Why Did Ree Drummond’s Daughter Paige Abandon Her Corporate Dream? Spoiler: It Involved Cow Poop

At 24, Paige Drummond made a choice that surprised many: she quit her corporate job to return full-time to the Drummond Ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.

While the corporate world often promises stability and glamour, Paige’s decision was driven by a yearning for something more authentic and connected to her roots.

In the fall issue of The Pioneer Woman magazine, Paige opened up about the reasons behind this major career shift.

She described feeling confined and restricted by the office environment, a stark contrast to the open spaces and physical demands of ranch life she grew up with.

“College didn’t prepare me for this,” Paige admitted candidly, “but my childhood prepared me for it. I’m proud to be back here.”

Her mother, Ree Drummond, acknowledged Paige’s smooth transition, noting how adeptly she has taken on the rigorous demands of ranching alongside the seasoned cowboys.

Paige’s daily routine is anything but glamorous.

Rising at 3:30 a.m., she tackles chores that include feeding horses and cattle, vaccinating calves, fixing fences, and even doctoring animals.

She doesn’t sugarcoat the reality: “You’re getting kicked, you’re getting crap on you, you’re fixing fence—you’re doctoring cattle. It’s time-consuming, exhausting, yet rewarding.”

This grueling lifestyle is a far cry from the polished image often portrayed in media about ranch life.

But for Paige, the hard work is deeply fulfilling.

It’s a return to a way of life that feels genuine and meaningful, far beyond the confines of a cubicle.

Her move back to the ranch also marked a milestone: Paige became the first of Ree Drummond’s children to live and work on the ranch full-time.

She now resides in the house once owned by her grandparents, reinforcing her connection to family history and tradition.

Adding a joyful twist to this new chapter, Paige recently announced her engagement to David Anderson.

The news brought a fresh wave of happiness to the family, injecting excitement into their daily lives.

Ree Drummond expressed a laid-back attitude toward Paige’s future, emphasizing that they’re taking things day by day without rushing into long-term plans.

This perspective reflects the family’s grounded approach to life, valuing resilience and adaptability over rigid expectations.

The transition back to ranch life hasn’t been without its hurdles.

Ree Drummond shared in a blog post that the past summer was particularly challenging for her husband, Ladd, who faced relentless work and physical exhaustion.

At times, Ree questioned whether their demanding lifestyle was sustainable.

Yet, Paige’s engagement provided a much-needed boost to the family’s spirits.

It was a reminder that despite hardships, the Drummonds possess a remarkable capacity to overcome obstacles and celebrate life’s joyful moments.

Paige’s story highlights the powerful draw of returning to one’s roots, even when it means embracing a tougher, less glamorous path.

It’s a narrative of rediscovering purpose and identity through hard work, family bonds, and the land that shaped her.

As Paige adapts to her role on the ranch and prepares for her upcoming marriage, the Drummond family continues to embody the strength found in tradition and togetherness.

Their journey underscores that sometimes the boldest moves are the ones that bring us home.

In the end, Paige’s choice to quit her corporate job wasn’t just about leaving a desk behind.

It was about reclaiming a life that feels real, challenging, and deeply rewarding—a life where early mornings, cow poop, and love all come together under the vast Oklahoma sky.