I moved from Southern California to Michigan so I could afford to buy a home. Living here changed me in surprising ways.

Tech Insider : Business
Two people posing in front of a park while on an autumn walk in Michigan.
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Kristi Valentini

I spent a year backpacking around the world by myself. Struggling with loneliness taught me lessons I didn't expect.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Woman staring out at Slovenia from above
In my year of solo travel, I found my happiest moments were spent with others.

Michelle Polizzi

I didn't learn 'Chinamaxxing' on TikTok — my Chinese mom taught me. Here are 4 habits I still swear by.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Mother and daughter sitting for Asian lunch with a brick wall in the background.
As TikTok's "Chinamaxxing" trend gains traction, Faye Bradley shares four habits her Chinese mom taught her in childhood — ones she still follows today.

Provided by Faye Bradley

I used to think living at home as an adult meant going backward. Losing my dad made me realize I was wrong.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
The writer sitting on a bench with her mom and sister.
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Maya Kokerov

My 99-year-old grandma taught me important lessons about the power of silence, change, and living a good life

Tech Insider : Business
Two women smiling under artwork
My grandma lived until she was 99. She taught me several important lessons that make my life better.

Kiersten Brown

After 2 layoffs and a breakup in New York, I booked a one-way flight to Asia. Travel changed how I define success.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A woman standing on the DMZ between South and North Korea.
Spending two years traveling across Asia, Australia, and Europe helped Macie Strum define success.

Provided by Macie Strum

After 13 years abroad, I thought returning to the US would mean I 'failed.' It turned out to be the best choice for me.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The writer exploring her new home in the Pacific Northwest.
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Laura Bronner

I quit medical school to travel full-time in an RV. Things aren't always easy, but I don't regret my decision.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Alexandra holds a cup of coffee while sitting on the steps of an RV.
I left medical school to live in an RV and travel full-time.

Alexandra Lauren

My dad died at 56 and never made it to retirement. The 3 lessons he taught me changed my own plans and perspective.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Travel
Author Callum Macauley-Murdoch and his dad
I've learned a lot from my dad's life and death, especially when I think of his retirement plans and how he never got to see them through.

Callum Macauley-Murdoch

My move from the US to Paris has come with a lot of benefits, but finding love has felt impossible

Tech Insider : Business
Woman smiling in middle of walkway in Paris
Dating and finding love in another country has been challenging — so much so that I'm considering moving back home.

Naydeline Mejia

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