I'm the primary caregiver for my mother-in-law. She's 102, and putting her into a nursing home nearly broke me.

Tech Insider : Business
Alison Pena and her mother in law in bed with a 102 balloon over them
The author (right) is the primary caregiver for her mother-in-law.

Courtesy of Alison Pena

My aunt moved in with my family when my uncle died. We thought we were helping her, but really, she helped us.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author's family.
The author, third from left, says that when her aunt, fourth from left, moved in, it was good for the whole family.

Courtesy of Christina Daves

I work full-time in a traveling circus. I've traveled the world, but it's not always glamorous.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman doing trapeze
The author lives in a traveling circus.

Courtesy of the author

I tried being a digital nomad in Portugal. It wasn't the dream I expected.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author in Lisbon in 2018.
The author thought that living and working in Portugal as a digital nomad would feel like living in a dreamy Instagram feed. It wasn't that easy.

Courtesy of Charlotte Grainger

I got married 10 years ago. When I look back on my wedding gifts, I'm surprised by what stood the test of time.

Tech Insider : Business
A composite image, on the left are four pieces of pottery, and on the right are hand-painted wine glasses.
The author and her husband still love and use pottery from a friend, as well as hand-painted wine glasses received as wedding gifts.

Courtesy of Laura Leavitt

My husband and I were looking forward to being empty nesters. Then my brother with Down syndrome asked if he could move in.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman with brother
The author's brother moved in with her and her husband in 2025.

Courtesy of the author

I forgot my headphones when I went to the gym. It led to a great conversation with a stranger.

Tech Insider : Business
The author at the gym with a barbell on her shoulders
The author found that forgetting her headphones when she went to the gym actually led to a good thing.

Courtesy of Mikala Jamison

I fell in love with my friend's twin. We had only dated long-distance before he proposed and I said 'yes.'

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Family posing with pumpkins
The author got engaged to her now-husband after only dating long distance.

Courtesy of the author

I decided to stop dating after my third divorce. I've never been happier.

Tech Insider : Business
The author at the farmer's market.
The author enjoys spending time by herself, and with her friends and loved ones.

Courtesy of Jennifer Jane

I'm not married and don't have children. I still have a will specifying where my money should go.

Tech Insider : Business
The author poses near a marsh.
The author admits that being superstitious kept her from making a will.

Courtesy of Elana Rabinowitz

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