I committed a white-collar crime while bipolar manic. Years later, I'm still facing the consequences.

Tech Insider : Business
side by side of David Funes during a manic episode next to him happy and smiling
The author has bipolar disorder and experienced manic episodes.

Courtesy of David Funes

I always thought we'd retire in Europe. We spend our time in Mexico and California instead.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Economy
A woman sitting in her camper van with a cuddly toy in one hand and a book in the other. The back doors of the van are open, and a beach can be seen next to it.
The author often travels with her husband in a camper van.

Courtesy of Louisa Rogers

I was in the best shape of my life when I got hit by a car. The debilitating pain during recovery left me emotionally shredded.

Tech Insider : Business
Winston Chiang wearing a hooded poncho and glasses and sitting on a concrete structure.
The author was in a bike accident in his 20s that left him physically injured and depressed.

Courtesy of Winston Chiang

My husband likes to keep everything, and I prefer minimalism. A home remodel helped us learn to declutter together.

Tech Insider : Business
Man and woman cleaning at home, dusting dresser and photos.
The author (not pictured) and her husband deal with clutter differently.

Getty Images

I ditched doomscrolling on social media and decluttered my feed. I now look forward to opening Instagram and joyscrolling.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
photo of Allison Kimsey in jean jacket against a colorful mural
I decluttered my Instagram feed and it's changed my life.

Courtesy of Allison Kimsey

We had an unconventional engagement and wedding. I proposed to him, my engagement ring came after the wedding, and we walked each other down the aisle.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Maria Polansky and her husband outside on a beach with a blue sky in the background.
The author and her husband had a nontraditional engagement and wedding.

Courtesy of Maria Polansky

My husband was unemployed for 7 months. I had to step up to be his support system when his morale slipped.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
a wife supporting and holding her upset husband
The author (not pictured) had to support her husband when he was unemployed.

VioletaStoimenova/Getty Images

I always ran back to the same ex, calling her my backup plan. She's now engaged to someone else, and I learned how toxic I am.

Tech Insider : Business
a man comforting his distraught girlfriend
The author (not pictured) kept running back to his ex.

Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images

Moving from the US to Morocco taught me a different way of living. I sundry my clothes and consume less.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
woman posing in Morocco
The author moved from the US to Morocco five years ago.

Courtesy of the author

My partner and I have traveled all over the world by housesitting. We avoid paying rent and it's changed our lives.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author and her partner sitting on a couch with two frenchies, smiling at the camera.
The author and her partner house- and pet-sitting.

Courtesy of Hannah Wilkinson

Subscribe to health-freelancer