I left JPMorgan to join an AI investment bank. It was a calculated risk, and I have no regrets.

Tech Insider : Business, Technology
Varun Agarwal is wearing a chequered blazer on top of a pink shirt.
Varun Agarwal, 25, left his job as an investment banker at JPMorgan to join OffDeal, an AI native investment bank.

Varun Agarwal

I decided to retire early in Guatemala. I'm only getting half my pension, but the lower cost of healthcare makes it worth it.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
A man standing in front of Mayan ruins in Guatemala.
Ron Podmore retired early and decided to do so in Guatemala.

Ron Podmore.

I drove for Uber for a decade after leaving my corporate job. Now, I'm looking for alternatives as my pay falls.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Travel
Anja Holthoff, an Uber driver in Atlanta, looks at the camera while wearing a black paperboy cap, black-rimmed glasses, and a black blouse with suspenders.
Anja Holthoff said she has been driving for Uber since 2016.

Anja Holthoff

I was laid off by Microsoft and can't find a job. I'm weeks away from giving up my apartment and moving across the country to live with family.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business
Ian Carter
Ian Carter

Ian Carter

We were empty nesters for 6 months. Then our kids started moving back in with us.

Tech Insider : Business
Randy Charach's family
Three of Randy Charach's daughters came back home after leaving him and his wife as empty nesters.

Courtesy of Randy Charach

I'm a cofounder of a robotics company and recently gave birth for the first time. I plan my day around breast pumping.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Vivian Chu and her wife and her children.
Vivian Chu, cofounder of Diligent Robotics, and her family.

Inbal Sivan

I helped build Urban Decay, which sold for over $300 million. My sons came to the office and watched me build the company.

Tech Insider : Business, Sports
Wende Zomnir wearing a yellow and orange sweater and smiling in a bright green room.
Wende Zomnir was a cofounder of Urban Decay and later founded Caliray.

Caliray

I quit JPMorgan, which didn't fulfill my American dream. Co-founding Hims and launching a startup taught me how to take smart risks.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Joe Spector headshot
Joe Spector is the founder and CEO of Dutch.

Courtesy of Joe Spector

I'm 81 and live in my RV for half the year. I didn't save enough for retirement, so I stay afloat by 'work camping' and DoorDash driving.

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Travel
Richard Smith
Richard Smith work camps for half of the year in New Hampshire.

Richard Smith

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Richard Smith, 81, who works part-time for the campground where he lives for half of the year and part-time driving for DoorDash. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

I left my career in Atlanta, went to pastry school, and moved to the South of France. I'm finally at peace here.

Tech Insider : Business, Style, Technology
Dawn Belisle in Nice, France.
Dawn Belisle in Nice, France.

Courtesy of Dawn Belisle

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