Deciding to move forward with a divorce is never easy, and this process will likely challenge you on an emotional level. However, as difficult as it is, you cannot let your divorce interfere with your performance at work.
You will need your own work income as you transition from a two-income household to one and to cover the legal costs of your divorce. Naturally, it’s not always easy to remain productive at work when you’re handling a divorce, but there are some tips you can use to help yourself stay on task during this time.
Talk to Your Boss
It may sound unprofessional to bring up a personal matter to your supervisor at work, but since it’s very possible your divorce will affect you at work, it’s the right move. There are going to be days when you may need to leave early, arrive late or miss work altogether because you have an appointment with your family law attorney or something else related to your divorce to attend to. If you come in and seem a little “off” or under the weather, your boss is more likely to be compassionate and understanding about your situation because they know what is going on.
Of course, you don’t need to go into any details about why you are divorcing or the proceedings themselves. Be professional and keep the conversation focused on how it may impact your job. Always give your boss a heads up about changes to your schedule due to the divorce so they can plan accordingly.
Reorganize Your Work Area
A workspace full of reminders of your spouse or your marriage will distract you and make it more difficult for you to focus on your work. Get rid of everything that reminds you of your spouse or your marriage and replace those items with ones that make you happy instead. Some low-maintenance plants, such as small cactus, can add some life and color to your workspace.
Take some time to organize your work area in a way that will make you feel more comfortable and productive. While it may seem like a little thing, changing up your workspace can help you embrace your new post-divorce life.
Keep Yourself Busy
When your workday hits a lull and you have all your work done with extra time to spare, start some extra tasks or projects to stay busy. This will keep you focused on work and not on your divorce and what’s going on with it.
Of course, distracting yourself at work is one thing; outside of work, you should find healthy outlets for your feelings. If you find yourself struggling with your emotions during this time, speak to a therapist for help. Having some healthy outlets available will make it easier for you to stay focused on your workday.
Take Care of Yourself
You’ll find it easier to be a good employee when you take care of yourself, and this will also help you feel better in life in general. Get enough sleep, aim for a healthy diet and work out regularly. If you stopped doing some things when you got married, such as an old hobby, now may be the time to pick some of those things back up.
It can be very difficult to stay focused on the other areas of your life when you are going through a divorce, but it’s important to keep your work life on track to protect yourself financially and maintain a state of mental well-being. Use the simple tips above to stay focused and productive at your job as your divorce plays out.