Beyond the Pay check: Exploring the Motivations Behind Women’s Entrepreneurial intentions after exits from Corporate Careers

The purpose of this research was to examine the underlying
motivations driving women’s voluntary exit from corporate careers in
Karnataka, aiming to understand the complex factors that influence
their decisions to leave.The study employs a qualitative survey
methodology with information and data collected from 12 women
respondents through in-depth interviews and questionnaires.
Participants were women who voluntarily left corporate employment
in Karnataka within the past five years after working in the sector
for at least two years. Preliminary findings reveal significant
insights: 60% of participants express dissatisfaction with work
life balance; 72% feel traditional gender roles impede their ability
to balance professional and personal responsibilities; 58% report
dissatisfaction with career progression opportunities; and 45%
experience gender-based discrimination, particularly in leadership
roles. Family responsibilities were cited by 63% of participants
as a primary reason for leaving corporate positions, while 55%
believe gendered expectations limit their career advancement.
The small sample size (n=12) limits the generalizability of findings.
Results should be considered preliminary and indicative rather
than definitive. The study reveals that workplace flexibility, career
advancement opportunities, inclusive cultures, and recognition
of contributions are critical factors affecting female exits from the
corporate world. Organizations can use these insights to develop
targeted retention strategies, particularly when it comes to women.
Findings highlight how persistent gender role expectations and
structural barriers in corporate environments contribute to talent
loss among women professionals. Addressing these issues may help
reduce gender disparities in corporate leadership. This research
contributes to understanding the specific regional context of female
corporate exits in Karnataka, providing culturally relevant insights that may differ from global or national patterns of female workforce
participation