Balancing Work and Family: The Story of Mackenzie Bruegge and the Growing Trend of Mothers Leaving the Workforce
Mackenzie Bruegge, a mother from West Branch, Iowa, worked in medical billing for six years but found it financially challenging due to the high cost of daycare for her two young children. Despite trying to work from home, she felt overwhelmed balancing work and childcare responsibilities. Eventually, she and her husband decided she would leave her job to focus on caring for their children full-time, relying on her husband's income as a plumber to support the family.
Bruegge's decision to quit her job is part of a larger trend, with over 400,000 women leaving the U.S. workforce in the first half of 2025, particularly mothers of young children. Economist Misty Heggeness identified childcare as a significant factor driving women out of the workforce, citing the lack of support and policies that make it challenging for caregivers to balance work and family responsibilities.
While Bruegge acknowledges the financial difficulties of living on a single income, she expresses that she is happier and less stressed since leaving her job. She values the extra time spent with her children and appreciates the newfound balance in her life. Despite the challenges, Bruegge has found a new rhythm that works for her and her family, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing well-being and family over financial concerns.