I quit my Ph.D. program to be a wife and mother at 23. It's not what I expected for my post-college life, but I'm happier.

Tech Insider
Terryn Witherspoon-Woolfolk and her husband cutting a cake on their wedding day
The author, left, wanted to be a mother and wife – not an academic.

Courtesy of Trevor Mercer

My son decided to go to a college across the country. I'm already dreading my empty nest, but it's time to let him go.

Tech Insider
a woman hugging a person in graduation gown
The author, not pictured, is dreading her empty nest when her son goes to college.

YinYang/Getty Images

My high school graduation was ruined. I'm now graduating from college and getting the ceremony I deserve.

Tech Insider
the back of a college graduates head in a cap and gown
The author, not pictured, just graduated from college.

Kickstand/Getty Images

I was a stay-at-home mom for 7 years. When I updated my résumé, I realized that so much of mothering applies to jobs.

Tech Insider
Mother and baby girl working on laptop and using phone

South_agency/Getty Images

After my boomer husband retired, we moved to a bigger house. We now have space for our hobbies and grandchildren to visit.

Tech Insider
Couple biking in front of new house
The author and her husband posing with their home after retirement.

Courtesy of the author

My baby boomer parents gave me great financial advice. They taught me to budget and helped me open a checking account at 13.

Tech Insider
Sandrine Jacquot and her parents standing in a room with two yellow chairs and a blue carpet.
Sandrine Jacquot learned about finances from her parents.

Courtesy Sandrine Jacquot

I'm a recent college graduate. No one told me it would be this hard to make ends meet.

Tech Insider
a birds-eye view of a woman typing on a calculator and looking at her bills
The author, not pictured, is a recent college graduate who can't make ends meet.

d3sign/Getty Images

My coworker and I bonded over how much we hated our job. We were in relationships with other people but fell in love anyway.

Tech Insider
Liv Arnold and her husband standing in front of a movie ad
Liv Arnold, left, met her husband at work.

Courtesy of Liv Arnold

I grew up in Florida and used to want to live anywhere else. Now that I'm older, I wouldn't dream of leaving

Tech Insider
Author Ashley Archambault and her family in St Augustine
Now that I'm an adult I love living in Florida with my family.

Ashley Archambault

When my husband and I started working together, I was nervous. But it has only helped our relationship.

Tech Insider
Ashley Archambault and her husband hugging
The author, right, and her husband work together.

Courtesy of Ashley Archambault

Subscribe to Essay