Career success for women: An inspiring guide on how to regain your earning power after divorce

Despite ongoing advances in gender equality, women are still more likely to take a career break to care for children or other family members than men. Figures published by Carers First (27 February 2024) reveal that 60% of unpaid carers in the UK are women.

So, following a divorce, you may need to reinvent yourself professionally if you want your earnings to align with your financial needs and lifestyle expectations.

While this might sound daunting, returning to work can also be an empowering opportunity to enhance your self-confidence and financial independence.

Here are our top tips for women who want to rebuild their careers and their financial resilience after divorce.

Assess your skills and experience

Conducting a self-assessment of your existing professional skills and accreditations is a crucial first step towards gaining fulfilling employment.

If you’re apprehensive about returning to work, this exercise could help you appreciate the wealth of experience and knowledge you have, which might provide a welcome confidence boost.

Don’t discount unpaid roles, such as supporting your partner or family members in their business or volunteering for local causes. These roles might have allowed you to develop the transferable skills that many employers are looking for.

Reflect on your values and priorities

It’s likely that your values and priorities regarding your career have changed over time, especially if you’ve taken an extended break from work.

Think about how you want your life to look following divorce. Is work-life balance your top priority? Or are you driven to achieve your full potential and accumulate wealth for the future?

Identifying your priorities could help you target your job search to suitable positions and employers.

For example, if you’re keen to be available for your children at specific times, you might focus on companies that offer flexible working hours. Or you may want to seek out employers who have a strong commitment to equality, inclusion, and career progression.

Set realistic goals

Defining your career goals is essential because it provides direction and motivation. If you have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you can create a meaningful action plan that allows you to measure your progress each step of the way.

The key is to set goals that are both ambitious and challenging, but also realistic. Set the bar too low, and you probably won’t feel excited enough to fully commit to your plan; set the bar too high, and you’re likely to feel discouraged and frustrated when your goals remain stubbornly out of reach.

So, when setting your career goals, be realistic about your commitments and resources. These might include your:

• Day-to-day obligations such as childcare
• Income and outgoings
• Health and wellbeing.

These factors could affect the working hours, salary, and conditions you’re able to consider.

Also, remember to give yourself a timeline for achieving your goals and set mini milestones to celebrate along the way. This could prevent procrastination and keep you motivated to succeed.

Embrace professional development

Now that you have a solid grasp of your current situation and what you want to achieve, you can probably quickly spot any gaps in your skills or outdated credentials that might need addressing.

While there may be an upfront cost to consider, there are plenty of ways to enhance your CV, such as by completing short courses online or at local adult education institutions.

If you’re not sure where to start, review adverts for positions you like the look of and see how your skillset compares to the job description.

You might benefit from seeking professional advice from a careers counsellor who can help you identify suitable training opportunities for your chosen career path. They can also bolster your confidence through coaching in skills such as interviewing.

Start networking

Professional networks are a powerful tool for career development. So, dust off your contacts list and reconnect with former colleagues and associates.

Don’t be afraid to make new connections. LinkedIn (which offers a free basic version) is an excellent platform for finding individuals and professional groups relevant to your ambitions.

Proactively networking could help you rebuild your career in several useful ways:

• Learn about job opportunities – Possibly before they have been widely advertised
• Gain valuable insights – Such as industry trends and practical career advice
• Build confidence – Receive support from your peers and develop interpersonal skills
• Increase your visibility – Consistent networking could enhance your reputation and put you front of mind when industry professionals are hiring
• Enhance your adaptability – Networking across sectors could allow you to transition to a new field.

Get in touch

If you’re a divorced or divorcing woman, I can help you review and manage your finances as you reinvent your career.

To find out more, please get in touch by email at lottie@truefinancialdesign.co.uk or call 03300889138.

Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.