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☆ I've always known I don't want kids. It's made dating in my 30s difficult.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-21 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

She finds dating apps are irritating as a woman who doesn't want children. Dating in my 20s and 30s is differentAs I headed into my mid to late 20s, girlfriends started to settle down and have kids. But then they all started having children and moving into the suburbs. In my 20s, men weren't sure about kids anyway so dating was pretty straightforward and easy. I wish dating apps would let me filter people who do want kidsI also started using dating apps regularly.

Persons: Natalia Buia, Melissa Hobley, we'd Locations: Toronto

☆ I moved from the US to Costa Rica. It was the only way my family could buy a house and afford childcare.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-18 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AdvertisementZachary Gerth is a 37-year-old American who moved to Costa Rica in February 2022 with his partner. He is now raising his daughter in Costa Rica and can afford a nanny who is part of the family. AdvertisementSo, we took the plunge and moved to Costa Rica. Before moving to Costa Rica, we took a five-week trip and stayed in five different places to decide where to move. We may stay in Costa Rica, in a different town, or move to another country.

Persons: Zachary Gerth, Anna, That's, Costa Organizations: Peace Corps Locations: Costa Rica, Africa, Central, South America, Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rican

☆ At age 22 I weighed 412 pounds. I had weight loss surgery and have lost 150 pounds so far.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-17 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

She started going to the gym every day after work but ended up getting weight loss surgery. AdvertisementI decided on weight loss surgeryThe food element of weight loss was very hard to manage. To stick through with this for the long term, I started considering weight loss surgery. I didn't care what anyone thought about the fact that I had weight loss surgery at 23. Weight loss surgery isn't for everyone, but I have no regrets about having the surgery.

Persons: Ese Milan, I've, We'd, — Locations: Las Vegas

☆ I was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer at 36. Ten years later, I'm still learning to be confident in my body.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-09 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Melissa Eppard is a 46-year-old who was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer when she was 36. The diagnosis, double mastectomy, chemo, and loss of confidence negatively impacted her sex life. I thought about all the people I knew who had died from breast cancer. For years, my desire and sex life had been like a stalled car. I would never compare my sex life pre-cancer to now.

Persons: Melissa Eppard, — Organizations: Service, Upstate, Affordable Health Locations: Upstate Mary

☆ I'm 49 and don't want kids. I mostly date older women because of my choice.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-08 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

He finds it easier to date older women now but is also content to be alone. He says dating older women means there's no pressure to talk about having children. It wasn't necessarily a conscious decision, but several influences probably contributed to my never having children with the women I dated. It's not just the idea of having kids I've let go as I have gotten older — I also no longer feel forced to have a serious relationship. But now that I'm decidedly not having children and my age has eased, the pressure to be in a relationship has eased.

Persons: Brian Gross, —, I've, I'm, didn't, It's, it's Organizations: Service Locations: Angeles

☆ I'm a college student who pays nearly $1,000 in annual fees for 4 credit cards. It's worth it for good credit and travel perks.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-06 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

She got her first credit card as a freshman to build up her credit score and kept a strict budget. Griffin now uses her AmEx cards to earn points for travel costs and flew to Japan for free. I'd marked all the due dates in my calendar, and I was never late for a credit card payment. AdvertisementIn addition to all the benefits I've received when traveling, my credit cards helped me raise my credit score to 755. I never stop learning about financeI think college students should consider getting a student credit card with no fee.

Persons: Skylar Griffin, Griffin, —, I'd, I've, I'm, Amex isn't Organizations: Service, Columbus State University, Bank of America, Marriott, Hilton, Hertz, Rentals, Business, of America Locations: Japan, Georgia, New York, Bahamas, Japan , New York, Miami

☆ I grew up poor and couldn't afford things other kids could. A teacher went out of his way to make me feel included.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-03 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

When she was 10, her class was having a McDonald's that she knew her mother couldn't afford. My mom had to work long hours to send us to schoolIn the late 70s, New Orleans teachers went on strike. The next day, I brought in my packed lunch, knowing it was McDonald's day. If anyone asked, I would just say I forgot it was McDonald's day. My teacher 'randomly' selected me to earn moneyIn my homeroom class, my teacher asked the class who would like to earn some extra money for McDonald's.

Persons: Dixie, —, She'd, Heifetz, They're, Mr Organizations: Service, Catholic, McDonald's Locations: New Orleans, , New Orleans

☆ I told my mom I wanted to be a rockstar when I was 14. She supported my dream, and now I'm doing the same for my own kids.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-02 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

My mom wanted me to be in the armed forces; I wanted to be a rock starMy mother quickly didn't know what had happened to her son. Related storiesShe bought me a toy drum set, but I tore right through it after a month. Then she got me a junior drum set, which I tried to be careful with so as not to break it too. Eventually, I used bits and pieces from friends to make my own drum set. AdvertisementShortly after, Mom started dating a guy in a semi-professional band.

Persons: John Hardin, John, —, Brady, I'd, Mom, it's Organizations: Service, Music, New Mexican Mafia Locations: Florida

☆ I spent nearly $60,000 when 2 of my kids were in full-time childcare. We delayed having a 3rd child because we couldn't afford it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-01 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

During my pregnancy, I spent so much energy focusing on finding the right day care. AdvertisementEventually, we found ourselves having two kids in the same day care, which cost a fortune. Finally, someone from a big chain day care got back in touch and said there might be a spot. AdvertisementOnce again, my husband and I sat down and had to figure out how we were going to afford to put another child in day care. We ultimately built up a savings account that would take us through six months of their day care tuition.

Persons: Randi Braun, —, hadn't, couldn't, you've Organizations: Service, Universal Locations: Washington , DC

☆ I am child-free by choice and travel full-time while working. I have no regrets.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-25 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

In 2014, I got a job in the Netherlands as a full-time travel editor and was consistently going on short-term press trips all over the world. Test it out firstThe prospect of traveling and working full-time can be daunting if you've never done it before. But if you aren't sure, it might be smart to make sure you do like the lifestyle, because full-time travel is not for everyone. While some young people who travel full-time while working may just be able to lounge in the sand with their laptop while working, in my 30s, that doesn't work. AdvertisementWhen I'm not working, I'm either exploring or sorting travel admin out.

Persons: Sara van Geloven, —, you've, we'd, We've, it's, I'm, I've Organizations: Service Locations: Netherlands

☆ I had to downsize before a move. I found a box of my kids' baby clothes and relived so many memories.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

While downsizing in preparation for a move, Karen found two large plastic bins full of baby clothes. Sitting on the floor, clothes all around, I felt a strong sense of nostalgia and an overwhelming love for my kids. AdvertisementThe early days of motherhood are uniqueIn those early days, when they were completely bound to me, I bonded with them in such an intense way, present for them at every moment. Normally, I'm not sentimental, but those early days of motherhood are unique. I'll never have another human being attached to me, like when my kids were babies, and their clothes represented that for me.

Persons: Karen Siwak, Karen, — Organizations: Service Locations: Toronto, Germany

☆ I can't afford a babysitter to watch my kids while I work. I rely on their grandmother and my partner for childcare.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-11 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

She has been trying to find a babysitter to sit with her kids for a few hours after school. As a teenager in the 90s, I might have gotten paid $20 for babysitting kids for the whole day. When I look for a babysitter now, I can't find anyone who charges less than $20 an hour. Kayla Sweeney can't afford to pay $20 an hour for a babysitter while at work. AdvertisementIf someone could charge minimum wage or even up to $10 an hour, I'd give them work to watch my kids right away.

Persons: Kayla Sweeney, —, I'm, I've Organizations: Service Locations: Michigan, South Lyon , Michigan

☆ I was paralyzed from the chest down by a school shooter at 15. I chose to forgive him.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-10 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Missy Jenkins Smith was shot at the age of 15 in the school shooting at Heath High School. She chose to forgive the shooter, refusing to let anger dictate the rest of her life. It was a cold morning on December 1st when I got to school after nearly a week off celebrating Thanksgiving. Before the day started, a group of us gathered in the lobby of the school to pray. It was a completely safe school — some would say the safest school of all the high schools in our area.

Persons: Missy Jenkins Smith, —, everyone's, Michael, Nicole, Mandy, Jessica, Jessica wasn't, Kayce, I've Organizations: Heath High School, Service

☆ Being a stay-at-home mom was suffocating at times, so I sent my kids to day care
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-10 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

After five years as a stay-at-home mom, she has put her 5- and 3-year-old in day care full time. My plan was to put him in day care after I took maternity leave. AdvertisementFive years after the birth of my oldest, I have just sent my two kids to their first day of full-time day care. AdvertisementNow that they've been in day care for a few weeks, I feel human again. I would have been keener to continue working if it hadn't been so expensive to put my kids in day care.

Persons: Kelsey Combe, —, I've, I'd, they've, I'm, keener Organizations: Service Locations: Naperville , Illinois, New York, California, Illinois

☆ My mom moved in with me for the first 30 days of my baby's life. She feeds me homemade food and ensures I can rest
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Her mom came to live with her during the weeks after her baby's birth for "confinement." AdvertisementShe spent the week before birth preparing nourishing foodA week before I gave birth, I flew my mom in from Wisconsin. Before the baby was born, mom spent her days preparing food for my confinement — peeling, chopping, dividing, and freezing. Without my mom preparing food for me, I know I would have just eaten what was quickly available. Although it's been more than 30 days, my mom is still here caring for me, Lily, and the house.

Persons: Hillary Wichlin, —, Lily, it's, she's, She's, he's Organizations: Service Locations: San Diego, Wisconsin, America

☆ I'm a CEO and the breadwinner for my family. My husband decided to leave his high-stress job to care for our daughter.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-30 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I primarily worked from home, so managed to continue working while taking care of her. So for the first three years of her life, we tag-teamed taking care of Isabella. Related storiesChatting with my husband, we decided that one of us would need to stay home to take care of Isabella. He loved taking care of herWhile some might expect that it felt like a sacrifice for my husband to give up work, he found it a relief. I take care of the financial side, and my husband takes care of the house and Isabella.

Persons: Brenda Christensen, Isabella, Brenda, —, cybersecurity Organizations: Stellar Public, Service

☆ At 65 I feel better than ever. I stopped weighing myself, eat healthier, and do exercises that feel good.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-26 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I was a plump, complex, introverted, spotty-faced teen and felt like such a disappointment to my family of high achievers. I stopped checking how much I weighed and started living my life. As I listened to my body, I could feel it start to change shape from a pear to an inverted triangle. Every year, I have felt even better about who I am as a whole — body and soul. I lead a dietless life, fuelled by healthy living, and am no longer defined by a number.

Persons: —, Alison Weihe, I'm, I've Organizations: Service, Business

☆ I depend on a 'paid village' to look after my kids. I can't ask the grandparents for help because they work full-time.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Her parents work full-time and can't help out with childcare. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . I know some parents have villages made up of family members, namely grandparents, who can help with full-time childcare. We've never expected or asked them to make a regular habit of being caretakers for our kids while we work.

Persons: Jennifer Biggs, —, We've, It's Organizations: Service, Business Locations: North Carolina

☆ If you think you're doing your laundry right, you're wrong. Here are 5 mistakes to avoid.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-22 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

AdvertisementWater temperature is too hotA lot of people think hot water should be the default go-to temperature. While hot water is going to give you the best clean, using it often isn't necessary or good for your laundry. I like to think of hot water washes as calling in the power washer — it's for when something is really stained, dirty, or smelly. But there are ways to get an extra good clean without always using hot water. Plus, you reduce your energy usage by 90% when you stop using hot water to clean clothes.

Persons: —, Zachary Pozniak, It's Organizations: Service, Business

☆ I've been an elementary school teacher for 14 years. I would die for my students, but I don't want to.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-12 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

As a teacher of 14 years, I just can't believe school shootings have become so normalized. AdvertisementI remember running drills for both shelters and lockdowns, but the children and I didn't feel scared when doing them. Threats feel much more real nowAfter three years of teaching at that school, I spent years teaching in Chicago and New York City. Related storiesWe've heard about shootings consistently enough to make them feel like it could actually happen in our school. If nothing is going to change, drills are our only option as teachers to keep ourselves and our students safe.

Persons: —, crouch, we'll, we're, they're, Maresco, they'll, I'd, I'm, I've, hasn't Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Montgomery County , Maryland, You'd, Chicago, New York City, Montgomery County

☆ I traveled to Turkey for a nose job. It caused a powerful transformation in my confidence and career.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-12 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Seven years ago, I traveled to Turkey to get a nose job. AdvertisementThe bend in my nose wasn't particularly noticeable to others as I became an adult, but I constantly compared my nose to others. During and immediately after the divorce, I went through the grief process, unpicking and introspectively evaluating myself and my life. Getting a nose job was a powerful transformationI traveled to Istanbul, where I'm originally from, for the surgery. If it hadn't been for my nose job, I wouldn't have taken risks as a fashion designer or had the confidence to change careers.

Persons: —, Elif Köse, I'd, TK Maxx, Maxx, I've Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Brighton , England, Turkey, Istanbul, New York, Paris

☆ I'm a high school teacher. Taking a bullet for my students isn't written in my contract.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-09 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Michelle Donnay, a school teacher in Minnesota. I had just started my eighth year as a teacher and was a middle school teacher. AdvertisementWhen I started as a teacher, dying for my students was not written in the contract. Related storiesI try not to think about school shootingsAs much as I would naturally worry about the risk of a school shooting at my place of work, I don't allow myself to think about it. I'm strong for my students, but when I'm alone, I often feel the weight of what it means to be a teacher in this day and age.

Persons: —, Michelle Donnay, We've, I've, hadn't, I'm Organizations: Service, Columbine, Business, NRA Locations: Minnesota, Georgia

☆ My husband and I divorced after 2 years of marriage. We started dating again, but we won't re-marry.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-23 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

At the time, I was getting over a relationship, and Rob was away with his friends for a bachelor party. But eventually, his persistence paid off, and we started going out; I told him I wanted to take it slow. In my head, I started making Rob out to be a lazy, irresponsible man. He moved in with his mom, and I got my own place for Noah and me. We started dating againRob and I also started dating again.

Persons: —, Anu Verma, Rob, Noah, I've, we'd, Eva, I'm Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Coventry , England, Ibiza, Spain, England

☆ I've studied past assassination attempts in US politics. The most similar one to Trump's resulted in a loss in the election.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-27 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

For the 1912 election, Taft had the official Republican Party nomination, but Roosevelt decided to run as a third-party independent candidate. JFK and Robert Kennedy's assassinations had different electoral outcomesAfter John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson became president. Johnson enjoyed significant popularity — over a 75% approval rating — on the coattails of Kennedy's assassination. AdvertisementRobert Kennedy's assassination meant Johnson's vice president, Hubert Humphrey, had an easier time securing the Democratic nomination. Ford pardoned Nixon and tried to move past Watergate, but the Republican Party couldn't overcome Nixon's stink and Ford's dismissal of his wrongdoings.

Persons: —, David Head, Donald Trump, I'm, John F, Kennedy, Theodore Roosevelt, Roosevelt, Republican William Howard Taft, Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Trump, Wilson, Robert Kennedy's, Lyndon B, Johnson, Robert F, Nixon, Hubert Humphrey, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Ford, Republican Party couldn't, Kamala Harris, Biden, it's Organizations: Service, University of Central, Business, Trump, Republican, Republican Party, Democratic, Republicans, JFK Locations: University of Central Florida, Orlando , FL, Milwaukee, Taft, Vietnam, Los Angeles

☆ I retired at 52. I got bored quickly and decided to go back to work.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-23 | by ( Lauren Crosmedlicott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AdvertisementBy 49, I was doing life coaching and successfully running my businesses. Even though it was idyllic — the perfect retirement spot — I quickly got bored sitting around doing nothing. I retired at 52I decided that retirement wasn't going to look like a permanent vacation by the beach, but it entailed endless time to do whatever I wanted. Although I enjoyed what I was doing, doing it forever didn't feel like all it was cracked up to be. My new retirement plan is to continue doing the work I enjoy so much for as long as I can.

Persons: —, Lee Broders, wasn't, We're, I'm Organizations: Service, British Armed Forces, Business Locations: Spain, Maldives, France

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