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.

I quit my dream job as an airline pilot when I surprisingly became pregnant with twins. I now rely on my retirement savings.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
kim cooper in front of a southwest plane
The author loved her job as an airline pilot.

Courtesy of Kim Cooper

My mom told me she never wanted grandkids. When I became pregnant, she was distant and absent — until she met her grandson.

Tech Insider : Business
a grandmother watching her grandson knead dough
The author's mother (not pictured) didn't want grandchildren.

Cultura Creative/Getty Images

I loved living abroad in Mexico, but thought taking a job in Chicago would help me settle down. It was a big letdown.

Tech Insider : Business
woman in purple t-shirt standing next to sign with a quote that begins
Niesha Davis while on a bus tour of the Englewood Chicago area.

Courtesy of Niesha Davis

After getting a surprise inheritance of $20,000 from my aunt, I started traveling. Now, I live in Argentina.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author wearing a purple hat and standing on a beach.
The author has gone on three big trips so far with his inheritance.

Courtesy of Chris Turner-Neal

I use my vacations to visit friends and family. My trips are easier, less expensive, and more meaningful.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author and her friend posing while on a hike in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado.
I love using my vacations to visit loved ones around the world.

Erin Greenawald

A stranger complimented my parenting skills. Years later, I still think about what they said.

Tech Insider : Business
The author and her son sit an an outdoor cafe.
TK

Courtesy of Crystal Hoshaw.

I'm a VP at Nespresso and pregnant with my third child. People have asked me if this is what I really wanted.

Tech Insider : Business
Jessica Padula headshot

Courtesy of the author

  • I'm 39 and pregnant with my third baby.
  • People have asked me if having three kids and a career is what I wanted.
  • Having a good parental leave and a support network around me allows me to do this.

"Was this what you wanted?"

I turned my screened-in porch into a home office this summer, so my daughter and I could work our remote jobs side by side

Tech Insider : Business
Jennifer Young and her daughter sitting on a couch working
The author (left) and her daughter (right) work from home side by side.

Courtesy of Jennifer Young

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