Why Women Leave Corporate Jobs for Self-Employment: A Systematic Literature Review on Stress-Induced Career Shifts

Abstract

The phenomenon of women leaving corporate jobs to pursue self-employment has gained significant attention due to the increasing prioritization of autonomy, flexibility, and personal well-being. Stressors such as rigid work cultures, gender biases, and work-life conflicts emerge as critical drivers of this career shift. This systematic literature review (SLR) aims to consolidate fragmented research to understand why women transition from corporate roles to self-employment, focusing on stress-related factors, the experiences and outcomes of self-employment, and the influence of organizational, societal, and individual factors. Using the PICo framework, the review examines studies that explore the problem (women, stress, corporate jobs), interest (career shifts, self-employment, transitions) and context (workplace stress, organizational culture, work-life balance). A comprehensive search strategy was applied to databases such as Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, and the PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed to ensure systematic identification, screening, and inclusion of high-quality studies. The findings reveal systemic workplace stressors, diverging perspectives on self-employment’s efficacy, and the influence of intersecting identities and external factors on career decisions. These insights underscore the urgent need for organizational reforms and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems. This research benefits policymakers, organizations, and practitioners by providing evidence-based recommendations to address workplace inequities and support women’s sustainable career transitions.