In Newfoundland the fishery was the only occupational option for most women in fishing communities and they have had little if any experience in career planning. Women knew what they were going to do, and there was no need to look at alternatives. Since the cod fishing moratorium they have had to consider the alternatives and the prospect can be both frightening and challenging as women have a perceived responsibility to hold the family together and to regulate the balance between tradition and change in the communities. Until the psychological impacts of the moratorium are addressed many women may be unable to concentrate on their career options.