Returning to the workplace after maternity leave is for some new mothers a welcome return to adult company and a sense of normality but some mothers feel when maternity leave comes to an end that they do not want to go back to their previous workplace. It may be the case that their post maternity career is no longer suitable for instance if it involved working unsociable hours or required overseas travel and childcare is a problem so mothers may want to rethink their career path.

The type of employment that would be suitable with the childcare constraints now in place may be limited however if childcare either in nurseries or in the home is available this choice is wider.

Retraining for a different career may be necessary to update the qualifications that are held so that the range of jobs that can be applied for is increased. This may sometimes involve undertaking a college course or even going to university, an opportunity that is often possible for those looking after a young family as many courses can be completed online. Universities usually welcome mature students on their courses and research has shown that mature candidates generally have good career prospects when they qualify.