I'm an empty nester. As a single parent, the shift feels lonely.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author with her two kids during Christmas 2024.
The author is a single parent and, for the first time, now an empty nester.

Courtesy of Kelly Magyarics

I've learned that stress-free travel with kids means breaking some rules

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author poses at a pyramid with her family.
Some parents try to follow a bunch of rules when they travel with their kids, but the author thinks it's better to break them.

Courtesy of Jamie Davis Smith

I didn't take over my family's successful business after my mom died. I often wondered if it was the right choice.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author poses with her mother on a mountain vista in 2016.
The author, shown with her mother in 2016, always thought she would take over her mom's day care business. Then her mom got sick, and everything changed.

Courtesy of Alyssa Wiens

I teach at the same college where I earned my bachelor's. It's weird being on this side of the classroom.

Tech Insider : Business
Sefanie Chae pn her college campus
The author is now a teacher at her college.

Courtesy of Sefanie Chae

I left Nashville for a Maryland suburb. Eleven years later, I've finally made peace with the trade-off.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Sports
Woman posing for photo
The author left Nashville 11 years ago.

Courtesy of the author

Five years of living in a tiny home taught me that the biggest sacrifices had nothing to do with space or stuff

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Author Amber McDaniel sitting at small dining table
Tiny living has changed my perspective on socializing and reshaped how I connect with others.

Amber McDaniel

I love traveling solo. It's easier to meet new people and go on spontaneous adventures without my partner.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author in front of a mural wall.
Though the author is not single, she prefers traveling solo.

Courtesy of Jennifer Sizeland

I thought I was working towards something I wanted, then I realized I was living someone else's life

Tech Insider : Business
Author, Erin Coupe.
Erin Coupe's "I Can Fit That In: How Rituals (Not Routines) Transform Your Life" is out November 5th.

Courtesy of Chloe Camille Sheldon via Erin Coupe

My family of 6 moved in with my in-laws while our home was renovated. It was stressful, but so good for my kids.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Woman taking selfie
The author moved into her in-laws with her four children.

Courtesy of the author

I broke a big rule of college applications by writing about my mother. My love for her got me into Yale and Stanford.

Tech Insider : Business
Brian Zhang as a baby being held by his mom
The author wrote about his mother in his college essays.

Courtesy of Brian Zhang

Subscribe to Essay