No one gets married expecting to get divorced, but unfortunately, it happens. If you find yourself in this situation, it can be difficult to know how to handle it, especially when it comes to your career. In some cases, the stigma of being divorced and the distractions of getting divorced can have a severe impact on your employment. Add to this the increased costs and responsibilities of being a single parent and how that impacts your available time for your job and you soon you’re your divorce is having a negative impact on your career. Below, we take a look at the potential impacts of divorce on your career and how to navigate these issues to increase your chances of coming out ahead.

The Stigma of Being a Divorced Employee in New York

The stigma of being a divorced employee can be significant. In some cases, it may lead to discrimination in the workplace. In other cases, it may simply make it more difficult to advance in your career.

There are several reasons why this stigma exists. Often, many people perceive divorce as an indicator of personal failings. This is especially true if the divorce was acrimonious or if there was infidelity involved. Employers often think that divorcing employees will experience personal problems that could affect their work performance or have difficulty balancing work and family responsibilities.

The impact of stigma can vary depending on the individual situation. In some cases, it may simply make it more difficult to find a job or to be promoted if your employer knows of your divorce or you have to take time off to deal with the various legal issues involved. In other cases, it may result in actual discrimination in the workplace.

While this is against the law, it may be difficult to prove an employer retaliated against you for your divorce status versus legitimate disciplinary action, particularly in employment-at-will states like New York.

The Difficulty of Juggling Work and Child-Rearing

Divorce can often make it difficult to juggle work and child-rearing responsibilities. This is particularly true if one parent is awarded primary custody and the other parent has limited visitation rights. In such cases, working full-time may simply not be possible. Even if both parents have joint custody, working full-time may still be difficult if one parent lives far away from the children or if there are scheduling conflicts with school and extracurricular activities.

Furthermore, divorce can also make childcare costs and paying child support more burdensome. Most people aren’t getting a raise when they get divorced, but they are taking on new expenses that they didn’t have before, particularly with regard to the need for extra supplies between two households and the cost of daycare or hiring a babysitter when childcare wasn’t needed before.

How Your Finances Are Impacted by Divorce

While the emotional and psychological effects of divorce can be difficult to deal with, the financial impact can be just as devastating. Not only do you have to contend with the legal fees associated with getting a divorce, but you also have to deal with the financial fallout from splitting up your assets. This can often mean having to take on additional debt at a time when you may already be struggling to make ends meet.

Coupling that with child support and the additional costs of child-rearing after divorce can further strain your finances and make it difficult to maintain your standard of living. If you are unable to keep up with your child support payments, you could face serious legal consequences, including jail time.

All of this can have a major impact on your career. If you are unable to meet your financial obligations, it could lead to decreased productivity at work and potentially job loss. Additionally, the stress of dealing with financial problems can take a toll on your mental health, which can adversely affect your ability to perform well at work.

Positive Impacts of Divorce On a Person’s Career

The Opportunity to Start Over

Your divorce will likely be a difficult and emotionally charged experience, but it can also have some positive impacts on your career. In some cases, divorce can provide the motivation you need to prove yourself at work. If you have been a stay-at-home parent or working in a lower-paying job during your marriage, getting divorced can allow you to start over professionally. Divorce can also give you the chance to pursue new opportunities and make positive changes in your career.

Recharging Your Batteries

Although taking time off work during a divorce can have some negative consequences, it can also allow you to focus on your personal life and family. This break from work can help you recharge and come back refreshed and motivated. If you use this time wisely, you may also be able to network with other professionals in your field or take classes to improve your skill set.

Contact an Experienced Long Island, NY Divorce Attorney Today

Going through a divorce is a difficult process that can have an impact on every aspect of your life, including your career. There may be both negative consequences and positive outcomes, like incurring extra expenses but being able to take time for yourself. Contact Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C. for a free consultation and case evaluation at 631-923-1910 or fill out the short form on this page.