13 Reasons Why So Many Women Are Choosing Freedom Over Full-Time Jobs

In 2025, more than 210,000 women left their full-time jobs behind, opting for careers that offer greater autonomy and flexibility, according to the BBC.

While it’s tempting to frame this as an “exodus” from the workforce, the truth is, it’s more like a massive shift toward independent work. Women are rethinking the traditional 9-to-5.

And for many, it’s no longer about just quitting—it’s about carving out space for themselves in a work environment that aligns with their personal and professional goals.

Here are the key 13 reasons behind this trend.

The End of Remote Work Flexibility

The pandemic gave millions of women a taste of the freedom of remote work. Suddenly, many could balance careers and caregiving responsibilities without the struggle of commuting or rigid office hours.

But now, with many companies pushing return-to-office (RTO) mandates, many women are feeling forced to choose between their careers and their personal lives.

The loss of this flexibility has had a significant impact, especially among women with young children. Simply put, the corporate world’s push for in-person work isn’t working for women anymore, especially those juggling family responsibilities.

The Unmanageable Childcare Crisis

Childcare costs have surged, with families now spending more on care than on rent or mortgages in some cases. The expiration of federal childcare funding in September 2024 only made things worse.

For many mothers, the cost of childcare has made full-time work financially unfeasible. Data from Forbes shows that 13% of mothers have already left the workforce due to childcare costs, and another 45% are considering cutting hours or quitting entirely.

With childcare expenses continuing to rise, many women are opting for freelancing or starting their own businesses to regain control over their schedules—and finances.

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The Persistent Gender Pay Gap

The gender pay gap continues to haunt women’s professional lives. In 2024, women earned just 83.6% of what men earned overall, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

It’s hard to stay motivated in a system that values your work less, especially when you’re doing the same job as your male peers. This wage inequality often leads women to seek career satisfaction outside the traditional workforce.

The gig economy and freelance work offer women a chance to earn what they’re worth—without the constraints of a corporate salary structure.

Lack of Career Advancement Opportunities

The “glass ceiling” is still very real. The McKinsey & Company report on women in the workplace found that for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 81 women made it to the same level. The discrepancy is even more pronounced for women of color.

Women are increasingly leaving corporate environments where promotions are few and far between. They’re creating their own opportunities through entrepreneurship and freelance work, building careers where they control their advancement.

Toxic Work Cultures and Bias

Workplace discrimination remains a significant issue. In 2024, 53% of young women reported experiencing some form of workplace bias, from microaggressions to blatant sexism. For women of color, the number is even higher.

The pressure to navigate these toxic environments, often while balancing caregiving and professional responsibilities, can be overwhelming. Freelancing and starting businesses allow women to escape these harmful dynamics, creating work environments where they call the shots.

The Desire for Autonomy and Control

Flexibility is no longer just a nice-to-have—it’s essential. Women are choosing their work hours and where they work; they are taking control of their careers. For many, the push for more autonomy isn’t just about convenience; it’s about prioritizing well-being.

As women shift their focus from work-life balance to work-life integration, they’re opting for careers that allow them to lead their own way and be in charge of both their professional and personal lives.

The Mental Health Crisis

The pandemic increased stress levels across the board, but for women, the mental health toll has been particularly severe. According to Deloitte, 53% of women report heightened stress levels, but only 43% feel free to talk about their mental health.

This has led many to reconsider their careers. Leaving the corporate world often means leaving behind the pressure, burnout, and stress of high-demand jobs.

The freedom that comes with independent work helps women manage their mental health while still achieving professional success.

The “Motherhood Penalty”

The “motherhood penalty” is a harsh reality for working women. Many find themselves stuck in lower-paying roles with fewer opportunities after taking time off to care for their children. This penalty often makes it more financially feasible for mothers to stay home or pursue freelance work.

The gig economy offers a way out, enabling women to balance caregiving with career growth. Freelance work allows mothers to remain engaged professionally without sacrificing family life.

Freelance and Gig Economy Opportunities

The freelance workforce has exploded in recent years. The rise of platforms like Upwork and Fiverr has made it easier than ever for women to build independent careers.

Independent women often report feeling happier, healthier, more secure, and more able to express themselves than those in traditional jobs. Suppose it’s in writing, design, consulting, or teaching.

In that case, women are carving out their own paths, finding their niches, and building profitable, flexible careers that align with their personal and professional goals.

Financial Necessity

Inflation and the rising cost of living are pushing many women into side hustles or freelance work to make ends meet. For some, the idea of working multiple part-time jobs or freelancing on the side has become a necessity.

But even when financial necessity isn’t the primary driver, women are increasingly using side hustles to supplement their incomes. It’s a way to build financial security without being tied down to a full-time job.

The Pursuit of Purposeful Work

Many women are seeking work that aligns with their values. Corporate jobs that feel unfulfilling or stagnant are no longer appealing. Women are leaving these roles to start businesses that serve a greater purpose.

If it’s providing services they’re passionate about or building companies that reflect their personal beliefs. This shift represents more than just a career change; it’s a move towards finding meaning and fulfillment in work.

The Stigma of Taking Breaks

Taking a break in the corporate world often carries a stigma, especially for women who may have to take time off for caregiving, as noted by Forbes. However, self-employment offers women a wonderful way to see career breaks as chances for personal growth.

On the other hand, in freelancing and entrepreneurship, taking a break is often viewed as a valuable sabbatical or a perfect moment to focus on personal passions, rather than as a setback in one’s career journey.

The Rise of Digital Nomadism

For many women, the ability to work from anywhere is a dream come true. Digital nomadism has become a viable lifestyle for women in independent careers, thanks to technology, which allows them to work remotely while traveling or living anywhere they choose.

This freedom is attracting more women to freelance work, and the trend is likely to continue growing in the years to come.

Conclusion

The rise of freelancing, entrepreneurship, and remote work isn’t just a trend—it’s a structural shift in how women approach their careers. For many, leaving traditional full-time jobs isn’t about opting out of work but about opting for something better.

The question is no longer whether women will continue to leave full-time jobs, but how the workforce—and society—will adapt to meet their evolving needs. The workplace of the future will need to recognize that for many women, freedom is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.

Disclosure line: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.

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