A divorce can affect more than just your personal life — it can change your professional life too. While most people focus primarily on the emotional stresses and personal issues that come with divorce, there are other sensible concerns that need your attention. Another thing to think about too is that it is common for a person leaving a marriage to rethink their career.
For example, if you’re a full-time employee and a parent, there’s a chance you’ll have to adjust to your new life as a single parent by cutting back the hours you work. On the other hand, if you weren’t working during your marriage, you might need a job to help support yourself.
Whatever the circumstances, there is a high chance that your career will be impacted by your divorce in some way. In order to be prepared for this potential change, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Changing Your Priorities at Work
While you’re going through your divorce, you’ll be very busy. From meetings with your attorney and talking to a financial advisor or accountant to court dates and collecting information and documents, you’re going to have your hands full.
Unfortunately, some of your divorce tasks may require you to do things during the workday. Your attorney or bank may call you while you’re in a meeting, or you’ll need to make an appointment over lunch or go to court on a weekday. There are many reasons you’ll need some flexibility at your job throughout the divorce process.
Many need to use paid time off for court dates and other necessary appointments that fall on workdays. You can also discuss your situation with your manager and figure out how much flexibility you have to work with. Don’t be afraid to let them know about your needs but be practical about balancing work and your personal life.
Re-Entering the Labor Force
Many stay-at-home parents and unemployed/under-employed spouses are usually forced to reenter the workforce after a divorce. This is usually because they need to pay for a new home, food, clothes, and other essentials.
While a stay-at-home spouse could receive spousal support as part of the divorce agreement, though many times it is temporary or may not be enough for the person to remain unemployed.
Even going back to work, even part-time, can be quite challenging, especially if you haven’t worked for a long period of time. If you have a degree or have had a career in the past, it could be easier, but in any case, it may be helpful to consider taking educational classes to refresh your skills.
Start Planning Early
Depending on your situation, there are a number of ways you can make this new transition for yourself and your family easier. If you do have children, try asking for relatives and close friends for help. Even if it’s just in the beginning as you and your ex-spouse finalize all the details.
Childcare can be very expensive, so you will need to figure out how you can care for your children while you work or at least consider that staying home may be the best option for the meantime.
Even if you don’t have children, it could be beneficial to look at your budget and figure out where you stand. Ask yourself:
- Will you need a job that pays more?
- Do you need more work hours?
- Are you going to change your schedule?
- What will your monthly s be?
When it comes down to it, only you know the answers to these questions and it’s up to you to step up and get it done! You need to sit down with everything you need to get done and fully grasp your situation. The sooner the better. Give Shaffer Family Law a call at (480) 470-3030 today and we can help you make your divorce process as simple as possible.