Your divorce process is sucking the life out of you.
It’s exhausting.
But yet, you still have to be professional at work.
Whether you have your own office or work in a cubicle… whether you’re the head of a division or entry-level… whether you’re an attorney or work in sales, staying professional at work is essential.
Staying professional is not creating a façade.
It’s not straying from being authentic.
It’s being smart about your career.
How do you stay professional while going through a divorce?
It’s not easy. But here are six ways to stay professional at work while going through a divorce.
1- Schedule calls with your attorney when you are away from your desk (or place of business)
These calls may be frustrating, causing you to lose your cool.
Find a place away from your desk – whether that’s taking the call in your car, out of the office building, or at home.
It isn’t easy to refocus on work if you remain at your desk. You’ll be able to decompress as you return to your desk.
2- Refrain from venting about your divorce at work
Colleagues who want your job may take advantage of the situation.
They may convince your boss that you are incapable of handling your divorce and the big project you’ve been working hard to accomplish.
Find a support group or friend who does not work with you to vent when situations arise.
Another option is to see a therapist who specializes in post-divorce life (your life after your divorce).
3- Set boundaries for when you return divorce-related phone calls, texts, and emails
Information about your divorce may cause additional frustration.
For this reason, set boundaries on when you will deal with divorce-related issues.
Let your divorce professionals know when you will be available to respond to phone calls, texts, and emails.
Most information can be responded to within 24 hours.
Focus on work while at work. Respond to divorce-related communication when you are away from work.
4- Hire a professional to sort through your financial concerns
Often, it’s the financial stuff that creates stress with divorce negotiations.
Look for a CFP® who is experienced with divorce situations or a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®.
Instead of spinning your wheels and draining your emotional energy, these professionals can help you determine what is essential for your future lifestyle.
They can also develop a baseline financial assessment to support what you are asking for in your divorce negotiations.
5- Take advantage of your firm’s personal day policy
If you’re negotiating your settlement and know you’ll be on the phone most of the day, then take a personal day.
In this way, you can focus your energy on your divorce and not have to balance work demands or questions from nosy colleagues.
6- Ask for a temporary reassignment of your workload
If you’re having a hard time focusing on multiple projects, let your boss know you’re going through a divorce.
There may be a way to reassign some of your workload temporarily without risking your job status.
Another option is to add resources to your team or extend deadlines.
It’s better to have a conversation with your boss before others paint a different picture of you – control the narrative.
Going through a divorce is challenging, especially when you need to maintain professionalism at work.
Find ways outside of work to release your stress. And set boundaries for when you respond to divorce-related communication.
While the days may seem endless when you’re balancing work and divorce, there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
The light will be your resilience and prosperity in your new post-divorce life.
(Update to original post from September 18, 2019)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP®, is a Managing Director at 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 comprehensive financial plans, divorce financial reviews, and 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.’”