Dealing with divorce at work has its difficulties. According to the Holmes and Rahe scale of significant life events, divorce is one of the most stressful experiences you can go through.
When you’re trying to handle the emotional and often complicated process of filing for a divorce and you’re dealing with a hectic professional life at the same time, things can start to get on top of you.
The good news? You don’t necessarily have to give up on a successful career just because you’re dealing with a difficult period in your life. There are plenty of ways that you can get control of the situation.
From speaking to a specialist and handling elements of the court process online to having a strategy for leaving the drama at home, here are our tips for pursuing a divorce with a busy professional life.
When Dealing With Divorce at Work, Know Who You Need to Tell
The last thing you’ll want to do is walk into the office and tell your entire team about your impending divorce. However, it’s a good idea to share the news with some people. For instance, your boss needs to know that you’re going through a divorce, as this will help him or her understand why you might need additional support at work.
It’s also a good idea to speak to HR so that you can arrange some time away from the office if necessary, particularly during any court dates. The key here is to avoid any sordid details and skip to the facts. Your boss doesn’t need to know why your marriage ended.
Make the Process as Simple as Possible
The first thing any individual needs to do when they’re going through a divorce is find an attorney they can rely on. A great lawyer with a history in family law will be able to answer any questions you have about your impending divorce, and they’ll also be able to prepare you for the legal process too.
Your lawyer will let you know which parts of the divorce procedure you can handle online over email, and which you’ll need to attend in-person. This should make it easier for you to manage your schedule, particularly if you’re under a lot of pressure at work. Knowing what to expect can take a lot of the stress off your shoulders. Fear of the unexpected can be a common issue in divorce.
Know When You Need to Say “No”
Even when the pressure is on at work, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to say “yes” to everything. Sometimes, it feels like agreeing to all the work you can take is a good idea. After all, the more work you have to do, the less time you’ll have to think about the divorce. However, too much work, combined with a severe emotional event can lead to an increased chance of illness and distress.
Give yourself a break from time to time and focus on making sure you don’t pile too much onto your plate. If you followed the advice above and let your boss know about your situation, the chances are that they won’t mind if you have to say “no” now and again.
Have a Plan to Leave the Drama at Home
When dealing with divorce at work, it can become difficult to focus. When you enter the office at work, the best thing you can do is try to leave the emotional impact of your separation behind you. Keep your phone in a drawer unless you need it so that you can’t be distracted by calls and texts related to the divorce.
If you’re concerned about people asking you too many questions about your marriage, then try preparing a go-to answer. Simply let people know that you’re going through something personal, and you’re not ready to talk about it yet. However, avoid distancing yourself too much. A quick note of gratitude like “thanks for your concern” can help maintain important workplace relationships.
Find Easy Ways to Manage Your Mood
Finally, remember that sometimes the smallest things can have a significant impact on how you feel in the office. Look for things that might reduce stress and boost your mood in challenging moments throughout the day. For instance, try listening to your favorite songs during your lunch break.
Another great tip? In a time when you might be struggling to focus, a cluttered desk is rarely helpful. Clearing your office space will help you clear your mind at the same time. Spend some extra time cleaning if you think it will help you to stay on task. Dealing with divorce at work can be difficult, but with the right mindset and tools, you can get through it unscathed.
Dennis Eivan Martin
Author’s Bio: I’m an enthusiastic writer who covers topics related to law and legal matters. I eat current event news for breakfast, I have legal books for lunch, and I chew researching for dinner. It has always been my dream to help people understand the law in the easiest way possible, so I’m happy to be sharing it with you.
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