I blew up my comfortable life in 2019. It led me to build a six-figure business and portfolio career.

Tech Insider : Business
Mallory Contois headshot
Mallory Contois says quitting her dream COO role felt like gambling.

Courtesy of Clay Singer

I took a risk moving to Phuket as a single mom. It paid off.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Cheska Hull posing in a blue dress in Phuket, Thailand.
Cheska Hull decided to call off her wedding and move to Phuket, Thailand with her son.

Provided by Cheska Hull

I bought a house with my best friend. It's the best living situation I've ever had.

Tech Insider : Business
Friends posing for photo
Sarai Saez Rogers bought a house with her best friend after both got divorced.

Courtesy of Sarai Saez Rogers

I moved to Italy after studying abroad there. I was shocked by the low salaries, but I don't think I'll ever move back to the US.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A woman posing seated in Italy.
Kaitlin Landolfa moved to Florence, Italy, after studying abroad there.

Courtesy of Kaitlin Landolfa

I'm 76 and drive for Uber after losing my savings to my wife's cancer bills. I'm not sure how long I can keep driving.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Travel
Jeff Mason
Jeff Mason, 76, drives for Uber a few times a week.

Rachel Wisniewski for BI

I got laid off from Amazon after 11 years. My high school daughter taught me the biggest lesson on how to move forward.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment
Hemant Virmani headshot
Hemant Virmani says his Amazon layoff motivated him to prioritize his health.

Courtesy of John Ludeman

The world's most famous couples therapist spends her entire work day with other people

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Esther Perel
Esther Perel exercises with friends, goes on walks with therapy clients, and always brings guests on her work trips.

Zenith Richards

I'm a Stanford student who uses the new dating app that's taken the campus by storm. It's fun, but I haven't met my match yet.

Tech Insider : Business
a female student looking at her phone on college campus
The author is using the new dating app at Stanford University.

Nevena Ristic/Getty Images

I left the US in 2015 and have since lived around the world. Reverse culture shock hit me harder than leaving ever did.

Tech Insider : Business
A woman in a halter top observes a woman selling food in a Cambodian market.
Kat Smith exploring a Cambodian market.

Courtesy of Kat Smith

I used to be proud of only sleeping 3 hours because I worked so much. Now I realize health is freedom, not wealth.

Tech Insider : Business
Tyler Smith headshot
Tyler Smith used to think wealth was freedom, but after his dad died at 47, he realized health is more important.

Courtesy of Tyler Smith

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