I left teaching for a career with more financial stability. A decade later, I'm still struggling to find that.
I left teaching in 2012 and told my boss I'd be back if I didn't make it in journalism. Now I'm debating if I should've left at all.
Essay
I was a toxic boyfriend. I used my ex for years until I finally learned my lesson.
Whenever I ended a relationship, I ran back to the same woman to avoid my loneliness. I just used her as I waited for something better.
I left teaching despite loving working with kids. The pay was too low and my stress had reached its limit.
Katie K taught at one of the coolest places on Earth. Her coworkers were astronauts. She hung around rockets. But it wasn't as great as it seemed.
My husband and I both work 4-day workweeks. We'd rather have less money and more family time.
My husband and I both work 4 days a week so we can spend more time with our kids. We have less money, but we're happier.
My late husband retired at 40. Now I'm teaching our sons his investment strategies and frugal ways.
My late husband was a saver and I was a spender. Now I'm teaching our kids to have his mindset so they can live comfortable lives.
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I'm an only child and moved far away from my parents. I feel guiltier as they get older.
I moved with my husband to Paris to be closer to his family. When we had kids, I realized how far I was from mine. Traveling is getting harder.
We took our kids on an overseas trip when they were little. We should've waited until they were older.
My husband and I couldn't wait to go to Canada with our little kids, but we ended up wishing we'd waited to take them on their first overseas trip.
My first adult friend abruptly ended our friendship. I was devastated, and now I'm even more closed off.
After I became a mother, I struggled to make adult friends. I finally met someone I connected with, but she told me she didn't want to talk anymore.
I hate big birthday parties for kids and won't ever throw one for my son. I prefer our small family dinner.
I'm filled with dread when my son gets invited to a large birthday party, and I don't throw them for him. Our small family pizza parties are perfect.
My kids had tons of stuffed animals they didn't play with anymore. Donating them made it easier to let go.
While renovating our house, we found tons of stuffed animals and blankets shoved in closets. We donated them and my kids felt good about it.
I'm 67 and can't afford to retire. I'm moving away from my grandchild to work less and enjoy a lower cost of living.
A higher cost of living and poor planning has prevented me from retiring. Now, I'm moving to a less expensive area so I can work less.
My kids will all graduate from high school in 5 years. I'm already preparing for my empty nest.
I still have five years, but I'm already taking steps to prepare for my empty nest. I'm strengthening my friendships and creating a travel wish list.
After my mom died, I thought I'd never enjoy the holidays again. It took me years to find joy in my grief.
My mom would be the best creating joy during the holidays. After her death, I felt like The Grinch. It took me years to find joy while also grieving.
I've always been close to my mom, but didn't realize how much I still needed her until I had my own kids
When I had kids, it brought me closer to my mom. It helped me understand her unconditional love for me.
Grieving my estranged mother while she was still alive taught me how to get through the holidays
I was estranged from my mother for 11 years before she died. The holidays were always hard to get through, but I've found a way.
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My son doesn't believe in Santa, but his older sister does. I'm not telling either of them the truth.
My 6-year-old pieced together that Santa is not real, but my 9-year-old still wants to hold on to the belief. I told them he lives in their hearts.
I traveled the world while taking online classes because it was cheaper than room and board at my college. I don't regret it.
To avoid large student loan debt after graduation, I took online classes at my local college. I then traveled while taking classes from my hostels.
Throwing the same Christmas party for 20 years has taught me 4 things about being a host
The tradition started in 2005 when my husband and I were just married. We've made so many memories with our friends.
My dad loved cutting down our Christmas tree every year. After he had strokes, our family adjusted our tradition so he could still be included.
Picking out our Christmas tree was the highlight of the holiday season. After my dad had strokes, we figured out a way to keep him involved.
As a mom of teens, I was surprised when they asked to spend time with me this holiday season
Long gone are the days when my sons asked for PAW Patrol Christmas gifts. Now, they want my attention and time.