The workplace for early-career researchers (ECRs) in STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) is highly competitive; ECRs urgently need to publish and attract funding to secure their next job. The literature suggests this environment is more difficult for women than for men. They start the postdoctoral period in equal numbers; however more women leave academia than men and women are under-represented at the senior levels. Interviews of eight women who had recently left academic research explored their reasons for the change, providing insight into the difficult decision-making processes and the largely beneficial outcomes of their choices of new careers.