Many women make the decision to stay home once the children start coming.  Their husband is the main income and they cut back on expenses so that they can have that life style.  That is great, but then suddenly their husband is gone and as a widow that life style is no longer possible. For these widows, it is a very tough time because not only are they grieving the loss of their beloved husbands but also the loss of their financial life.  They now have to face going back to work and due to age and/or work experience, the job market can be tough. The best thing is to expand your knowledge by taking some new classes.  I know you probably want to pull the covers up over your head and wish the world away, but you can do it.  First thing is to adjust your expectations as positions similar to what you had before you left the work place may be unattainable now. Just getting back into working is important so please consider any job that can earn you an income and offers health insurance.  Though you may feel overqualified, take a job with medical benefits for the interim and go from there. If you start by working part-time and later you work full time, try to increase your contribution to your retirement fund.  As a widow you have to ensure that you have enough funds to retire, so find out what your allowed to contribute every year.  Don't delay because as you get closer to retirement age it may be too late to ensure that you can financial cover all your expenses. Your finances are now totally in your control so please don't hide from them in the hope that everything will just work out on its own.