Four Factors When Seeking a Job After Divorce
Getting a divorce may mean having to join the workforce for people who were primarily relying on their spouse for income. For other people who already work, they may need a better paying job to support themselves. Spousal maintenance payments can help a lower-earning spouse maintain the lifestyle that they were accustomed to during their marriage. However, courts often grant maintenance on the condition that the recipient must make a good-faith effort to better their financial situation. There are several factors that you must consider when trying to find a job after your divorce:
- Your Career Prospects: Did you previously have a job or career? Some people leave their jobs or do not seek employment in order to focus on their home while their spouse focuses on their career. Having prior experience in a job or training in a career will improve your chances of being hired. People with limited experience are often limited to entry-level jobs that do not require specialized skills.
- Your Financial Needs: Besides identifying what jobs you qualify for, you need a target income level based on your budget. How much of your basic living expenses would your income pay for? Between your income and your support payments, will all of your expenses be covered? Does the job have opportunities for advancement and increased pay? Your job search may not be in good faith if you turn down one job to take another job that pays less.
- Your Family Needs: If you have children, you must consider how your job may affect your ability to fulfill your parental responsibilities. Would your work hours conflict with your parenting time? Even if you find a job with flexible hours, you may need to modify your parenting schedule. If your new job would require you to relocate with your children, you will need a compelling reason why this relocation is in your children’s best interest, such as it being a superior career opportunity that is not available where you are currently living.
- Your Education: More career opportunities may be available to you by completing post-secondary education, whether it is updating your existing job skills or learning a new career. This often means going back to school but could involve vocational training programs. Spousal maintenance payments can support you while you are completing your education. You need to show a clear path to obtaining your degree or certification and what career you will pursue.
Contact a Kane County Divorce Attorney
You need a strong financial foundation from your divorce to support you while you search for your job. A Batavia, Illinois, divorce lawyer at Van Larson Law, P.C., can help you determine your budget and what you need from your marital properties and support payments. Schedule a consultation by calling 630-879-9090.
Source:
https://medium.com/@squareofj72/the-abcs-of-going-back-to-work-after-divorce-cc8d8d17bc3f
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