A reason not mentioned yet: people get divorced more often now than in the past. If you have relied on your partner's income for a decade, it can be really hard

A reason not mentioned yet: people get divorced more often now than in the past. If you have relied on your partner's income for a decade, it can be really hard to get into the workforce on your own, with a ten-year sized hole in your resume and the professional experience of a 20-year old. Heck, it can be difficult enough after a couple of extended parental leaves, much less half a marriage.