I'm a Princeton-educated engineer, but I left the corporate world to pursue a better work-life balance. Doing so helped me become a millionaire by 30.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Luisa Zhou headshot
Luisa Zhou's parents taught her the importance of working hard.

Courtesy of Luisa Zhou

In my 60s, I sold the home I raised my son in and took a job on a cruise ship. It gave me the freedom I needed.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Woman posing for photo
The author sold her house and took a job as a cruise photographer.

Courtesy of the author

I choose to go to the human cashier at the grocery store. I'm opting for more human interaction.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Midsection of woman paying bill with credit card while standing by counter at supermarket
The author (not pictured) chooses human interaction over self-checkout at the grocery store.

Cavan Images/Getty Images/Cavan Images RF

I met my husband at work, and then we quit our jobs to travel the world together. On that 18-month-long trip, we eloped.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Zoe Ashbridge and her husband with their bikes
The author and her husband traveled the world together before eloping.

Courtesy of Zoe Ashbridge

I'm a federal attorney. I've leveraged my White House experience into a side hustle that makes $70,000 annually.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
Jennifer Clinchy headshot
Jennifer Clinchy worked at the White House for nine years.

Courtesy of Jennifer Clinchy

When I left the Marines, I struggled to adjust to civilian life. Finding work in the real world was the most challenging.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
A patriotic young soldier is walking toward his house with his luggage. Rearview of an American serviceman coming back home after serving in the military.
The author struggled to adjust to civilian life after the Marines.

jacoblund/Getty Images

I spent $200,000 on my dogs. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that, but their intellect makes them really valuable.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
couple posing with their dogs
Reg Haid bought two dogs from Svalinn

Courtesy of Reg Haid

My 98-year-old grandmother is the most positive person I know. I think it's the secret to her long life.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author's grandmother wearing a pink shirt and khaki pants.
The author's grandmother is 98 years old.

Courtesy of Stephanie Mork

I moved in with my girlfriend in London after only a few months of dating. I was terrified.

Tech Insider : Business
boxes and furniture in new apartment
The author and his new partner moved in together in London.

Tirachard/Getty Images

I'm 52 and thought I'd be financially secure by now. But I'm still facing debt and long-term unemployment.

Tech Insider : Business
Chantrise Holliman headshot
The author is still financially struggling in her 50s.

Courtesy of Dana Lee Jones

Subscribe to health-freelancer