The central theme of this paper is that contemporary literature concerning women’s careers is based on assumptions held by researchers and not actually on views held by women themselves. Many feminist researchers are guilty of assuming ‘false consciousness’ on the part of their subjects by explaining these women as being victims of gender or patriarchal systems instead of making a mindful decision founded on choice. The empirical work draws on in-depth interviews with 39 women architects. Of the 39 women interviewed, 20 had adopted alternative ways of working, in the sense that they had rejected the conventional career within an organisation. Their reasons for this were diverse and ranged from wanting to combine childcare or elder care with work; involvement in local politics; wanting time for further study or sporting activities; as well just not wanting to work full-time. In short, this research demonstrates that work is not always a central interest in the lives of individuals and supports Hakim’s view of heterogeneity among women
