If you are in a contentious or deteriorating marriage, you can probably see how it affects every area of your life. Your other relationships may suffer, your health may decline, and even the things you do for relaxation and pleasure bring no joy. Unfortunately, it is common to also see a decline in job performance if your relationship at home is in trouble. Sleepless nights, replaying old arguments in your head and the burden of trying to figure it all out can be an enormous distraction at work.
You may think of divorce as something that will multiply those problems. Divorce, after all, can be a complicated process involving tricky finances, the delicate issues of child custody and the often emotional division of property. Many feel these complications can only make matters worse for them at work. However, a recent study shows that this is not always the case.
A positive life change
University researchers polled a group of people who were going through a divorce. The poll asked them how their breakup impacted their job performance. The authors of the report were surprised to learn that almost 39% of the respondents claimed that their divorce actually improved their production at work.
Some found new satisfaction in their jobs after separating from their spouses. Others explained that the energy they spent trying to save the marriage had depleted their energy for work. They now had clear heads on the job. Some respondents admitted that the marriage lowered their self-esteem, making them less confident at work. This changed after their divorce.
Keep your future in mind
Of course, there is no guarantee that you will have the same experience from your divorce. In fact, about 44% of those responding to the poll said their careers took a negative turn because of the stress of the divorce. However, you could be like many who find that breaking free from an unhealthy, dysfunctional relationship may allow you to let go of some of the unhealthy behaviors, including those that have caused your work to suffer.
Often the key to a positive post-divorce mindset is setting realistic goals and having strong legal advocacy every step of the way. Your divorce settlement or court order will affect your future, so you want to be certain you obtain a fair resolution that you can live with. It is wise to know your options, understand the laws in South Dakota and seek solid advice as you proceed.
