As an upper-income dad, I spend most of my expendable income on my kids' activities. I fear I'm giving them an unfair advantage.

Tech Insider : Business
Christopher Wink and his kid in the pool
The author worries he's giving his kids an unfair advantage.

Courtesy of Christopher Wink

Parenting is hard for everyone, so I've decided to stop faking it when others ask how I'm doing

Tech Insider : Business
A mom holds her baby.
Even if she had only had a few hours of sleep and the house was a mess, the author (not pictured) would usually say, "I'm good," when others asked how she was. Then, one day, she gave a real answer.

d3sign/Getty Images

My son brought home his college girlfriend for a week. We had to set ground rules, but yes, they slept in the same room.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
college boyfriend and girlfriend laying in bed
The author's son (not pictured) had his new girlfriend stay over.

Lock Stock/Getty Images

I took a 12-day solo trip to Nepal without my family. It's one of the best I've ever taken.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Politics
woman standing in front of long staircase outdoors in Nepal
Judy Koutsky hiking up Champa Devi.

Courtesy of Judy Koutsky

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

Subscribe to Essay