Question about work (physics)

I think the answer you're looking for is that work is always non conservative. Think about pushing a desk. If you push the desk to the opposite side of the room, and then push it back, even though it's returned to its place of origin you still had to sweat to translate it there. Work is dependent on the path taken. I know this is a very simple explanation, but if this doesn't answer your question then I don't know what you're asking.