My 20-year-old son and I went on a cruise together. It was the first time we ever spent one-on-one time.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Cheryl Maguire and her son in front of the water
The author took her son on a cruise.

Courtesy of Cheryl Maguire

I switched schools 10 times, between homeschool, public, and private. It shaped how I parent.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
Two kids doing math homework together at a kitchen table.
The author (not pictured) went to public school, private school, and also did homeschooling while growing up.

CG Tan/Getty Images

I decided to stop dating after my third divorce. I've never been happier.

Tech Insider : Business
The author at the farmer's market.
The author enjoys spending time by herself, and with her friends and loved ones.

Courtesy of Jennifer Jane

I pay for date-night babysitters by selling my clutter on Facebook

Tech Insider : Business
The author and her husband smile while posing outside of a restaurant on a recent date night.
The author, pictured with her husband, sells unwanted items on Facebook weekly to make extra cash to pay for date-night sitters.

Courtesy of Alexandra Frost

We are on day 37 of no paycheck for my husband. We've cut all our subscriptions and have a shopping ban to make it through the shutdown.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Travel
Couple hiking
The author's husband is a federal employee.

Courtesy of the author

I'm a dad, and I balance 2 careers while parenting. I've embraced imperfection and model resilience for my kids.

Tech Insider : Business
A father with his child while sitting at a kitchen table with a laptop.
The author (not pictured) balances two careers while parenting.

svetikd/Getty Images

I'm not married and don't have children. I still have a will specifying where my money should go.

Tech Insider : Business
The author poses near a marsh.
The author admits that being superstitious kept her from making a will.

Courtesy of Elana Rabinowitz

My boyfriend and I decided not to buy a house and instead rent small studios. Minimalist living works for us.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Catherine Work and her boyfriend at dinner table
The author and her boyfriend prefer a minimalist lifestyle.

Courtesy of Catherine Work

As a dietitian and mom, I focus on boosting my kids' immune system during cold months. Here's what I buy.

Tech Insider : Business
Family with two kids
The author buys certain Costco items to keep her family nourished and protected during the cold months.

Courtesy of the author

My 81-year-old grandma is still in remarkable health. She says not chasing traditional success is the key to her longevity.

Tech Insider : Business
Janelle Jones' grandmother holding balloons that say 80
The author's grandmother is in her 80s.

Courtesy of Janelle Jones

Subscribe to Essay