If you have spent the better part of your marriage as a stay-at-home parent and are now facing divorce, you may feel scared and nervous about the future. One of the biggest concerns for parents who have been out of the workforce to care for the children is getting a good-paying job. Once you know you are getting a divorce, you need to take steps right away to prepare for your future. Here are some tips to help you:
Create Your Budget
Before you do anything else, sit down and figure out a budget. You need to include the costs of your living expenses, or a solid estimate of what you think they are. This includes costs for rent or a mortgage payment, utility expenses, groceries, and other incidentals. You also need to include payments on debt you are responsible for.
Do not assume you will not have to pay for any debt accumulated during your marriage, even if you had no hand in creating it. If you live in a community property state, you could be equally responsible for a portion of the debt.
Start Looking for a Job
The next thing you should do is begin the job hunt. Put together a resume outlining your skills, experience, and other pertinent information a potential employer may find desirable. You also need to list your educational levels and any special training you have completed.
One problem stay-at-home parents face is large gaps of time where they are unemployed outside the home. Do not see this as an obstacle. The only goal right now is to get any job that will pay you a decent salary. After you work in a position for a while, you can then begin interviewing for different jobs.
Figure Out Family Time
Another fear you are likely to have is how to deal with leaving your children behind while you now go to work. After years of staying home with your children, you now have to find care for your kids and balance your free time accordingly. In addition, you also have to balance that time with your former spouse.
While you will need time to adjust to your new life, keep in mind this is a positive step in the right direction. Your children will ultimately be proud of you and your accomplishments. Your tenacity and strength at this time is good for you and your children. For more information, talk with your divorce attorney. They can refer you to resources meant for parents in your situation.
Share29 November 2018
My name is Noni. When I was in college, I was hit by a car while crossing the street. My life was never in danger, but I did break a few bones and had a lot of huge medical bills. I was hoping I wouldn't have to get involved with an attorney, but unfortunately, it came down to that. I used a family friend who is an accident attorney to get some compensation. A few years later, I was hit while riding my bike and had to go through the same process. I suppose I'm lucky to be alive. And it's thanks to accident attorneys that I have been able to put my life back together. I started this blog as a way to let others know just how much lawyers can help you in certain situations.