Divorce affects people emotionally, mentally, and financially. And all of these side effects can impact your professional life. They might even, in the worst cases, cost you your job. No one wants to allow their personal life to seep into their job responsibilities, but a divorce can be all-encompassing and compartmentalizing what you’re dealing with in that situation is certainly a challenge. How can you stay on track so that you don’t lose your employment while you’re ending your marriage?
Be Forthcoming, to a Point
You don’t need to tell everyone in your professional circle that you’re getting a divorce, but it does help to tell the people with whom you interact daily and, especially, your boss. Divorce is common. Your colleagues may have been through a divorce themselves or at least know someone who has. There is empathy to be found. Ask for it before you need it so that it doesn’t seem as though you’re using your divorce as an excuse for missed deadlines, coming in late, or permanent distraction. You may even find that your superior is willing to adjust your work load temporarily so that you can get through your divorce with a little less stress.
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Readjust Your Hours
Your entire life will change because of your divorce, so expect your work routine to change as well. If you have children, your parenting time arrangements may now have you responsible for picking your kids up or dropping them off at new times for school, daycare, or activities. You may be moving to a new place which could add time to your commute. However, you will still have to put in the same amount of time for work. Without getting into the dirty details of your divorce, speak with whomever you need to so that you can satisfactorily rearrange your schedule – perhaps with a flexible telework agreement – with minimal disruption to your daily work duties.
Choose Confidants Carefully
It can be tempting to vent to your coworkers about what your spouse is doing to drive you crazy or to make your divorce difficult, how the kids are misbehaving because of the split or how you’re going to have to sell your investment property to reach a divorce settlement. Everyone who is willing to listen at the office is not necessarily on your side. Some workplaces are competitive, and if there is a promotion up for grabs or an evaluation around the corner, you could lose out because of your oversharing. And a frenemy may take the opportunity to point out where you’re slacking and why they should get a bonus or better office over you and your “drama.” Also worth noting: Keep your divorce details off of social media.
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Watch Your Finances
You have a job now, but is it enough to see you through this divorce? Some people may find themselves having to take on other jobs in order to make ends meet. Don’t allow this need to affect your main source of income. Divorce is easily accompanied by poor financial decisions, like attempting to keep the family home even though you can’t afford it, or splurging on unnecessary purchases or trips to make yourself feel better about the divorce. From the moment your divorce begins, you would be wise to create a strict budget – with the help of a divorce financial analyst if necessary – so that you can ensure you won’t be stretched so thin that you can’t maintain the job you currently have.
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Planning for Every Stage of Divorce
Your divorce will not be easy, and there may be mental strain involved which can certainly impact your working life as well. Be quick about seeking the support you need while reassuring your coworkers that this too shall pass. Your new normal will eventually become normal and everyone will understand when you have to go to a school event or a legal meeting or even a therapy appointment. You don’t have to attempt to keep it all together on your own – contact Michigan Divorce Help in Mt. Clemens, MI, to schedule your no-cost today and discuss the course of your divorce.