Why U.S. Women Are Leaving Jobs Behind

Since Kerry Devine, 32, and her friends began having children, she has noticed a stark difference between her female friends in Auburn, Wash., where she lives, and those in England and Cyprus, where she grew up. In the United States, they almost all stopped working outside the home, at least until their children were in school. Yet, she says, she can’t think of a friend in Europe who left work after her children were born.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.

Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.

Support HuffPost

Parents

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

Related

From Our Partner

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

The 1 Shoe That Has Helped Eliminate My Dad’s Plantar Fasciitis Pain

These Nike Sneakers Feel Like 'Walking On A Cloud' & They're 50% Off

This Classic '90s Shoe Brand Is Having A Major Moment

31 Comfortable Bottoms Guaranteed To Make You Forget All About Jeans

38 Pieces That Will Make Guests Smile When They Walk Into Your Home

MORE IN LIFE

7 Grocery Shopping Mistakes That Cause You To Overspend

6 Work Habits That Are Secretly High-Functioning Anxiety In Disguise

8 Things Knee Doctors Say You Should Never, Ever Do

4 Sneaky Ways Online Retailers Trigger You To Make Impulse Purchases

These Are The Top 5 Fantasies Women Want To See More Of In Porn

The Travel-Friendly AeroPress XL Makes The ‘Best Coffee Ever.’ Get It For 30% Off.

Some Reviewers Chose These Earbuds Over AirPods — And They’re On Sale For $19

These Beloved North Face Rain Jackets Are Up to 50% Off At REI

Reviewers Love This Tiny Speaker’s ‘Small But Mighty’ Sound Quality — And It’s Under $50

Love Petting Your Cat? There's A 'Red Zone' You Need To Avoid.

A Podiatrist Reveals The Best Walking Sandals You Can Buy

These 10 Mascaras Will Be Game-changing If Your Eyelashes Have Zero Curl

Highly-Rated Outdoor Enclosures For Your Pet That You Can Get On Amazon

The Best Anti-Theft Bags To Carry While Traveling

35 Essential Items That Everyone Should Have In Their Home

Reviewers Say These ‘Life-Changing’ Sandals Really Help With Foot Pain

This Top-Rated Humidifier has Over 45,000 5-Star Ratings. Grab One Now At 25% Off.

Reviewers Love This Tiny Speaker’s ‘Small But Mighty’ Sound Quality — And It’s Under $50

Reviewers Say This 2-Basket Air Fryer Is '100% Necessary' — And It's On Sale Now

These Are The Eight Books That I Caught HuffPost Editors Reading

12 Non-Breakable Dishes For Outdoor Dining That Aren't Ugly

If You Deal With Plantar Fasciitis, Podiatrists Say These 7 Products Can Help

Professional Photographers Reveal The Best Disposable Cameras

These Cute Sheer Socks Will Put The Finishing Touch On Your Spring Wardrobe

Reviewers Call This Hands-Free Light The 'Best Purchase They’ve Ever Made'

Do You Experience 'Euphoric Recall'? Here's Why It Can Be Toxic.

'No Cuisine In The World Can Be Called Authentic.' Here's Why.

AllBirds Running Sneakers Reviewers Say They ‘Live In’ Are 40% Off Today

MacBook Airs Are Less Than $850 On Amazon Right Now

The TikTok-Beloved Snail Serum Is Majorly On Sale Right Now For Less Than $13

A Podiatrist Reveals The Best Walking Sandals You Can Buy

Reviewers Say This 2-Basket Air Fryer Is '100% Necessary' — And It's On Sale Now

This Ultra-Tough Duffle Is A Travel 'Game Changer' — And It's 30% Off

Amazon Reviewers Love This $24 ‘Foot Stretcher’ To Relieve All Kinds Of Pain

26 Home Decor Items That Look Expensive But Are Actually From Amazon

These Amazon Home Pieces Look Wayyy More Expensive Than They Are

This Might Just Be HuffPost Readers' Favorite White T-Shirt

Is This The Best Hack For Getting Cheap Flights?

We Make Salads For A Living — Here's The No. 1 Ordering Mistake We See People Make

This Ultra-Tough Duffle Is A Travel 'Game Changer' — And It's 30% Off