Hello Reader, A days ago, I caught up with two friends I hadn’t seen in almost nine years. We met years ago at work, in the lactation room. Our babies were around the same age, and between pumping sessions we talked about everything. Sleepless nights, deadlines, marriages, and how we were supposed to do it all. That’s how our friendship started. It was such a lovely catch-up. But as we shared our updates, I noticed a feeling creeping in. One of my friends now owns properties here and...

Hello Reader, For years, bosses told me I was too quiet. They meant well. They'd explain that if I didn't speak up more, people would think I was aloof, unapproachable, or simply lacking confidence. None of those were good options. I knew it, but knowing it didn't make it any easier to open my mouth in a meeting. As a child, I was praised for keeping myself busy in my own corner and not bothering the adults, and in primary school I spent five years in the B class, never quite making it into...

Growing up, I never thought about money. My dad earned it. My mum ran the home. When my brother and I went overseas to study, my dad paid for all of it. Money was just there when we needed it. So without knowing it, I grew up with a story. No matter what happens, someone will take care of me. I never questioned it. I didn’t even know it was there. Until life put it to the test. What I believed in no longer made sense My husband and I quit our jobs to start a café. It didn’t work out. We...