I quit my Ph.D. program to be a wife and mother at 23. It's not what I expected for my post-college life, but I'm happier.

Tech Insider
Terryn Witherspoon-Woolfolk and her husband cutting a cake on their wedding day
The author, left, wanted to be a mother and wife – not an academic.

Courtesy of Trevor Mercer

After my boomer husband retired, we moved to a bigger house. We now have space for our hobbies and grandchildren to visit.

Tech Insider
Couple biking in front of new house
The author and her husband posing with their home after retirement.

Courtesy of the author

My baby boomer parents gave me great financial advice. They taught me to budget and helped me open a checking account at 13.

Tech Insider
Sandrine Jacquot and her parents standing in a room with two yellow chairs and a blue carpet.
Sandrine Jacquot learned about finances from her parents.

Courtesy Sandrine Jacquot

My coworker and I bonded over how much we hated our job. We were in relationships with other people but fell in love anyway.

Tech Insider
Liv Arnold and her husband standing in front of a movie ad
Liv Arnold, left, met her husband at work.

Courtesy of Liv Arnold

I'm a boomer and retiring soon. I can't wait to do everything I want but don't have time for.

Tech Insider
Well dressed senior couple dating together in city centre, old town
The author is jealous of her husband who is already retired, and can't wait to travel to Italy together.

Halfpoint Images/Getty Images

After my difficult breakup with a coworker, we were forced to work together on a project. It was too painful, so I quit.

Tech Insider
ana fota holding a drink while smiling in a crowd
The author, middle, broke up with her coworker.

Courtesy of Flora van de Walle de Ghelcke

My partner and I are remodeling our house by ourselves while living in it. It hasn't been easy, but it's rewarding.

Tech Insider
birds eye view of a couple looking at construction plans
The author, not pictured, and her partner are remodeling their house.

Maskot/Getty Images

I'm a boomer and will never be able to retire. At 62, I'm already using my Social Security money.

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Woman posing with computer
At 62, the author is using her Social Security money already.

Courtesy of the author

My husband is turning 68 and terrified of retiring. I'm ready for a more flexible lifestyle.

Tech Insider
Couple riding tandem bike
The author (right) and her husband riding the tandem bike they just bought to do more things together.

Courtesy of the author

I was too afraid to tell my boss 'no.' My burnout was so bad that one day I left the office on a stretcher.

Tech Insider
headshot of Shannon Laliberte
The author collapsed at work because of anxiety and burnout.

Courtesy of Shannon Laliberte

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