How many actually want(ed) a 'steady career'? I've had nothing that could be confused with one, which is fine (start-ups, consulting, etc).
men are fired more quickly, and discriminated Against for dubious reasons
Maybe those who want health insurance for themselves and their families.
One feature of the UK is the NHS, which has given me far more freedom of work than I think I would have had in the US, given a medical condition that showed up before/during my first (pre-university) job...