I never wanted kids. My partner has a son, and it's been unexpectedly great.

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Woman with arm around teenage son, sitting at table, view from behind.
Alexandra Saville (not pictured) never wanted kids but was surprised by how much she enjoyed having a relationship with her partner's son.

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I got my master's degree and have 5 freelance gigs, but I still can't make ends meet. I rely on my parents for financial support.

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Averee Nelson smiling at camera in front of manhattan skyline
The writer relies on her parents for financial support.

Courtesy of Averee Nelson

My husband and I divorced because of differing political beliefs. I still love him, but we want different futures.

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a couple hugging in front of a window
The author, not pictured, divorced her husband in their 50s.

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We rented our house on Airbnb for 15 years. It was so much work that we had to stop.

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A young couple arriving at the accommodation with their suitcases.
Guests arrive at their accommodations.

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I worked remotely for 4 years and felt isolated, without any real connections with my coworkers. I decided to quit.

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aerial view of a woman working on her laptop
The writer, not pictured, felt lonely working remotely.

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I decided not to have a second child and have no regrets. The benefits are just too good.

Tech Insider : Travel
Nicole Findlay and her son wearing red and white jerseys and smiling at the camera on a sunny day.
Nicole Findlay's son is an only child.

Courtesy Nicole Findlay

I'm almost 30, but I was doing better financially at age 21. I made the best career move for my health, and I'm not ashamed.

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Man posing for photo
The author is 28 and quit his full time job to become a freelancer.

Courtesy of the author

My dad is Black and my mom is white. I struggle to embrace my identity.

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A toddler with two parents.
The author says growing up, she didn't have a community to help her celebrate her biracial identity.

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I used to explore abandoned places as a kid. When I started exploring them again as an adult, I made a career out of it.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
side by side image of Blake Pfeil standing in front of an abandoned building
The author has explored abandoned places since he was a kid.

Courtesy of Blake Pfeil

I run a preschool and see how gentle parenting has made parents less engaged with their kids. It's time to ditch parenting scripts.

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Mothers talking in a school group in a playroom
Parent's talk amongst themselves in a playroom

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