S3 E70 - Take This Job and (Politely) Shove It: Why Women Are Leaving the Workforce Now

What would make a woman with years of education, a leadership role, and a career she fought hard for suddenly say, “I’m done”?

In this episode of Lead Like a Girl, we dig into a Time magazine article highlighting why so many women are walking away—burned out from the “second shift” (working all day, then running the entire household at night), buried in childcare struggles, and worn down by the impossible pressure to do it all.

We also sit down with Rachel Leachman—former Director of Development at Generate Hope, now a stay-at-home mom—as she shares her raw and honest story about stepping away from the workforce. Rachel opens up about the “why” behind her decision, the freedom she’s found, and why it’s not only okay to change paths, but absolutely necessary for some seasons of life. And, changing your mind is always OK!

We also touch on the quiet but very real role women play in caring for aging parents, and how self-care and asking for help are key to surviving it all.

Rachel’s journey is proof that success doesn’t have just one definition—and sometimes the bravest choice is the one that puts your own peace and family first.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Why women are leaving the workforce in record numbers

• Rachel’s transition from Development Director to full-time mom—and what she’s learned along the way

• Why kids just want their mom to be happy, no matter her career path

• The pressures of balancing childcare, work, and caring for aging parents

• How asking for help and prioritizing self-care creates real balance