How "out of the workforce" is defined might be a missing part of the big picture. (The term itself is pretty nebulous!) "Staying home with the kids" might also

How "out of the workforce" is defined might be a missing part of the big picture. (The term itself is pretty nebulous!) "Staying home with the kids" might also include learning some skills, or trying to start a business, or self-employment. The radar will likely miss this. In the US, singles who earn under $12,500 don't need to file a federal tax return. (Note that the radar will always remember that 'missing time' ... which you may need to account for later! And that info is widely available.)