I used to make myself miserable creating the 'perfect' vacation itinerary — until a disastrous trip shifted my perspective

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Three women pose for a photo in a park.
I was miserable when I tried too hard to create the "perfect" vacation.

Annmarie Gajdos

As a landlord, I haven't raised my tenant's rent in 9 years. Community is more valuable than money.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy
An exterior shot of the author's brick home.
My wife and I bought our first house in Maine almost a decade ago.

Johanna Sorrell

For years, I swore I'd never leave Los Angeles. Moving to Oregon made me realize I never want to go back.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman holding dog staring at sunset in LA
Leaving Los Angeles and moving to Oregon helped me get a new perspective on my life.

Chelsea Frank

I left my job and boyfriend for an opportunity in Los Angeles. Within 4 months, I moved back home.

Tech Insider : Business
The writer wearing a red dress and sitting on a bridge in New York City, with skyscrapers in the background.
My short-lived stint in LA helped me feel more confident when I eventually moved to New York.

Kirsty McCormack

After 3 years of living out West, I moved to North Carolina. It was the best decision I could've made for myself.

Tech Insider : Business
Mikala sits in a field of yellow flowers with her dog.
After years of living in big cities out West, I moved to Asheville, North Carolina.

Mikala Lugen

My husband and I got a roommate to save money. It worked surprisingly well for a while, but we'd never do it again.

Tech Insider : Business
Author Jordan Mautner and husband
For about a year, we had a positive experience renting out a room in our home. Eventually, we realized the arrangement wasn't sustainable for us.

Jordan Mautner

I left my job to become a chocolatier. It was the right choice, but there are things I miss about corporate employment.

Tech Insider : Business
The writer sitting on a bench with her dog, surrounded by greenery.
I left corporate life to follow my dream of running a chocolate business.

Meredith Whitely

My partner and I have lived in a van for over 3 years. Sharing a small space has helped our relationship.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer, her husband, and her dog sitting in their yellow camper van.
When I tell people that my partner and I live together in a small van, they usually have questions.

Haley Young

I've spent over $6,000 on 'tweakments' to look good for my job. It helped at first, but I don't even recognize myself.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Woman smiling on bench
Investing in my appearance helped for a while, but I changed my perspective once I hardly recognized myself.

Hannah Van De Peer

I was raised by my mom and her sisters. Growing up with 3 'mothers' has made me a more thoughtful adult.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
The writer standing in a pumpkin patch with a blue sky in the background.
I grew up in a split-level home with my mom and her two sisters. My unconventional, modern upbringing shaped who I am now.

Sara Sturek

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