People always talk about becoming an empty nester, but it's also strange to leave the nest empty

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The author with her parents.
When the author moved out for university, she realized it her parents' lives would change, too.

Courtesy of Caitlin Tallack

I don't tell my kids I'll miss them when I travel without them. It's the truth.

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Women on catamaran drinking
The author feels no guilt traveling without her kids.

Courtesy of the author

My job offers little chance for career growth, but I'm sticking with it. It gives me the flexibility I need as a parent.

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The professor walks to her classroom
The author (not shown) has chosen to stay in a job with little chance for career growth.

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My son moved home because of the high cost of living and a low-paying, entry-level job. I never got to be an empty nester.

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a man holding a moving box
The author's son moved home after college.

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My family moved from Vancouver to Toronto for a few months to live with my parents. There have been pros and cons.

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The author and her family at her parents' house.
The author and her husband left Vancouver for the summer to live with family in Toronto.

Courtesy of Riana Ang-Canning

I'm a morning show contributor, and my husband is a firefighter. My daughter's grandparents make our nontraditional careers work.

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The author sitting on a couch with her daughter standing on the ground next to her.
The author says help from her daughter's grandparents makes both her career and her husband's career possible.

Photo credit: Lissette Garcia

Now that my kids are adults, I don't plan our family trips anymore. I'm struggling with just being a guest with no say.

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Silhouette of a Big Family Passengers Waiting for Boarding in the Departure Terminal at the Airport

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Our family lived in Japan for 3 years. We're back in the US now and I really miss these 3 things.

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The author poses in traditional dress she wore during the 3 years she lived abroad in Japan.
The author only lived in Japan for 3 years with her family, but says that 15 years later there are still things that she misses.

Curtesy of Heather Sweeney

I often feel lost because I'm not married and have no kids. My 93-year-old great aunt gave me a freeing piece of advice.

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Anna Zucker traveling alone looking at a waterfront
The author travels alone full-time and often feels lonely.

Courtesy of Anna Zucker

My high school friends and I take yearly trips together. We're in our 30s but still make time for each other.

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Women at the beach
The author takes a trip with her high school friends every year.

Courtesy of the author

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