6 moms reveal why they left the workforce in the last year

It’s hard to make the math work. That’s the main sentiment we’re hearing from mothers who answered our sixth annual State of Motherhood survey, when asked about why they left their jobs in the last year. When most—or all—of your paycheck goes toward childcare, is working really worth it? 

Our survey, which almost 10,000 mothers answered, found that nearly two times as many women became stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) within the last year than in the year prior: 25% versus 15%, respectively. That statistic may seem surprising, but it’s understandable given the cold, hard truths many are forced to reckon with when it comes to work and motherhood: Little to no maternity leave, the exorbitant cost of childcare, and a lack of flexibility in work schedules that makes caring for kids difficult. 

So it should come as no surprise that for many working mothers, the Great Resignation hasn’t ended. Of the women who changed jobs or left the workforce last year, Motherly’s survey shows 28% opted to stay home due to a lack of affordable childcare. And of those who are still working, 52% say the cost of childcare has made them consider leaving the workforce. What do these findings really mean? We are failing working parents. 

Two things are very clear: To bring moms back to the workforce, 64% demand flexible work schedules, and 52% need affordable childcare in order to make work tenable again. While it’s heartening that President Biden recently signed an executive order designed to make childcare more affordable, increasing access to high-quality care and supporting childcare workers with better wages, these table-stakes initiatives won’t happen overnight—and working parents needed them yesterday. 

In the meantime, moms continue to make tough decisions with far-reaching impacts on their careers, their family and their livelihood. Here’s what mothers across the country told us. 

Related: Rejecting ‘working mom guilt’ made me a better parent 

6 working mothers on why they left the workforce or changed jobs

“It wasn’t financially prudent to work and send my children to childcare. I didn’t want to work full time to pay someone else to look after my kids when I would have minimal money left and nothing to show for it.” 

– Mandy W., Sioux Falls, SD

“I initially left my teaching position to become a stay-at-home mom because of the low pay and the unpaid workload outside of contract hours. Even though I have a masters degree, full certifications, and experience, my salary would hardly cover the cost of childcare and housekeeping expenses (simple repairs, yard work, cleaning, laundry, meals, etc.) we currently save by having me home full-time to do it all. My husband (despite having a lower education level) makes over $100K more than me… so we made the only choice that made sense, which was for me to stay home.”

– Anna D., Darien, CT

I want to be there for swim class and park dates and take calls during nap time.

Molly J.

“I quit my job at the end of my maternity leave when my daughter was 4 months old. It was becoming abundantly clear that childcare options were not ‘options’ and I was not mentally ready to go back to a demanding full-time job. I want to be there for swim class and park dates and take calls during nap time. My mom missed out on so much working full-time while I was growing up, and I know there are ways to create more balance since I have figured out how the workplace can evolve.” 

– Molly J., Kailua-Kona, HI

Related: I quit my toxic dream job for my daughter

“I always knew that I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, so it wasn’t a hard decision to leave the workforce when the time came. BUT, if I had wanted to stay at my job, it wouldn’t even cover the cost of childcare to be worth considering going back.”

– Hannah F. Graniteville, SC

I am still working, but I took a massive pay cut to take a job working from home.

Mary B.

“I am still working, but I took a massive pay cut to take a job working from home. I did this for a better work-life balance; instead of 1.5-2 hours of commuting by car per day coupled with 9.5-hour days (and often having to bring work home), I am working ~40 hours a week and do not often have to work outside of the hours I prescribe.”

– Mary B., Rio Rancho, NM

“I did not leave the workforce within the last year, but I did leave it with my firstborn and am still currently an at-home parent. We have discussed it over the years and we come to the same conclusion each time: Not worth it to work, wish it was.”

– Lauren S., Millville, MA

Quotes have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.