So, you’re getting a divorce. Even if it’s been a long-time coming and it’s amicable, let’s face it: Divorce is a highly emotional event. It’s probably going to affect your emotionally, physically, and of course it’s going to affect you financially.
While you may be able to take a day or two off while you emotionally process your divorce, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to stay away from work much longer than that. And since divorce is such an intense, emotional event, its effects will probably spill into your work life.
Here’s some examples of how:
- You may be so distracted by your divorce, you can barely focus.
- You could break down crying in front of co-workers.
- You can avoid firing an employee because you don’t want to deal with anymore drama.
- You could be more risk-adverse because you’re afraid of losing something of value.
- If you’re riding an emotional rollercoaster in your personal life, it could affect the office environment.
- If you’re stressed out by your divorce, you can be uncharacteristically hostile and negative.
- Clouded by the stress of your divorce, you could make bad decisions.
- You could take too many days off work, losing respect and credibility.
What You Can Do to Help
Since you’re human, it’s nearly impossible to act like nothing’s wrong and a compassionate employer will understand that. Unfortunately, some bosses are unsympathetic about divorce shortly after receiving the news, and say things like, “Be happy, you’re single again” or “Aren’t you over it yet?” or “You’re taking this divorce thing a little too hard.”
If you’re getting a divorce, the first thing you want to do is tell your boss about it. This is a life-changing event, just like having a baby or losing a parent, so your superior should make reasonable accommodations so you can see your divorce attorney, attend court hearings, and the like.
But, it’s up to you to tell your boss. You can’t expect him or her to read your mind, or wait for them to hear about it from the company’s rumor mill. Also, bear in mind that whatever you tell your boss can certainly be kept confidential.
Next: Fighting for Custody? Beware of Moving Out!
Our advice is to keep the sordid details to yourself. You don’t need to tell your boss about the affair one of you had or the addiction that killed your marriage. You’re getting divorced, but you are committed to your job as always. You just may need some scheduling flexibility in the upcoming months until the divorce is finalized.
Contact our firm to meet with a Long Island divorce lawyer for free.