Many women who set aside their careers to become stay-at-home-moms simply don’t realize how hard it will be to find paid work later in life, a fact which can spell big trouble for divorced women over 50. Women in general are finding it difficult to find a job in the wake of the Great Recession, however older women are facing a disproportionate increase in long-term unemployment. There is no denying discrimination is part of the equation, but also that SAHMs reentering the workplace have less to offer employers due to a limited work history and outdated skills.
That Pesky 20-20 Hindsight
Had they possessed a crystal ball years ago, many women would have kept at least one foot in the working world in order to nurture professional networks and stay sharp. Not to mention the perk of ‘getting away from it all’ for a few hours a week. It is far easier to get back to working full time from a part-time position – wives and moms who want to keep their future career options open while raising a family and managing a household should take note.
Impossible Meets Possible
It is not too late to get started even if you have been absent from the workforce. Opportunities to jump start a career have been made easier with the help of technology – a HUGE improvement over the ancient days of circling want ads in the Sunday paper. Accessing employment opportunities are more readily available these days with the internet, providing access to numerous employment services, a vast spectrum of tutorials and training in manuscript and video to bring your skills up-to-date, and social media sites to help you rebuild your professional network.
The Right Divorce Settlement for You
For women who are considering divorce after being out of the workforce, be mindful of your vulnerability to long-term unemployment when reaching a divorce settlement. Where alimony aka spousal maintenance is concerned, making a case for long-term spousal support is encouraged, but not a guarantee given the climate to limit or eliminate support in favor of temporary or rehabilitative alimony. As for dividing marital property, it is important to evaluate the pros and cons of keeping your home and other assets especially if your earning potential remains unclear. Ensuring that your children are able to pursue a college education may also weigh in.
Getting the help of an experienced attorney can help you evaluate your best course of action in a divorce. We welcome you to contact the Law Offices of Ronald L Bell LLC for assistance.