I'm giving up on the job market and going back to school to become a nurse. At 45, I wish I'd done this sooner.

Tech Insider : Business
Kristy Layden photo
Kristy Layden says her Botox injector inspired the idea of becoming a nurse.

Kristy Layden

I'm the CEO of Avaline, Cameron Diaz's wine brand. I'm not afraid of missing flights, get jet lag help from ChatGPT, and end every night with Sauvignon Blanc.

Tech Insider : Business, Environment, Travel
a headshot of the CEO of Avaline drinking a glass of wine
Jennifer Purcell.

Courtesy of Avaline

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Jennifer Purcell, the 46-year-old CEO of Avaline Wines, based in New York City. It has been edited for length and clarity.

My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at 65. Her care would have cost $10,000 a month, so I quit and became her caregiver.

Tech Insider : Business
A daughter and her mother
Jessica C. Guthrie cares for her mother 24/7.

Courtesy of Jessica C. Guthrie

My dad and grandpa were toy inventors. I had to find my own way into the industry.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Alex Kessler headshot
Alex Kessler found his way in the family business.

Courtesy of Alex Kessler

I'm 96 and looking for love again. A matchmaker is helping me find someone to take to museums and the theater.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports, Travel
Solomon Rosenblatt wearing a suit and standing in a NYC street.
Solomon Rosenblatt is 96 and working with a matchmaker to find love.

Courtesy of Solomon Rosenblatt

I implanted Paradromics' first long-term brain chip in a patient. I began my career as an electrical engineer.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
A doctor stands over equipment table.
Dr. Matthew Willsey, a neurosurgeon at the University of Michigan Health, developed an interest in brain-computer interfaces while working as an electrical engineer.

Carrie Pitzer/Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan

I missed out on a pro basketball career by one cut. At 26, I bought an Irish pub with my mom instead.

Tech Insider : Business
A young man with his arms crossed in a restaurant.
When Jareb Dougherty realized he didn't have a career in basketball, he moved home to run a restaurant with his mom.

Provided by Jareb Dougherty

My dad left 2 packed storage units when he died. I found childhood memories, vintage gems, and trash.

Tech Insider : Business
Daughter and dad posing for photo
Maia Storm had to go through two storage units her dad had.

Courtesy of Maia Storm

I built billion-dollar companies by giving my employees agency. I use the same approach with my 5 kids.

Tech Insider : Business, Style, Travel
Mark Pincus headshot
Mark Pincus is a dad of five.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

My husband and I moved from the US to Barbados with 6 kids. They're more independent and chat easily with strangers.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A family of eight in Barbados.
Lisa Desai with her husband, Ebrahim, and their six children.

Courtesy of Lisa Desai

Subscribe to as-told-to