@
Bradek
It's a common practice in Japan (and other Asian countries for that matter). There even a word for it: 寿退社. Some women even aimed to quit her job after nabbing a man and only work temporarily until marriage (which there also a word for it: 腰掛け入社).
The reason why this practice exists in the first place: So the wive can focus in housework and educating the children. After all, in an ideal world, the male should provide for his wife(s) and child(ren).
The reason why this practice declined in modern Japan: Economic reason, more professional career women, and some women just don't get a chance to nab husband and became Christmas Cake.