You are the one focusing on volunteer work not me. If you read my initial post it would depend on whether children are in the picture or not. Also any decision would be based on a discussion of within the family and her desires to work/not work.
I don’t think that you have a firm grasp of career pathways. A consultant by default is an independent businessman/woman. A CA/CPA with her own practice is also a consultant, same applies for an IT Consultant. Like I said before, there are many many ways of achieving a sense of recognition, being able to contribute, and do something for yourself.