Is Changing Careers After Divorce a Good Idea?

Is A Career Change A Good Idea Post Divorce?

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Is a Career Change a Good Idea Post-Divorce?

Divorce is one of the most stressful life events, as is any major change. So, does it really make sense to throw another life-altering change - like a career shift - into the mix?

FAQ: Top 3 Questions About Career Change Post-Divorce

1. Is it too risky to change careers right after a divorce?
It depends on your emotional resilience. If you’re still healing, it may be wise to wait. If you feel ready and confident, a career change can be empowering.

2. How do I know if I’m having a midlife crisis versus a real desire to change careers?
Take time to reflect away from stress triggers. If your desire to change persists after a period of rest and clarity, it’s likely a genuine goal rather than a reaction to divorce.

3. Can a career change improve my overall happiness after divorce?
Yes. Aligning your work with your values and passions can create fulfillment, purpose, and joy, helping you rebuild your life post-divorce.

3 Things to Consider Before a Career Change Post-Divorce

1. How Resilient Are You?
If you’ve had a particularly challenging divorce and are still reeling from the fallout, a career change right now could add to your anxiety - even if you pride yourself on being teetotal.

Changing careers takes courage, confidence, and clarity about what you want. If you feel ready to conquer the world now that you’re divorced, go for it. But if you’re still healing, it may be wise to hold off until the dust settles - along with your blood pressure.

2. A Midlife Crisis, or the Real Deal?
The stress of divorce can leave your head a little fuzzy. Buying a Harley or splurging on a wardrobe may be harmless ways to cope - but changing your career is not something to do on a whim.

Take some time off - maybe a few weeks somewhere relaxing like the Bahamas. If you’re still thinking about a career change on the return flight, it’s likely the real deal, not just a reaction to divorce.

3. Your Happiness is Key
If you had a divorce party and danced to Queen’s “I Want to Break Free,” you might just be in the right mindset to embrace the next chapter of your life. You may feel a strong desire to break free from everything that has been holding you back - including your current career.

Maybe it’s time to do something that truly makes you happy. Career satisfaction is not just about money - it’s about aligning your work with your values, passions, and goals.

In Summary

Timing is everything. If you feel now is the right time to change your career - after assessing your resilience, checking your motivations, and prioritizing happiness - then go for it. Life is meant to be lived, not endured!

Written by Sandra Swan. www.sandraswancoaching.com If you are a mid-career professional wanting helping to change careers, contact Sandra, Specialist Career Change Coach for Midlife Professionals. Email: sandra@sandraswancoaching
PHOTO: JAMES DEMETRIE

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Kate Daly is co-founder of amicable and host of the The Divorce Podcast. Kate created The Divorce Podcast to discuss and demystify divorce, separation and co-parenting in the UK. In each episode, Kate is joined by experts in their field to explore divorce and separation from every angle.