Is Divorce a Career Killer or Maker?

Are you worried about getting a divorce because it might ruin your career? For some people, a divorce can be a huge distraction in their professional lives. Yet for others, it might lead to a new job. Read on to learn how divorce can affect your career.

The Downsides of Divorce for Your Job

Divorce can definitely have a negative impact on your professional performance. Instead of dealing with your peers or subordinates, you might find that you can’t stop thinking about your soon-to-be ex-spouse.

Even if you’re not distracted by thoughts of your impending breakup, you may discover that you’re fielding calls from your lawyer or from your ex. Perhaps you have to contend with such issues as custody and property division. Sometimes, you’ll have to take care of those things during working hours, which means you won’t be able to get as much work done.

A divorce doesn’t have to be a blight on your career, though. Make sure that you and your ex set clear boundaries about when you can deal with divorce-related issues. If you’re having trouble coming to grips with this life event, talk to your boss about taking a brief leave of absence. You might find the break refocuses you.

When Divorce Launches a New Career Path

Australian divorcee Renee Williams is one example of how it’s possible to leverage the end of one’s marriage for the purposes of professional growth.

Williams realized during a hospital visit that she was in an unhappy marriage. She divorced her husband and did some serious soul searching. Williams decided that she could use her newfound, hard-won knowledge to help other women going through a divorce. She started a company that runs “divorce bootcamps,” in which women learn how to deal with unpleasant partners, the financial issues surrounding a breakup and how to take care of themselves so they can be the best parents for their children.

This isn’t the only story of how divorce spawned professional growth. There are tales of divorce lawyers who decided they wanted to enter collaborative practice after the breakup of their marriages. Some people decide to become life coaches as a result of their divorce. Just because your marriage has come to an end doesn’t mean that it should affect your professional growth.

Galbraith Family Law: Your Divorce Law Experts

Are you considering divorce, but aren’t sure how it will affect you personally or professionally? Contact Galbraith Family Law today.

Galbraith Family Law is a certified Collaborative Practice and has been named the top firm in Barrie multiple times. Our legal insights have also been featured in the Globe and Mail, as well as Lawyers Weekly.

Click here to contact us, or to schedule a consultation.