I started smoking when I was a teen and quit 20 times. I still love the occasional cigarette.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman wearing glasses, a white T-shirt, and jeans sitting on the ground and smiling while leaning on a bed.
Andrea Javor started doing insulin shots in public.

Photo credit: Lisa Kay Creative Photography

I thought traveling with toddlers was impossible. Now we live in Spain for 2 months at a time — and it's cheaper than Disney.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
John Paul Hernandez and his family sitting on a spanish beach
The author and his family travel to Spain for two-month stints.

Courtesy of John Paul Hernandez

My company announced a return-to-office policy a few weeks ago. It's already affecting my relationship with my partner.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
a man sitting at a desk surrouned by papers and laptop
The author (not pictured) received an RTO mandate.

Claudio Borquez/Getty Images

I have the best talks with my preteen son when I drive him to school in the morning. I hope he knows I'm always here for him.

Tech Insider : Business
The author with her son, both wearing Gator's Basketball merch.
The author tries to make sure her son's birthday feels separate from holiday celebrations.

Courtesy of Ashley Archambault

I took my first solo trip to Iceland. It didn't transform me, but it did wonders for my anxiety levels and confidence.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Woman smiling in selfie
I built my confidence and worked on my anxiety while traveling alone on my first solo trip.

Lily Voss

I'm 39 but just started contributing to a 401(k) account. I have what I call 'retirement planning paralysis.'

Tech Insider : Economy, Economy, Business
Emily Achler selfie
The author has always struggled to plan for retirement.

Courtesy of Emily Achler

After graduating from NYU, I had to leave New York because I couldn't afford it. I had to move back in with my parents.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Travel
the author in her NYU graduation gown, holding flowers
The author graduated from New York University.

Courtesy of Diana Solis

After a breakup, I put my belongings in storage and traveled full-time for 3 years. It was the best chapter of my life.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer posing in front of a colorful yellow door in Mexico City.
captiontk - mexico city

Samantha Caffrey

I played hooky from a work conference to spend the day with my daughter. Our adventures were well worth the guilt.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Cheryl Maguire and her daughter at the Guggenheim musem
The author (right) spent the whole day with her daughter instead of her work conference.

Courtesy of Cheryl Maguire

Most of my kids have moved out of the house, except for my youngest. I'm worried she's lonely in our near-empty nest.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Travel
Laura falin and her daughter
The author is worried her daughter might be lonely in the near-empty nest.

Courtesy of Laura Falin

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