If you are having trouble coping with the effects of divorce at work, you can rest assured that you are not alone. Research shows that 50 percent of first marriages, 67 percent of second, and 74 percent of third marriages end in divorce in the United States.
When it comes to juggling your job at the same time as you’re going through your divorce, it is hard to keep your personal life separate from work — but know that you have support groups, family, and friends you can turn to when you need them. . . and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Even with those support systems in place, it’s hard to sit at your desk and focus on work when you are thinking about all the obstacles yet to come. Here are some great ways to cope with the stress while facing the effects of divorce while you are at work:
Pull up Your Bootstraps.
This age old adage is worth paying attention to and is listed first for a reason. Your attitude is everything when it comes to your disposition, so get to work on changing it. It is time to start turning work into something positive that will get you into a different frame of mind. If you feel like you are failing at home, use your time at work to succeed! Take on new projects and get involved in anything you can to keep your mind on work and off your problems while you are there. Save time for working on your obstacles at home instead of thinking about them every waking hour.
Dress for Success.
Even on a budget, you can do a little retail therapy. When you like the way you look, it changes the way you carry yourself. Self-confidence is all about how you view yourself — and if you feel good about who you are and what you’re wearing it will give you the boost you need for those days when you’re feeling low. It is also perfectly legal to enjoy the pleasures of life, so don’t feel guilty about any of it. Indulge yourself in some new work pieces to boost your confidence by choosing a wardrobe that will make you feel great about your appearance.
Get You Some ME Time.
Go eat lunch at school with your child so you can get some quality one-on-one time with him or her, or go to a fitness class. Working out can help release any stress as well as get you out there to meet new people. You never know who you can meet at your local gym that may be going through the same thing. You may even want to take the time to meditate and re-center yourself. You would be surprised how much this helps. If working out doesn’t work for you, try a spa treatment if it is within your budget.
There are so many online support tools out there to help you get through this tough time, so don’t let them go to waste. Take care of yourself first, so you can thrive in every other area of your life.
Has a divorce impacted you and your job? How did you handle the effects of divorce on your work?
Photo by o5com.
What a great article, thank you! I’m just a young developer with a broken heart, not divorced or anything, but I recognize that when you have problems with your emotions that it’s a lot harder to focus on work (or anything at all). Good luck for everyone in this situation, know that you’re never alone!