I supported my son when he changed his college major from law to philosophy. His grandparents warned it was a huge mistake.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
a group of college students in a classroom listening to their professor
The author's son (not pictured) decided to study philosophy.

Skynesher/Getty Images

I was a low-income student, so college never seemed feasible. That changed when I took a college class as a high schooler.

Tech Insider : Business
a female student with a backpack staring into the camera
The author (not pictured) attended a college class as a high schooler.

Maskot/Getty Images/Maskot

I'm a professional declutterer. I help people decide when to get rid of their collections, even if it's difficult.

Tech Insider : Business
Various colored sneakers
The author (not pictured) says getting rid of a collection is harder than a single item

Richard Newstead/Getty Images

I'm a mom and a travel writer. Here's how I encourage independence with my 7-year-old when traveling.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Mother and son at airport looking out window, they are both wearing backpacks.
The author (not pictured) encourages her son to be independent while they travel.

Getty Images

I discovered the key to reducing my toddlers' tantrums. I had to give up some control.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
parent and toddler baking in kitchen
My mindset as a parent plays a key role in my childrens' tantrums.

Cicy/Getty Images

When I asked my coworker out on a date, he rejected me. I'm still glad I put myself out there.

Tech Insider : Business
a woman and man chatting in an office while holding cups
The author (not pictured) asked her coworker on a date.

Westend61/Getty Images/Westend61

My son is a recruited college athlete at Stanford. Imposter syndrome almost led him to drop out.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
a discus player at Stanford
The author's son (not pictured) is a college athlete at Stanford.

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

My family didn't look like everyone else's growing up. My fourth-grade teacher made me feel included.

Tech Insider : Business
Group of Diversity school children learning acrylic art together in art class.
The author (not pictured) felt included by her fourth grade teacher.

VeeStudio89/Getty Images

Parents, I know Elf on the Shelf is a hassle, but I promise you one day you'll miss it

Tech Insider : Business
Terri Peters and her family at Christmas, dressed in formalwear, standing outside on a sidewalk and smiling at the camera.
The author loves spending the holidays with her family, even as traditions change over the years.

Courtesy of Terri Peters

I'm the eldest sibling and feel financial pressure during the holidays. I'm making less money this year and don't want to let my family down.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman sitting at table with Christmas gifts, using calculator to add up budget
The author (not pictured) had to figure out a holiday budget this year.

Anna Ostanina/Getty Images

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