Ree Drummond's Daughter Explains Decision Behind Major Life Change

Ree Drummond 's daughter Paige is heading—or rather, staying —home at the ranch !

The Pioneer Woman 's second oldest child, whom she shares with husband Ladd , recently made a big life decision when she chose to trade in her corporate job to return to her family's ranch to work full time.

It was revealed in a blog post published on Tuesday, Aug. 20, that the 24-year-old quit her job in Dallas in fall 2023, becoming the first of the couple's children to permanently return to her roots in Pawhuska, Okla.

"When I was younger, I never really thought that I would be back here working on the ranch; I kinda had it written off," Paige admitted in a video displaying footage of her tending to some outdoor animal duties.

"I didn't enjoy it as much when I was younger, but then as I got older and I went away to college and then started working a full-time job, I just really realized how much I missed it and that I just wanted to come back here and try it out," she continued.

After her dad encouraged her to come home and "give it a shot," she explained that she's been enjoying it so far.

Though Paige detailed how exhausting early 4 AM mornings and 12-13 hour work days can be, she can't help but feel "grateful" and loves being "out on the land."

“When it’s hot and the tensions are high, it’s easy to question my decision a little...but the flip side is that I’m so thankful for this place and the opportunity. I will always love it here,” she said.

Lifestyle switch-up aside, the young woman also has another exciting chapter on the horizon, as she is recently engaged to her longtime beau , David Anderson .

Earlier this month, the Food Network star offered a glimpse inside her daughter's special moment , sharing a series of photos from the couple's engagement party .

In addition to Paige, Ree and Ladd share daughter Alex and sons Bryce , Todd , and Jamar .

Next: 'Pioneer Woman' Ree Drummond Shares 'Refreshing' Glimpse at Her Messy Home