I planned to travel indefinitely — instead, I started a company in rural Japan

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A woman kneeling on tatami mats in Japan.
Kira Bella's plan was to travel indefinitely until she visited Japan.

Provided by Kira Bella

I moved from California to Texas for a fresh start. It was much more affordable there, but I was still unhappy and moved back.

Tech Insider : Business, Politics
A woman in a blue dresses poses against a blue backdrop.
Priscila Barros regretted leaving California for Texas, so she moved back.

Courtesy of Priscila Barros

After I lost my job, I turned my self-publishing side hustle into a full-time career. Now I'm a bestselling romance author.

Tech Insider : Business
A headshot of author Meghan Quinn.
Meghan Quinn started writing as a side hustle.

Meghan Quinn

I wanted better maternity wear, so I made my own. Now I run a successful company that has grown along with my family.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Family photo
The brand Ingrid & Isabel was born from the founder's necessity for a belly band during pregnancy.

Courtesy of Ingrid Carney

I lead design at Google Search. This blunt piece of feedback changed how I work.

Tech Insider : Business
Rhiannon Bell
Rhiannon Bell is VP of user experience at Google.

Google

I was on the first-ever Disney cruise; this summer, I'll take my 100th. Now I get to enjoy them with my adult children and grandkids.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A family of eight on a cruise ship with a woman dressed in a Disney costume.
Faith Colletti and her family of eight met Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" on a Christmas-themed cruise.

Courtesy of Faith Colletti

My wife and I returned to NYC after 2 years in Miami. The cost of living skyrocketed, and we missed the seasons.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
a couple poses with USA flags on a boat in Miami
Elhanan Harel and his wife.

Courtesy of Elhanan Harel

I did a dozen internships, including 4 unpaid ones. It led me to Nvidia and a leadership role in AI.

Tech Insider : Business
Fiona Li
Fiona Li stacked internships — paid and unpaid — and eventually landed at Nvidia. She is now a director at an AI startup.

Fiona Li

I moved from the US to Korea, where I planned to stay forever — then I had kids

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Sports
Derek Laan wearing a balzer and posing with autumn trees in the background.
Derek Laan moved to Korea in his 20s, where he built his career and life.

Provided by Derek Laan

I shopped $15 the Bin Wins at Staples. Prices drop to $2 by the end of the week.

Tech Insider : Business
Woman at Bin Wins
Maria Johnson saw items at $15 at the Bin Wins at Staples.

Courtesy of Maria Johnson

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