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☆ Tech founder who spends half of each week away from his wife and daughter: "I often feel very sorry and guilty"
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AdvertisementAlex Li lives in Dover, Delaware, which is 55 miles from where his wife and daughter reside. As a 34-year-old founder, husband, and dad, Alex Li is away from his family more than he'd like to be. Related storiesMen should take on more family responsibilities, Li saidSome of Li's male friends didn't understand why he felt guilty. AdvertisementIf his wife needs a break, Li's daughter stays with him in Dover while his wife takes a vacation. "My daughter was incredibly excited since it had been years since we traveled together as a family," Li recalled.

Persons: Alex Li, Li, Li's, he'd, he's, He's, he'll, Jane Zhang Organizations: Universal Studios Singapore, Universal Locations: Dover , Delaware, Wilmington , Delaware, Dover, Texas, Wilmington, Spain

☆ A tech founder who lives an hour away from his wife and daughter shares how he overcomes the guilt of not being home
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-20 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AdvertisementAlex Li lives in Dover, Delaware, which is 55 miles from where his wife and daughter reside. Spending time away from his family so that he could work on his startup has led to guilt and regret. As a 34-year-old founder, husband, and dad, Alex Li is away from his family more than he'd like to be. AdvertisementIf his wife needs a break, Li's daughter stays with him in Dover while his wife takes a vacation. "My daughter was incredibly excited since it had been years since we traveled together as a family," Li recalled.

☆ I left Google and am 100x happier in my new role as a freelancer — I've earned over $1 million in the last 5 years.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-16 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

AdvertisementRandy McCabe left Google, and now he has earned over $1 million in five years on Fiverr. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Randy McCabe, a 36-year-old freelancer, digital marketing agency owner, and former Google employee from Seattle. I found a new job, then I gradually started taking freelance digital marketing gigs on the side and later created my digital marketing agency. AdvertisementWorking for companies stressed me outAfter Google, I joined the cybersecurity startup Skybox Security as a digital marketing manager. One of the toughest challenges in transitioning from corporate to freelance work was the uncertainty of not having a guaranteed monthly paycheck.

Persons: Randy McCabe, McCabe, It's, I've, Fiverr, I'd, COVID, I'm, Tess Martinelli Organizations: Google, Fiverr, Agency, Big Tech Locations: Seattle, Skybox, tmartinelli

☆ My 6-figure consulting job wasn't fulfilling. I quit to start my own business when I realized dream company doesn't necessarily mean dream life.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-10 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AJ Eckstein left a stable consulting job to launch Creator Match, seeking more control of his career. After long days, I'd return to my apartment and dedicate myself to case prep to pursue a consulting career. I was doing my own Creator brand deals on LinkedIn and starting to help Creator friends monetize their brands, which is how the idea for my company, Creator Match, was born. Leaving felt like getting divorced from someone I admired and respected. AdvertisementI reminded myself that I wasn't leaving him — I was leaving the company to pursue a dream.

Persons: AJ Eckstein, Eckstein, —, It's, I'd, haven't, Lauryn Haas Organizations: Service, Austin, Walt Disney Company, LinkedIn, lhaas

☆ I'm the CEO of Scholastic. My days are busy, but I always make time for my wife, my health, and Arsenal.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-31 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

AdvertisementThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Peter Warwick, the CEO of Scholastic based in New York City about his daily routine. I became president and CEO of Scholastic in August 2021 after serving as an independent director on its board since 2014. I read The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Financial Times for world, political, and business news. Scholastic Inc.Outside Scholastic office visits, I attend important conferences related to publishing and education, such as the Frankfurt Book Fair in October. Scholastic Inc.As we wind down at the end of the day, Helen and I solve The New York Times "Connections" puzzle together before heading to bed.

Persons: Peter Warwick, Warwick, —, It's, I've, I'm, Helen, it's, Underpants, Captain Underpants, Jane Zhang Organizations: Scholastic, Service, Thomson Reuters, Pearson, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, English Premier League, Arsenal, The Guardian, London Times, Daily Telegraph, Village, Scholastic Inc, Scholastic HQ, Warwick Locations: New York City, The, Hudson, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Clifford's, Cumberland, Assam, Warwick, New York, Jefferson City , Missouri, Frankfurt

☆ I'm a working mom whose 12-hour shifts make me miss my kids' lives. I feel I'm letting my family down but I love my work.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-27 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

I work one or two 12-hour shifts at the hospital a week, depending on the needs of my unit. I'm also an educator within my hospital, so I spend several days a week teaching patients in an outpatient setting. I go to work before my kids wake up and come home as they're crawling into bed. I feel guilty that my job completely removes me from my kids' lives for full days at a time. The long hours are worth it because my work is important to meI overcome mom guilt by being fully present when I'm with my kids.

Persons: Kimberly Hicks, Hicks, —, It's, I've, I'm, he's, Jane Zhang Organizations: Service Locations: Northern California

☆ I'm an entrepreneur and father who brings my son to work events. Blending family and work is how I find balance.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-26 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Peter Lewis, a tech and finance executive, travels yearly between two countries with his family. Lewis involves his son in work events, turning challenges into entrepreneurship lessons. "We're a traveling family," Lewis told Business Insider. "I've learned to find meaning in how our work and family lives intersect," Lewis said. If you work in Big Tech or finance and would like to share your work-life balance story, email Tess Martinelli at tmartinelli@businessinsider.com.

Persons: Peter Lewis, Lewis, —, he's, Lewis —, it's, Tacoma , Washington —, I've, Tess Martinelli Organizations: Service, Business, He's, Big Tech Locations: Wichita , Kansas, Santiago , Chile, South America, Tacoma , Washington, Oregon, Big, tmartinelli

☆ An accounting manager struggled with work-life balance at PwC, Walmart, and Google. Leaving the Bay Area is what finally changed the tide.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-19 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

He chose a work-life balance over salary but his goal of starting a family was still out of reach. It took him 11 years and multiple strategic career moves, but he finally achieved the work-life balance he'd always wanted. AdvertisementAfter PwC, he took a position with Walmart's eCommerce division, which offered greater work-life balance but a major salary reduction. Still, Manalac felt his decision was well worth it because of the drastic improvements in work-life balance. If you work in Big Tech or finance and would like to share your work-life balance story, email Tess Martinelli at tmartinelli@businessinsider.com

Persons: Mike Manalac, Manalac, —, He's, he'd, PwC, Walmart's, San, It's, Tess Martinelli Organizations: Service, Google, Walmart, Business, Baltimore —, Bay, Big Tech Locations: Area, Chicago, Baltimore, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Bay, Nob, Michigan, Maryland, Big, tmartinelli

☆ I spent a total of 10 weeks quiet vacationing all over the world without my boss finding out. Here's how I did it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-04 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

He says that quiet vacationing made him more productive at work because he was so happy. Over the course of 15 months, I spent a total of 10 weeks quiet vacationing from my fully remote job. I think quiet vacationing may be good for productivity; I was genuinely so happy while traveling the world, and it translated into my productivity at work. On some quiet vacationing days, I had to work a little later to get things across the line, but I became very efficient. A quiet vacation day in Europe might look something like this: Wake up around 8 or 9 a.m. and eat breakfast at the hotel.

Persons: Oluwole, —, Tobi Oluwole, Lyon —, didn't, would've, I'd, Slack, We've, Tobi, Jane Zhang Organizations: Service, Big Tech, Camp, Oluwole, Barcelona football, Houston, Toronto, Montreal, London, Toronto Raptors, LinkedIn Locations: France, —, Lagos, Nigeria, Brussels, Atlanta , Georgia, Tennessee, Toronto, Ottawa, Lisbon, Barcelona, Cancun, Atlanta, Francisco, Rome, Amalfi, Paris, Los Angeles, Vancouver, London, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Canada, Europe, Portugal

☆ I was too stressed out to enjoy my quiet vacation — until I changed my approach
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-26 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AdvertisementOn the first day of my quiet vacation, I had great luck with the timing. After that incident, I was so anxious about getting caught while quiet vacationing during work hours that I changed my approach. AdvertisementMy trip turned from quiet vacationing to a workcation with reduced working hours — but it was still very worth it. I told my job I was in ItalyWhen I first went on my quiet vacation, I tried to keep it secret. It just feels so much better to do the work first and then enjoy your vacation to the maximum.

Persons: —, Holly Andrews, I'd, It's, Tess Martinelli Organizations: Service, Business, Italy — Locations: Newport , United Kingdom, Bari, Italy, Bari Castle, tmartinelli

☆ I was too stressed to enjoy my quiet vacation until I made on key change. I came home feeling happy and relaxed.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-26 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Persons: Holly Andrews, —, I'd, It's, Tess Martinelli Organizations: Service, Italy — Locations: Italy, Newport , United Kingdom, Bari, Bari Castle, tmartinelli

☆ A millennial freelancer making 6 figures a year explains how she's preparing for the inevitable shift in side hustles
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The 36-year-old business coach said she's been gearing up for an "inevitable shift" in how work will operate since 2014. Upwork's latest data shows that nearly 64 million Americans — representing nearly 40% of the entire US workforce — have undertaken freelance work. Stats like these further reiterate the growing recognition of the importance of having multiple income streams. Dixon also uses this strategy in her freelance career. People without side hustles could struggleUltimately, Dixon stands by the idea that everyone should have a side hustle.

Persons: —, Reid Hoffman, Hannah Dixon, Dixon, she's, She's, It's, it's Organizations: Service, Twitter, Business

☆ I'm a working mom while my husband stays home. I've dealt with FOMO and he's felt inadequate, but our family is stronger for it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-21 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

I work a full-time 9-to-5 job as a project manager and also run an e-commerce business on the side. Related storiesBalancing a full-time job, an e-commerce business, and family life is challengingI feel accomplished because I'm able to support my family through multiple income streams, which add up to over six figures. When the company where I work full-time went through a round of layoffs last year, I was extremely anxious about potentially losing our main source of income. This stress led to me being distracted during family time and occasionally snapping at my husband over minor issues. Last holiday season, I was swamped with a major project deadline at my full-time job at the same time I had a spike in online sales.

Persons: —, Michaelle Barbor, It's, I've, We've, I'm, Michaelle, She'd, we've, He'd, Jane Zhang Organizations: Service, Business, Facebook Locations: King , North Carolina

☆ I take quiet vacations from my $300,000 Wall Street job because the work isn't fulfilling. Here's how I get away with it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with a 42-year-old vice president at a Wall Street bank in New York City. I work in tech for a Wall Street bank, and I quiet vacation. I do the bare minimum work for my Wall Street job because the pay and bonuses aren't as good as they used to beI wanted to work on Wall Street because of the money. Even on Wall Street, it seems like once people fall into a way of thinking, they stick with it their entire lives. On Wall Street, it's more important not to make any mistakes than to see how many hours someone can sit in an office.

Persons: —, I've, he'd, I'm, Lauryn Haas Organizations: Service, Business, Microsoft, lhaas Locations: New York City, Virginia, Atlantic City, Ocean City

☆ I got hired at Google without even a high school diploma. Here are my 3 tips for others with nontraditional backgrounds.
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-17 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Read previewThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with James Thompson, a 40-year-old strategic partner development manager at Google from London. In 2023, after over two decades of working in the tech and telecommunications industry, I landed a job at Google as a strategic partner manager. I never thought I'd be even considered for a role there because my tech career didn't begin with a traditional background. I dropped out of high school and polytechnicI dropped out of high school at age 17. AdvertisementI've been at Google for just over a year now and my experience has been amazing so far.

Persons: —, James Thompson, It's, I'd, didn't, I've, I'm, it's, Jane Zhang Organizations: Service, Google, Business, Vodafone, Cisco, British Telecom, LinkedIn, Big Tech Locations: London, New Zealand

☆ 5 careers in the space industry that new grads should focus on, according to a VC
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-07 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. A 2024 report from McKinsey & Co. estimates the global space economy will balloon to $1.8 trillion by 2035, fueled by advances in AI. Chad Anderson, founder and managing partner of Space Capital, one of the first early-stage VC firms to focus exclusively on the space economy, told Business Insider that the space economy has plenty of technical career paths available. Anderson — who's invested in dozens of space ventures, including SpaceX, moon landers, satellites, and space tech, and founded Space Talent, an online resource for jobs in the space field and tech industry — shared his perspective as a VC on the top five careers in space that are on the rise. Specifically, expect heightened demand for orbital interior designers, space suit designers, space station industrial designers, and other lifestyle consultants for long-term tourism trips and crewed platforms.

Persons: —, Chad Anderson, Anderson — who's, landers, Anderson —, Anderson, they'll, you've, it's Organizations: Service, McKinsey & Co, Space, Business, SpaceX, Talent, Software, of Defense, NASA

☆ I gave more attention to my demanding job than to raising my 4 kids. I'm heartbroken over what it cost me.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-10 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

I instantly regretted my decision because I knew my son needed me. The chances of my husband getting a job that would pay enough to cover the cost of childcare were very low. My children needed their mother, and I needed my children. When I was focused on work and they needed my attention, I would redirect them to ask their dad instead. I realize now that all those years, I was bringing my stress and fear from work into my family life.

Persons: Abigail DeGuzman, It's, I've, we're, I'm, wasn't, inattentive, —, There's, Jane Zhang Organizations: Service, Strategic, Business Locations: Brookhaven , Pennsylvania, Philippines, Atlanta, Pennsylvania, janezhang@businessinsider.com

☆ I'm not paying for my kids' college tuition unless they want to be doctors or lawyers. Money isn't the issue — the ROI has to be worth it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-09 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

I have six children between the ages of 5 and 11, and I've told them I won't pay for college except in very limited circumstances. I'm actively encouraging my kids to consider other options and how much ROI they'll get from college. One of the most interesting responses I've gotten from my kids is asking how they can make money now. Not paying for college might force them to be more financially responsible, but only if they choose — or try — to pay for college themselves. I want them to learn to be financially responsible and viable by earning money, with or without college.

Persons: —, Bobby Kittleberger, I've, I'm, they've, They're, it's, I'd, We've, We'll, Lauryn Haas Organizations: Service, Business, Colleges, YouTube Locations: Staunton , Virginia, Virginia, lhaas@businessinsider.com

☆ I quadrupled my Big Tech salary by changing jobs 8 times. I learned how to negotiate pay and when to walk away.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-01 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. I recently left a role in Big Tech as a senior program manager at Figma, and I've previously worked at Meta, Pinterest, Intuit, and LinkedIn. In 2016, I pivoted to an account manager roleI more than doubled my salary at a tech startup in San Francisco. Next, I was interested in pivoting to a full-time program manager role, so I applied cold, interviewed, and landed an offer at LinkedIn. Here are the four strategies that were the most helpful to me in increasing my salary in Big Tech.

Persons: —, Jean Kang, San Francisco who's, It's, I've, I'm, Lauryn Haas Organizations: Service, Meta, Intuit, LinkedIn, Big Tech, Business, Facebook, Microsoft, Big Locations: San Francisco, Big, Pinterest, Figma, Big Tech, Salesforce, lhaas@businessinsider.com

☆ My wife makes $500,000 a year and I'm a stay-at-home dad. It's been difficult to fit in with the mom crowd.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-24 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ken Mac, a 43-year-old stay-at-home dad in the Chicago area. AdvertisementWhen I told my coworkers I was resigning to become a stay-at-home dad, they were shocked that I'd leave such a well-paying job. Related storiesHowever, I feel the impact and reward of my job as a stay-at-home dad more than I did as an engineer. It also underscores the demands of being a stay-at-home parent — there are no breaks, no sick days, and no PTO. This always prompts a pause before I reveal I'm a stay-at-home dad.

Persons: —, Ken Mac, It's, Andrea, I've, I'd, wasn't, Ken, isn't, aren't, would've, Lauryn Haas Organizations: Service, Business, lhaas@businessinsider.com Locations: Chicago

☆ Leaving India and working in tech in the US changed me. I feel too foreign here and too foreign there.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-22 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

It was because I knew that working in Big Tech in Silicon Valley would change me into a different person and I'd never move back. It's been 11 years since then, and I think I've gotten happier with my life here now that I've worked at a few different jobs in Big Tech. But despite this, working in the US suits me better than working in India because of my individualistic mindset. Some people back home think very competitively — they've hinted that they think I'm just plain lucky, and if they had the opportunity, they'd do it too and much better. Even if I had all the resources to go back to India, it'd be different — I've grown apart from who I was.

Persons: Uday Padyana, I'd, It's, I've, India I've, I'm, it's, they've, there's, —, haven't, would've, India I'm, could've, it'd, Jeff Bezos's, Jane Zhang Organizations: Service, Big Tech, Big, Business, PayPal, Uber Locations: Silicon Valley, India, Big Tech, Silicon, Atlanta, Washington , DC, American, janezhang@businessinsider.com

☆ Dating in Silicon Valley is hard. I want to be married and have kids, but Big Tech is holding me back.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-10 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

I work at a FAANG tech company and have been an employee and manager at three other Big Tech firms over the last 10 years. Working in Big Tech has taken a major toll on my dating and personal life. Now that I'm more interested in dating, I'm finding it very difficult. Related storiesReturning to the office meant my dating life was suddenly limited to one geographical area, and my previous dating plans went kaput. Is your Big Tech job affecting your dating life?

Persons: —, I, I'd, I've, I'm, haven't, Lauryn Haas Organizations: Service, Big Tech, Business, Amazon, lhaas@businessinsider.com Locations: Silicon Valley, East, New York, West Coast, Boston, Bay

☆ I was shocked to be laid off from my tech job — but I quickly realized it was a dream come true
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-20 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. I completed a 3.5-year apprenticeship as a media designer and engineer, and I've been in the tech industry since I was 15. Leaving so quickly wouldn't have been possible without the support of our LA friends, who helped us in many ways. Courtesy of Lucas FrischmannI came up with this idea as I struggled to keep up with all my connections. AdvertisementIf you were laid off from a tech company and want to share your story, please email Manseen Logan at mlogan@businessinsider.com.

Persons: —, Lucas Frischmann, It's, I've, Frischmann, it's, I'd, Manseen Logan Organizations: Service, Twitter, Meta, Business Locations: Los Angeles, Asia, Vietnam, Italy, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Europe, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Bangkok, Amalfi Coast, Bali , Indonesia, mlogan@businessinsider.com

☆ I'm a female breadwinner who retired my husband. I was worried I'd resent him, but I'm a better leader and wife because of it.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-16 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

I started making money in the first two years of my business, but I didn't make as much money as I thought I would. As my business grew, I started to make more money than my husbandI realized I was making more money than my husband in a tax meeting. AdvertisementOnce he became a firefighter, my husband made about $100,000 a year. I can move anywhere with my job, but it wasn't easy for my husband to move to another state. My husband told me he wishes he could reverse roles and succeed at my level, but that's not our reality.

Persons: Amy Porterfield, It's, Tony Robbins, Tony, would've, He's, wasn't, it's, I'd, that's, I'm Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Nashville, California, Tennessee

☆ I left the Bay Area and moved countries for a tech job — and I'm 100 times happier and less stressed now than I was in Silicon Valley
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Robin Madell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

AdvertisementI didn't work in tech when I lived in the Bay Area, but I do nowIn the Bay Area, I worked in marketing and graphic design and did off-and-on work in café management and the brewing industry. The Bay Area didn't fit into his free-spirit mentality, and he also needed a change. In the Bay Area, there was no getting into a job like this "by accident" for me. Moving out of the Bay Area felt like someone turned all the heat off before I boiled to deathWhen I left the Bay Area, I received the type of inner peace I never thought possible. Even people who stayed there feel the same way, they no longer live in that Bay Area, either.

Persons: —, Agata Pona, It's, we'd, would've, didn't, couldn't, joggers, Manseen Logan Organizations: Service, SUSO Digital, San Francisco Bay Area, Business, Whole Foods, Poland —, Stanford, Big Tech, Salvadoran Locations: Area, Poland, San Francisco Bay, Poznań, Silicon Valley, California, Portland , Arizona, Texas, Bay, mlogan@businessinsider.com

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