IKR, seems way more common for men to do this, especially when kids come along. If I were the one bearing children, there's no way I'd do it unmarried.
monkeytennis
Had a convo with my mum last month, where she was concerned that I wasn't looking to supercharge my career as I enter my 40s. She couldn't understand why I'd declined an interview with Meta.
I had to spell it out.. I won't miss that extra money. I don't have an expensive lifestyle, and I don't want one. I'd miss the time lost with my kids, and I'd sure as shit regret the stress and anxiety of additional work pressure.
But then, I also had to explain why staying in an unhappy marriage "for the kids" is infinitely worse than peaceful and happy co-parenting.
Boomers. Sigh.
I agree on performance, but I'm well paid and would tolerate almost zero unjustified inconvenience. I can afford to take a cut, but in reality would probably earn even more elsewhere.
More experienced folk are also more likely to go freelance, since they have the skills, experience and contacts. Perm roles only make sense when they bring stability and benefits. I expect to see this a lot more, if RTO continues.
Love that luck analogy, I'll be using that.
When I'm told I've been lucky, it's sometimes that I've just been really deliberate and considered in my actions.