Dear Satis,
Let me quote the reasons without pulling punches, of course. I know my statements always ruffle few feathers but then I am helpless. The reasons are as below:
a) Lack of self-awareness. This is because lack of personality development
b) Disinclination to take challenges. There are lot of jobs available in operations, supply chain, marketing, advertising etc. But it may not table and chair job. Recruiters prefer to slog on chair rather than on shop floor or field.
c) Many of them lack analytical skills. This is because poor command over Maths and Stats. Many other disciplines demand command over these two subjects.
d) Lack of love for money. It is inner urge to earn more money that drives one's ambition. I have seen few recruiters quite complacent.
e) Inability to plan one's career. Unfortunately, sometimes MBAs end up as recruiters. This is because of lack of self esteem.
f) Recruiters don't have to rub their shoulders with average people. Sometimes senior professionals in other discipline have to deal with mediocre people. Recruiters in contrast have their own haven in which they find birds of their feather.
Nevertheless, recruiter's job is plain grind. It has its own challenges. Sometimes candidates give least regard to recruiters. They do not turn up for interview. Selected candidates do not turn up for job. Plus there is pressure for closure for 'x' number of positions.
However, when one get stuck in this drudgery, it is very difficult to come out also. Job of company recruiter is better than agency recruiter. Former has some chance to jump to some other function vertically. Latter has none.
The other factors for women are marriage and going family way. But then these are universal and recruiters only cannot be singled out.
Since you asked this question, I have given my observations. However, my boldness should not be construed as boorishness.
DVD