If the need to work is not related to financial gain; is there really a good enough reason as to why I should go out and work and leave the parenting to someone else?

All women make choices that are unique to their situation and family. Although having a career does not necessarily guarantee happiness, but there is some truth to the fact that we all wear many hats in life - wife, mother, daughter, sister, employee, employer etc. Our life is often fulfilled by the many roles that we play. Motherhood is possibly one of the greatest roles, but at the same time, we are also mother than being a mother. IF a woman chooses a career and family - she can be happy too. There's no one track that suits all. Similarly, a woman who chooses to look after her children and not work can be happy too. It's most important that your choice makes YOU and YOUR FAMILY happiest. :)