Even if you were the one to initiate a divorce, the process is still stressful and you’re likely to experience a range of complex and confusing feelings and emotions. From moving out of a shared home to untangling your finances, as you move through and beyond the divorce process there will likely be days that you feel overwhelmed and don’t’ want to have any responsibilities or make any decisions.
Unfortunately, real life doesn’t have a pause button. Despite the personal and financial struggles you face, you still need to get up and go to work every day. So how do you continue to fulfill your work obligations while going through what is undoubtedly one of the most painful and uncertain times in your life? The following four tips can help make this transition easier.
Be honest
It’s important to tell your employer that you are going through a divorce. You do not need to divulge any other details, but divorce is a major life event and one that may require some special accommodations from your boss — at least in the short term.
Be informed
Talk to your human resources department about questions or concerns you have about making changes or updates to your health and dental insurance, retirement account contributions, life insurance and any related beneficiaries. Taking the initiative to sort out these types of more complex matters now can provide you with a sense of security and peace of mind as you move forward in this new chapter of your life.
Be discrete
While you should tell your boss and talk to human resources about your divorce, you shouldn’t feel as though you need to broadcast details about your personal life to co-workers. Be selective with whom you share this news and remember that oversharing can sometimes have negative and unforeseen consequences.
Be professional
Yes, there may be days that you feel like throwing your hands up in frustration and crying or screaming at your desk, or worse at your co-workers. If you need a mental health day, take it. Divorce is difficult and no one expects you to be super human. That being said, make a point to come to work and do your best to remain professional and engaged while there.