I won $160,000 in a lottery and spent it all. Here's how I had fun and invested in my future.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Person seated in a teal armchair holds a smartphone on a stabilizer in a bright ornate interior.
Olivia Love won the lottery and started a business.

Courteys of Picture This by Caitlin

I moved across the country for a dream job. Within a year, I realized I'd made a mistake.

Tech Insider : Business
The writer and her cat in a packed van, moving across the country for a job.
I drove across the country for my dream job.

Roshelle Patterson

I never planned to leave New York City, but moving back to my Florida hometown helped me pursue my dream career

Tech Insider : Business
The writer, her husband, and her two kids in matching red shirts.
Florida has been great for our growing family, and living here has also given me the flexibility and opportunity to pursue my dream job in publishing.

Lauren Khan

I quit my job and started over as an unpaid intern at 31. I was the oldest person in the room, but it led to my dream job.

Tech Insider : Business
Jackie Garcia-Morales golding a book and reading it in front of her bookcase
The author pivoted her career by taking an unpaid internship in her 30s.

Courtesy of Jackie Garcia-Morales

I graduated from college with my dream job. I don't know if I'll ever feel that level of success again.

Tech Insider : Business
Laura stands in front of an orange sign that says Studio 1A.
After graduating from college, I got my dream job as an NBC page.

Laura Millar

My mother says she plans to never retire because she loves what she does. I wish I could say the same about my career.

Tech Insider : Business
Teddy Rainville pulling a hose from an oil truck
The author wishes he had a career that he loves.

Courtesy of Teddy Rainville

I left California for my dream career in New York. I felt burned out and dissatisfied — so I took success into my own hands.

Tech Insider : Business, Politics, Style
The author posing in New York City.
I moved to New York City for my dream job, but after dealing with burn out, I had to redefine success.

Ruby Ford-Dunker

I spent years traveling nonstop. It took me too long to admit my 'dream life' was actually horrible for my health.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Meredith Bethune in the grand canyon
Traveling nonstop sounds incredible, but it can come with some serious drawbacks.

Meredith Bethune

How a writer got his dream job making a fantasy book for the nerdworld empire Critical Role

Tech Insider : Business
A headshot of writer Martin Cahill.
Martin Cahill is the fantasy writer and wordsmith behind Critical Role's "The Armory of Heroes."

Insight Editions

I share a $4,000 New York City apartment with 2 friends. My room has no windows, but I love my living situation.

Tech Insider : Business, Style, Travel
Sheldon Skoboloff and his two roommates
The author (left) loves living with his two roommates in New York City.

Courtesy of Sheldon Skoboloff

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