Should You Tell Your Boss About Your Divorce?
You have your work life. You have your personal life. And they may be separate and apart from one another. But just as work demands can get in the way of a personal life, circumstances surrounding a divorce can spill over into your work life. And because of that, it is best to seriously consider informing your boss that you are in the throes of a divorce.
Divorce process is time consuming
The divorce process is time consuming, emotional, and stressful. It may require you to meet with your attorney, participate in counseling sessions, or appear in court. For those couples with children, a divorce proceeding may change existing childcare responsibilities, thereby impacting your work schedule. Child custody issues, the financial strain of divorcing, and uncertainty about the future can all add up to a work distraction. For these reasons, it is prudent to tell your boss that you are in the process of divorcing.
Don’t air dirty laundry
While discussing your impending divorce can be liberating, do not disclose personal details in the workplace. Save those tidbits for conversations with close friends. You don’t want your boss to see you as anything less than professional or think that your work product or performance will be compromised in some way; you merely want to be upfront about what is going on to gain their understanding and support.
Calmly and professionally explain the situation with as little detail as possible, only sharing information that is pertinent as it relates to your job and responsibilities. Explain that there may be times when you will need to schedule time off to take care of legal matters. Reassure your boss that you intend to maintain your current work schedule as much as possible and to make sure that the divorce has minimal impact on your work. Finally, request that the information shared regarding your pending divorce remain confidential, as it is a personal matter.
Stay professional and deliver
Having a difficult time on the home front does not give you permission to abandon your work responsibilities. Now that you have confided in your boss, do not think you now have an excuse when you can’t deliver. Quite the contrary. This is a time to remain professional in all aspects of your work. If you have concerns about the impending workload, discuss them openly with your boss beforehand.
If you are thinking about a divorce contact our Wisconsin divorce lawyers for reliable legal guidance
Couples who are contemplating divorce or who have already taken the first steps in the process often find themselves feeling lost or overwhelmed. We can help. The Milwaukee divorce lawyers at Bandle & Zaeske LLP understand the emotional toll of divorce; we work with couples from start to finish to reach the best possible outcome in each situation. Give us a call to schedule a confidential complimentary consultation with a member of our team. We can be reached at 414-359-142 or online.