With this pandemic, it’s anticipated divorce filings will increase once we no longer are required to shelter in place. Face it, being quarantined with someone really allows you to evaluate the relationship.
If you find yourself facing a divorce, assess your income. You may need to re-enter the workforce if your expenses are significantly more than your income. Or you may need to find a higher-paying job to support your lifestyle.
To evaluate job opportunities, create a checklist of your requirements. Identify items that are “nice to have” and items that are non-negotiable.
This checklist will help you evaluate if the job opportunity is right for your anticipated post-divorce life. Here are five items to include on your checklist.
1- Amount of Income
Do you know how much money you need to support your expenses?
Before you begin your job search, calculate how much income you need. Review your expenses and adjust those expenses that are non-essential.
Also, exclude expenses that will be covered by child support.
Keep in mind, alimony for life is non-existent. You’ll need to prove lifetime support.
The amount of income you need will help you determine if you could work part-time or if you have to work full-time.
2- Insurance Coverage
Will you need access to health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)?
If your spouse carries health insurance coverage, you may have continuation of coverage via the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). It will depend on the size of your spouse’s employer.
This coverage is limited to 18 months unless the employer’s plan offers more time. This coverage is expensive because it the full cost of the group plan plus an administrative fee.
You’ll become eligible for Medicare at 65 years old. Before that age, you’ll need access to insurance, especially if you have a medical condition.
3- Retirement Savings
Do you have sufficient money for retirement?
Before signing your divorce decree, assess how much you will have in retirement savings. Read “Divorced With Little Retirement Savings” to learn more.
If you need more money for retirement, look for job opportunities with companies that offer to match your contribution to the employer-sponsored retirement saving plans.
With an economic downturn, some companies may temporarily stop matching contributions. But as the economy recovers, they may reinstate this benefit.
Another option is to look for companies that offer a pension. This option is limited because many pension plans no longer exist for new hires. However, many government positions may still have this benefit.
4- Other Benefits
If there are other benefits you desire, add them to your list. Examples of other benefits include the number of personal days and vacation days.
With sheltering in place during the pandemic, you may find more employers open to employees working from home. If this benefit is something important to you, then add it to the list.
5- Sense of Self
Some benefits will satisfy your sense of self. It includes industry expertise, training, promotions, responsibilities, and other items that will help you feel valued. Include these items on your checklist.
Once you’ve created your checklist, it’ll make it easier to sort through opportunities. It will also make it easier for you to communicate with your network about what you are looking for in a job.
Here are other blog posts that will be helpful in your pursuit for another job in your post-divorce life:
Going Back to Work After A Break
6 Ways to Stay Professional at Work While Going Through A Divorce
Even if your divorce process challenges your disposition, remind yourself that your new post-divorce life is around the corner. Stay PEF (positive, enthused, and focus)!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, RICP®, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include developing spending plans, comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, retirement plans. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me.’”