Opting Out (Without Kids): Understanding Non-Mothers' Workplace Exit in Popular Autobiographies

What is it about?

This paper looks at popular autobiographies written by three women who left successful jobs to pursue work that they found more meaningful (farming, writing, baking). Many people have suggested that women "opt-out" of successful careers because they leave full time work at some point to raise children. By looking at women without children who left successful careers, this study supports another explanation that women might leave because they are being pushed out. It also suggests that what our culture says are "successful" careers is a narrow definition, focused primarily on men.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

There is still a lack of equality for women in the workplace and it is important to understand why women's opportunities are still limited. This article suggests that women might not find the meaning, control, and flexibility they seek in traditional career paths and that they might feel pushed out of masculine organizations that value long hours and an upward career trajectory.