I'm 57 and helping raise my 6 grandchildren in a crowded multigenerational home. I thought my life would be easier by now.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A family in the living room.

Mario Arango/Getty Images

For our third date, we spent 12 hours hiking. It was way better than dinner, and we're still together 2 years later.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Man and woman in desert area on hike
Our third date involved a wild, 12-hour hike. It helped us connect on a deeper level and test our compatibility.

Eibhlis Gale-Coleman

I'm an American who studied abroad at Zhejiang University in China. It was unlike anything I experienced back in the US.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Students in a classroom at Zhejiang University
The author attended a prestigious college in China.

Courtesy of Thomas Stack

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 months ago. My first concern was how expensive treatment would be.

Tech Insider : Business
Family posing for photo
The author was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2025.

Courtesy of the author

I needed to save money, so I challenged myself to a 30-day spending freeze. I learned a lot about my financial habits.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business
a woman pulling out dollars from her wallet
The author decided to stop spending money for a month.

iiievgeniy/Getty Images

We left New York City for the Connecticut suburbs. Our family gained way more than square footage, but it cost us a lot.

Tech Insider : Business
Aerial view of houses in fall in New England
Although moving from New York City to Connecticut's suburbs has come with drawbacks, it's also brought several benefits.

Michael Warren/Getty Images

We didn't need childcare, but we still paid $7,500 to send our toddler to a program for 4 hours a week. It helped her build independence.

Tech Insider : Business
Child walking into school
The author's child attended school for four hours a day.

Courtesy of Michael Matassa

My husband and I moved in with my grandparents to save money. The temporary adjustment period was worth it.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The writer and her grandmother posing in sweaters in front of a Christmas tree.
captiontk

Alessa Hickman

I've got all the parenting skills. I just don't use them when I care for my grandkids.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman holding baby
The author learned how much parenting had changed while taking care of her grandkids.

Courtesy of the author

When I left the Marines, I moved in with other veterans. All our traumas clashed in the house.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
A veteran returns home
The author moved in with other Marines after leaving the service.

South_agency/Getty Images

Subscribe to Essay