I got laid off and used my severance money to launch a startup. Here's why it felt like less of a gamble than pursuing an MBA.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Technology
Sam Perry headshot
Sam Perry, 40, was laid off in 2022.

Courtesy of Sam Perry

I thought I'd be lonely moving to a new city at 58. I swallowed my fear and made a friend I now consider a brother.

Tech Insider : Business
Scott Scovel and his friend Bruno are sitting down at a table for lunch. On the table there's some sushi on plates and drink glasses.
Scovel reconnected with his acquaintance, Bruno, and the two became good friends.

Courtesy of Scott Scovel

I got laid off from Amazon after 11 years. My high school daughter taught me the biggest lesson on how to move forward.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
Hemant Virmani headshot
Hemant Virmani says his Amazon layoff motivated him to prioritize his health.

Courtesy of John Ludeman

So long, New York: Why Bethenny Frankel says Miami is the 'new LA'

Tech Insider : Business
Bethenny Frankel
Bethenny Frankel made her name on "Real Housewives of New York City."

Sam Dietch

'KGB' is how the AI spending boom will play out

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Bernard Golden
Bernard Golden, CEO of Navica

Courtesy of Bernard Golden

I'm a solo founder with AI agents instead of employees. My 'council' of AI agents saves me 20 hours a week.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Aaron Sneed

Michelle Bruzzese for BI

I used Claude to negotiate $163,000 off a hospital bill. In a complex healthcare system, AI is giving patients power.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology, Travel
Stethoscope and medical bill
Stethoscope and medical bill

DNY59/Getty Images

I helped Mark Zuckerberg start Facebook and now I'm the CEO of Philo. Here's a day in my life in San Francisco balancing work and kids.

Tech Insider : Technology, Business, Travel
Andrew McCollum

Jason Henry for BI

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Andrew McCollum, the 42-year-old CEO of Philo, based in San Francisco. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I'm 18 and plan to study computer science in the fall. AI won't scare me away — here's my plan.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Smiling at the camera, a young person with round glasses and braces stands outdoors against a blurred backdrop of trees.
Alex Seungyong Yang plans to attend university in the fall.

Courtesy of Alex Seungyong Yang

I was loyal to my company for 7 years and regret it. I left with debt and without a 401(k).

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Environment
headshot of a woman on a light pink background
Andie Mercer.

Courtesy of Andie Mercer

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