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How to explain why I am going back to work without talking about my divorce?

divorce
fullmetwice asked:


My husband and I are getting a divorce. I am trying to get a job but am running into challenges when interviewing. I have been a stay at home mom for a long time so I can explain the gap in my employment history but I am running into questions about why I am returning to work. I really don’t want to explain that the only reason I am going back to work is because I am getting a divorce but I don’t know what to say. What is a good answer to “Why are you returning to work now?”

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15 Responses to “How to explain why I am going back to work without talking about my divorce?”

  1. crzymomma Says:

    Just say it is time for me to go back to work.

  2. colder_in_minnesota Says:

    Just say that you’re undergoing a lifestyle change right now, and that it’s personal, and you’re not comfortable discussing it.

  3. Jay Says:

    A prospective employer wants to know that you will stay.

    So they are wanting to know if you are just wanting to work for “fun”, or something to do, and then you will leave and they have to train someone else.

    You need to find a way to say that it is a decision based on your economic situation. I would say, I’m a single Mom, since the divorce is already in process.

    Also, I think you could get a little more thick-skinned about divorce. It is merely a fact of life and doesn’t make you a loser or a bad person. Honesty really IS the best policy in your situation.

  4. dream in pink Says:

    i need more of a challenge in my life
    the kids are getting old enough i’d like to go back to work
    i’d like to supplement the family income

  5. Liz Says:

    Just let them know you’re getting a little bored and you’d like to get out of the house and do something different.

  6. bs Says:

    Say your mind needs something to busy itself with, and you need to occupy your time more. OR, just simply use money as an excuse.

  7. coyote' mom Says:

    My children are a little older and i would like to rejoin the work force.
    Need adult interaction.
    Change of scenery.
    It’s none of their business that you are divorcing. Just tell them you want to be more independant.

  8. coronakidcacher Says:

    You don’t have to mention the divorce. It’s none of their business. Just reply that you took some time out of the workforce to raise your kids and leave it at that. No employer is going to hold that against you and if they do you probably don’t want to work there anyways.

  9. miwls59 Says:

    Simply let them know that your children are at an age where you feel comfortable with taking on new challenges. Assure them that you are confident about your ability to work well with others are perform at a high-level with consistent results.

  10. claire b Says:

    Say that you feel more comfortable returning to work because your kids are older, and can stay with carers/are at school/be independant.

    Or say that you feel you would like to expand on your skills as a homemaker, and think that your patience, multi tasking, and calming nature would benefit the company.

  11. Roo Says:

    It was a blessing to be able to stay home with my children for the years that I have. But now, as they have gotten older and are not as dependent on me, I have decided that it is time to return to the work force. Finding fulfullment in a job/career/position I believe where I can contribute in another way, will also help me to be a better mother. And now that they are getting older, a job would also help provide for other needs where the children and our family are concerned

  12. kiki Says:

    this is coming from a child of a single mom who works 3 jobs and was also i stay at home mother for a long time…i really dont think there would be anything wrong with telling you potential boss that you are going through a divorce and need to make your own income..its a very respectable thing…

  13. geoffrey_0007 Says:

    Just tell them you have taken on a bigger mortgage now and you need to help with finances

  14. Mo Says:

    You know what? You have worked as a maid, nurse, book keeper, cook, mother, and home repair worker. Jazz up your resume. I’m sure you didn’t waste away eating Bon Bons and watching TV all those years. Use every resource to obtain a job. Go in with your head high and act like you are doing them a favor by offering your talent. Don’t be shy. Your future depends on it. Sorry to hear about your Divorce. I hope it is for all the right reasons.

  15. blackfootlady Says:

    you can do all of the suggestions–but you are going to end up having to tell your boss that you are getting a divorce–it will impact your work at some point–day off or whatever–being up front in your interview is best, but I understand your concerns–if you go through a 2-step process, which a lot of employers use now, in the 2nd interview is when you should tell them about the impending divorce and that you will more than likely need the day off for court–most employers understand and are willing to give employees a chance

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