I moved to southern France 2 months ago. I speak French, but the culture shock is more than I was expecting.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Sports
woman in white and blue dress on narrow street in Hyères
Rachel Hosie exploring Hyères.

Courtesy of Rachel Hosie

I was paying $3,000 to live in a cramped Seattle apartment. When I got laid off, I moved out and now live in other people's homes for free as a traveling pet sitter.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
close up of woman with dog
Amber Campbell with one of the dogs she looked after.

Courtesy of Amber Campbell

We were tired of suburban life, so we traded it all in for life in the wilds of northern Minnesota. We've never felt more at home.

Tech Insider : Business
woman in winter coat with snow in background
Kate Westlund Tovsen in Minnesota in winter.

Courtesy of Kate Westlund Tovsen

We had a low mortgage and lived comfortably in Maryland but gave it all up for a fresh start in Georgia. I'm now divorced with a higher mortgage and regret.

Tech Insider : Business
Baltimore, Maryland skyline
Baltimore skyline.

Dee Liu/Getty Images

As an upper-income dad, I spend most of my expendable income on my kids' activities. I fear I'm giving them an unfair advantage.

Tech Insider : Business
Christopher Wink and his kid in the pool
The author worries he's giving his kids an unfair advantage.

Courtesy of Christopher Wink

Parenting is hard for everyone, so I've decided to stop faking it when others ask how I'm doing

Tech Insider : Business
A mom holds her baby.
Even if she had only had a few hours of sleep and the house was a mess, the author (not pictured) would usually say, "I'm good," when others asked how she was. Then, one day, she gave a real answer.

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My son brought home his college girlfriend for a week. We had to set ground rules, but yes, they slept in the same room.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
college boyfriend and girlfriend laying in bed
The author's son (not pictured) had his new girlfriend stay over.

Lock Stock/Getty Images

I took a 12-day solo trip to Nepal without my family. It's one of the best I've ever taken.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Politics
woman standing in front of long staircase outdoors in Nepal
Judy Koutsky hiking up Champa Devi.

Courtesy of Judy Koutsky

Instead of downsizing, we bought a bigger house. Our family uses the space, even if cleaning is endless and bills are higher.

Tech Insider : Business
A family walking into a home being shown by a real estate agent.
The author and her family (not pictured) moved into a bigger home when their friends were downsizing.

Anchiy/Getty Images

Growing up, I spent nearly every weekend with my grandmother. She made me see that I am smart and powerful.

Tech Insider : Business
The author on her wedding day with her grandmother.
TK

Courtesy of Leslie Mancillas.

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