One of the very important decisions people have to make when thinking about going 'back to work' is what they actually want to 'go back' to. Some may choose to try and pick up where they left off. Others choose to use this as an opportunity to try something completely different. Many people in this situation view work from a very different perspective. They may be much more aware of what it is they want to achieve from working, rather than simply wanting to be 'employed'. It is a good time for people to assess what they value and what they want from work other than an income.

Working can provide many benefits to an individual; this includes companionship, stimulation, challenge, and a sense of fulfilment and increase in self-esteem and confidence.

The reality for others may be that due to the lapse in time since previous employment, they are unable to simply pick up where they left off. Many will require some form of training to equip them to return to the workforce either for returning their old line of work or if they wish to try something completely different.