Once a couple has gotten a divorce, it is common for one or both parties to experience a substantial drop in their standard of living. This drop is more pronounced if one party was a stay-at-home parent who was financially dependent on the income of his or her spouse. Though spousal support is an option, in some situations a person may only qualify for rehabilitative maintenance that is awarded until a job is found or a vocational course is completed. Reentering the workforce after a long absence is always difficult, but when you have a limited amount of time to find a job after getting a divorced, the already tense situation becomes much more stressful. Fortunately, entering the workforce after a divorce is possible, especially if you keep a few key pieces of advice in mind.

Take Advantage of References and Referrals

After a long absence from the workforce, who you know can be more beneficial than a stellar resume. Having a current employee who is in good standing give you a recommendation can encourage managers to overlook any gaps in your resume or on your application. Do not be afraid to name drop, but make sure you do it in a professional manner. Also, make sure the references on your application and resume know that you have applied for a job so that they are prepared to answer questions about you. If possible, use references that are relevant to the industry into which you are entering or returning.

Find Reliable Child Care

One of the most difficult aspects of being a working single parent is finding reliable child care.  Using vacation days and sick time during your probationary period because your babysitter does not show up could quickly put an end to your professional aspirations. Finding reliable child care before you get a job offer will help you avoid a lot of uncomfortable interview moments or pre-employment jitters. Remember to consider child care that is available during the times your children are supposed to spend time with their non-custodial parent. If your ex-spouse has an emergency and is unable to get your children, you must have a reliable backup in place.

Prepare to Jump Through Hoops

While it is possible that you will receive an immediate job offer made by the employer, be prepared to jump through hoops just to get on a short list. Depending on your age and industry, a prospective employer may want you to take tests or question your proficiency. It may be necessary to take a few classes or acquire a new certification just to get a foot in the door. You may also need to exhaust your personal contacts and resources in order to land an interview with an actual decision maker or get yourself taken seriously by peers who view your absence with suspicion.  

Get the Best Start

One of the most important things you can do for yourself is get the best start after your divorce is finalized as possible. Having a fair alimony settlement and reasonable child support payments can make your job hunt easier to manage. The divorce attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum understand how daunting post-divorce life can be and we work hard to make sure you have the best transition possible. Contact us today at one of our Atlanta metro area offices to schedule a consultation so that we can begin determining what is best for your unique situation.