I took a 12-day solo trip to Nepal without my family. It's one of the best I've ever taken.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Politics
woman standing in front of long staircase outdoors in Nepal
Judy Koutsky hiking up Champa Devi.

Courtesy of Judy Koutsky

Instead of downsizing, we bought a bigger house. Our family uses the space, even if cleaning is endless and bills are higher.

Tech Insider : Business
A family walking into a home being shown by a real estate agent.
The author and her family (not pictured) moved into a bigger home when their friends were downsizing.

Anchiy/Getty Images

I started a business at 14. Thanks to it, I was able to take my cousins on an all-expenses-paid trip to Disney World.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Aaliyah Arnold and cousins
Aaliyah Arnold took her three cousins to Disney World.

Courtesy of Aaliyah Arnold

I quit my dream job as an airline pilot when I surprisingly became pregnant with twins. I now rely on my retirement savings.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
kim cooper in front of a southwest plane
The author loved her job as an airline pilot.

Courtesy of Kim Cooper

My mom told me she never wanted grandkids. When I became pregnant, she was distant and absent — until she met her grandson.

Tech Insider : Business
a grandmother watching her grandson knead dough
The author's mother (not pictured) didn't want grandchildren.

Cultura Creative/Getty Images

My 14-year-old created a non-toxic plush toy. He was worried about his younger sister.

Tech Insider : Business
Steven Cyr and his family
Steven Cyr's son Colton invented a doll for his little sister to play with.

Courtesy of Steven Cyr

A stranger complimented my parenting skills. Years later, I still think about what they said.

Tech Insider : Business
The author and her son sit an an outdoor cafe.
TK

Courtesy of Crystal Hoshaw.

I'm a VP at Nespresso and pregnant with my third child. People have asked me if this is what I really wanted.

Tech Insider : Business
Jessica Padula headshot

Courtesy of the author

  • I'm 39 and pregnant with my third baby.
  • People have asked me if having three kids and a career is what I wanted.
  • Having a good parental leave and a support network around me allows me to do this.

"Was this what you wanted?"

I turned my screened-in porch into a home office this summer, so my daughter and I could work our remote jobs side by side

Tech Insider : Business
Jennifer Young and her daughter sitting on a couch working
The author (left) and her daughter (right) work from home side by side.

Courtesy of Jennifer Young

I'm worried my teens are growing up too fast, so I booked a family vacation to Maine. The trip helped slow down time.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Rebecca Hastings and her family
The author's family was able to reconnect in Maine.

Courtesy of Rebecca Hastings

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