Modern Women: Redefining Marriage and Career in a Changing World

In the past, young girls were labeled as “old maids” as early as 20 if they had not yet found a husband. This term reflected society’s view, where marriage and building a family represented the only acceptable future for a woman. From a young age, girls were groomed to become devoted wives, with some even experiencing their first menstruation after joining the marital home, marking the abrupt transition from childhood to adulthood as a wife and soon a mother. Back then, a woman’s only career perspective was domestic – her role as a wife, mother, and household manager. However, the evolution of societal norms and women’s emancipation shifted this narrow view of women’s futures. Today, young girls have broader dreams; they aspire to become doctors, teachers, lawyers, or actresses. Now, even from childhood, a girl can envision a professional life beyond the home, aiming for ambitious and diverse goals. With extended years of education, young women today average around four years of study after high school to develop skills and gain specialized knowledge. If they choose to delay marriage until securing a job, this often means waiting at least another year or more. This shift is evident in statistics: the average marriage age for women has gradually risen to around 27. This delay is also influenced by emotional experiences and romantic disillusionment. After repeated heartbreak, some women decide to dedicate themselves fully to their careers, becoming what is known as “single warriors”—determined women who channel their time and energy into their work to achieve personal fulfillment. The rise of “single warriors” raises an essential question: Do women focus on their careers by choice or as a fallback, lacking a stable partner? Adja, a 28-year-old woman, shares her story: “After a romantic disappointment, I started my own project. I devote all my time to it… and it has repaid me well.” For her, as for many others, work has become a source of emotional reward, a way to realize herself, and even a kind of “gentle drug.” Unlike human relationships, which can sometimes lead to frustration, professional commitment yields tangible, gratifying results that match the efforts invested. Yet, in a society like ours, where traditional values remain firmly rooted, marriage is still perceived as a kind of career or achievement. This is reflected in many parents’ statements. For example, a mother might say about her daughter, “My daughter is studying economics… but eventually, she’ll marry and have children.” These words imply that education is only temporary until a husband is found. In some cases, studies even serve as an excuse to delay a marriage that parents feel is too early: “Sorry, our daughter is not ready for marriage; she’s still a student.” However, when marriage becomes inevitable, some parents take a more conciliatory stance: “She can balance both… come on!” This viewpoint reflects a common dilemma for women: those who meet a “good match” may feel pressured to give up personal and professional ambitions for family life. The more insightful women, however, manage to maintain a balance between their private and professional lives, often at the cost of sacrifices. In the professional world, a woman’s marital status can also influence hiring decisions. A recruitment agency manager notes: “Single women are more preferred for employment than married women… They are more free and less tied down by family obligations.” This observation reveals a reality in which family responsibilities are sometimes viewed as barriers to professional commitment. Nevertheless, some women deliberately build an independent professional life. They see their education and career as not just a means of livelihood but as tools for personal development and self-realization. By separating their professional life from their private life, they can focus entirely on their careers without giving up the idea of marriage. For these women, career and marriage can coexist, provided a balance is maintained. However, when a choice between their relationship and career arises, some women are unhesitant in making decisions to prioritize what matters most to them at that moment. This self-determination process reflects the strength and independence increasingly defining women today, highlighting a profound transformation in societal values and women’s aspirations.