What is the obligation of a spouse to become self-sufficient during a separation?

In my view, a spouse’s obligation to become self-sufficient must be considered in the context of the individual case. Millward L.J.S.C. in Brownlee v. Brownlee [[1986] W.D.F.L. 852 (B.C.S.C.)] succinctly stated the proposition as follows at p. 5: Divorce signals to all that the parties involved wish to lead separate and independent lives. Their respective financial needs and entitlement should be assessed at that time with arrangements be­ing made that will enable both parties, where possible, to be self-supporting within a reasonable period of time. What is a reasonable period of time depends on the facts of each case – whether there are small children at home, education and training of the parties, length of time out of the workplace, and length of marriage, among other considerations …