I was so stressed at work that I stopped getting my period. I knew I had to change my work habits.

Tech Insider
a woman at her desk at night with her hands over her face
The author, not pictured, struggled with work-life balance.

Jay Yuno/Getty Images

My boss tried to trick me into staying at a job I hated. I interviewed behind her back and landed my dream role.

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a woman shaking hands with two people at a job interview
The author, not pictured, interviewed behind her boss's back.

sturti/Getty Images

My boss once told me I was 'too direct.' I found a way to turn that critique into my strength in the workplace.

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woman holding up her hand while typing on the computer
The author, not pictured, was told she was too assertive by her boss.

dai2003/Getty Images

I'm a single mother who just graduated with a master's degree. My two toddlers helped me survive the chaos.

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Ke'Yonna Hall with her two kids on graduation day
The author with her two kids on graduation day.

Courtesy of Ke'Yonna Hall

My coworker hated me and badmouthed me to everyone. Leaving the job I loved was the best decision I ever made.

Tech Insider
illustration of a two women tugging a rope over a cliff
The author and her coworker did not get along at work.

AlonzoDesign/Getty Images

I'm a boomer who's about to retire at 59. I'm nervous about retirement because I'll have less income and too much free time.

Tech Insider
a woman standing at the end of a dock, looking out
The author, not pictured, is retiring early at 59.

Alistair Berg/Getty Images

When my husband and I started working together, I was nervous. But it has only helped our relationship.

Tech Insider
Ashley Archambault and her husband hugging
The author, right, and her husband work together.

Courtesy of Ashley Archambault

After getting hired, I started dating a man from the interview panel. It put targets on our backs and made promotions difficult.

Tech Insider
a woman faces two job interviewers who are blurred out
The author, not pictured, married the man who interviewed her for a job.

Fizkes/ Getty Images

I'm a recent college grad who landed my dream job, but it was a remote position. I quit because I got lonely at home.

Tech Insider
headshot of Olivia Peluso
The author is a recent college grad.

Courtesy of Olivia Peluso

I was put on a performance improvement plan, so I chose to retire at 58. Sometimes, I wish I wasn't a young retiree.

Tech Insider
The author retired at a young age.
The author retired at a young age.

Courtesy of Jackie Fishman; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

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