Yeah this. Some posters on MN do make out that if you don't work for some years (to raise your family,) and become a SAHM, you are going to be Royally fucked if he leaves you. Do they seriously think it's going to be a breeze if you have a job, and he leaves you? Living alone these days is fucking hard, in fact nigh on impossible for many.
I know a few singletons and they have fuck-all once the bills and rent are paid. No social life, no luxuries, no holidays, nothing. It's grim. I even know a few who house-share now as they cannot afford to live alone. They're not 19 y.o. who just left home, they're in their 30s! A women who has stayed at home (and has kids) will very likely end up being given some kind of settlement and pay off as he will have to keep her in the life she is accustomed to and pay for the kids. He can't just fuck off and leave and give her and their kids fuck-all. Doesn't work like that!
A woman who works when she is married with kids, will be no better off than a woman who stayed at home! Especially as in real life - and not on mumsnet - most women have basic, minimum pay jobs! Many women who finish work to raise their kids, don't give up a 'career,' they give up their job on the checkout in Morrisons, or behind the counter in Greggs, or as an admin assistant for a local factory. Whilst I have respect for anyone who works, and think everyone is worthy and important no matter what their job, let's not kid ourselves that it's 'giving up a career' if you are a shop assistant, or a factory worker, or a barista, or a barmaid.
Women who have actual professional careers - and are very successful at what they do - and are well paid, don't 'give up their career.' They take maternity leave for a short spell and return pretty sharpish - part time for a while. This type is much fewer than the first type - (the minimum pay non-professionals.)