I was 17 when I gave birth to my son. Now that he's off to college, I'm trying to figure out who I am.

Tech Insider
Winnie Thompson and her family
Winnie Thompson dropped of her son in college in 2024 and is figuring life without him at home.

Courtesy of Winnie Thompson

My daughter was too overwhelmed to focus on her college applications. I became the nagging parent.

Tech Insider
a selfie of Alana Sheeren and her daughter
The author, left, is frustrated because her daughter, right, doesn't want to do her college applications.

Courtesy of Alana Sheeren

I'm a college professor, and I'm not sure I'll send my kid to college. A degree isn't required for success.

Tech Insider
a professor sitting in a college classroom with students at desks
The author, not pictured, is a professor but won't require her son to go to college.

Maskot/Getty Images/Maskot

Only children are everywhere now — and they might just save America

Tech Insider : Economy
A baby wearing a crown

iStock; Rebecca Zisser/BI

I lived in NYC with my 6 siblings during undergrad. For graduate school, I was determined to go abroad.

Tech Insider : Travel
A girl poses at a cafe
Omarni Webb left New York City to pursue a master's degree in Sweden

Omarni Webb

I wanted my daughter to graduate from college debt-free, so I bought a storage unit business. It paid for her entire tuition.

Tech Insider
Nancy Brier cleaning out a storage unit
The author owns a storage unit business to pay for her daughter's college tuition.

Courtesy of Lauren Trippeer

When I was 11, I made a friend who changed the trajectory of my life. She inspired me to go to college and try harder.

Tech Insider
Three young women standing in a rural valley in northern England.
The author, left, pictured with her school friend, Geraldine, center, and another friend in their native England when they were in their mid-20s.

Courtesy of Jane Ridley

My daughter decided not to go to college right after high school. I'm proud of her for exploring her interests first.

Tech Insider
a high school graduate hugging a friend
The author, not pictured, was surprised to learn her daughter didn't want to go to college yet.

FatCamera/Getty Images

I'm a 2-time college dropout and I followed this unusual career advice to land my dream job working in a national park

Tech Insider
Woman outdoors
Yosemite National Park is among the places Megan Wright has worked after she decided to leave college and follow her dreams.

Megan Wright

I'm a multimillionaire and father of 3. I'll pay for my kids' college, but I didn't mind when my middle son decided it wasn't for him.

Tech Insider
Greg Clement folding his arms and standing in front of a teal wall and smiling.
Greg Clement became a millionaire at 33.

Courtesy of Greg Clement

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