I'm a tech founder who's had to flee Lebanon. The conflict has spiraled at a terrifying rate, but the tech community is still pressing ahead.

Tech Insider
A cloud of smoke rising from buildings into the sky after an airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb.
Laura Jardine Paterson left Lebanon on a chartered flight for British nationals on October 2.

AFP/Getty Images.

I quit Amazon after being assigned 21 direct reports and burning out. I worry about the decision to flatten its hierarchy.

Tech Insider
Yvonne Lee-Hawkins smiling into camera
Yvonne Lee-Hawkins says she felt disappointed she couldn't give her direct reports more individual support.

Yvonne Lee-Hawkins

I'm on track to retire at 45. I started my career earning only $26,000 and followed this 4-phase plan.

Tech Insider
headshot of a woman with a blurred tree-filled background
Annie Cole invests around $45,000 every year.

Courtesy of Annie Cole

I'm an American who has visited Scotland around a dozen times. Here are the 3 biggest mistakes I see tourists make.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
A woman and dog sit on a rock overlooking a lighthouse and the sea, left, and a waterfall, right.
Helene Sula is a travel blogger from Texas.

Helene Sula

I'm a multimillionaire and father of 3. I'll pay for my kids' college, but I didn't mind when my middle son decided it wasn't for him.

Tech Insider
Greg Clement folding his arms and standing in front of a teal wall and smiling.
Greg Clement became a millionaire at 33.

Courtesy of Greg Clement

I was a graphic designer for decades and went back to school at 60 to become a teacher. It pays less but is more rewarding.

Tech Insider
Stuart Fuller wearing glasses and a black shirt and smiling at the camera against a plain background, the image is black and white.
Stuart Fuller went back to school at 60 to pursue teaching.

Photo credit: Simon Puschmann

I moved from the US to South Africa 3 years ago. It's easier to achieve the American dream here.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Christian Salafia and his wife Kim at Cape Agulhas, South Africa, in November 2020.
Christian Salafia and his wife Kim at Cape Agulhas, South Africa, in November 2020.

Courtesy of Christian Salafia

I spent $2 million restoring a cruise ship I bought on Craigslist. The project took over my life, but I don't regret it.

Tech Insider : Travel
Willson at the stern of the Aurora cruise liner.
Christopher Willson bought the Aurora cruise ship on Craigslist in 2010, tried restoring it, and then sold it in 2023.

Courtesy of Christoper Willson

I moved to the US from India and took out a $59K loan to follow my dream of landing a job in Big Tech. My risk paid off.

Tech Insider
A woman in a white dress wearing a red graduation had standing in front of a water fountain.
Nagdive said she's glad she took a risk by moving to the US from India for her tech career.

Courtesy of Shireen Nagdive

I can't afford a babysitter to watch my kids while I work. I rely on their grandmother and my partner for childcare.

Tech Insider
A grandmother sits in a table to draw with her grandson.

Catherine Falls Commercial/ Getty Images

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