When you walk down the aisle, take your vows and then make the many decisions in a marriage, the last thing you want to think about is, “What if?” What if there is a job loss? What if there is a death or divorce? It’s easy to ignore these possibilities, but not wise. No, this is not a pitch for life insurance or some other financial product. It’s about thinking about and preparing for the challenges we all face.
I have worked with two clients in the past month, both women, who are in the process of divorce. As a result, the plan that said “You work and I will stay home with the kids” showed its dark side. The women in both of these relationships sidelined themselves, letting their college educations fade into the distant past and their professional skills atrophy.
So what’s the lesson? Unpleasant things can happen in relationships and tragedies happen every day. Recognizing that many will live long lives, change jobs many times and may face relationship breakdowns, doesn’t it make sense to stay engaged outside of the home, even if only for a few hours a week? Experiences volunteering, running a small home-based business, or working part-time in a more traditional employment scenario all can be presented effectively when a person re-enters the job market. Your network stays fresh, you keep current in your vocation, and you may even have a business suite that fits for an unplanned interview.
Uncertainty is certain. Plan for it.
Work: Getting It & Keeping It 