, a backpacker on the move, hikers celebrating at a summit, someone reading a book, and a couple relaxing together.

Getty Images; Alyssa Powell/BI

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