This paper intervenes in the debate on what explains women’s movements in and out of the labour market by probing the life course history of higher-educated mothers of young children in Kerala. We find that the women’s employment was interrupted by readjustments occasioned primarily by marriage, health risks of pregnancy, childbirth, family care responsibilities, and higher studies. In addition, they suffered from the non-recognition of care and gendered needs by the state, which was reflected in inadequate transportation and childcare infrastructure. Despite interruptions, most women aspired to be employed, and many had returned to participate in paid work, sometimes after multiple breaks. However, reproductive responsibilities rendered their aspirations contingent. A combination of their aspirations for employment and their constraints made women vulnerable to accepting unprotected, low-paid jobs.