When one married person loses their job, their odds of divorce go up. That’s not to say it’s a guarantee, of course, but just that studies have found clearly increased divorce rates after job loss. If you’re looking for red flags that your marriage may end, this is one of the biggest ones.
But why does this happen? There are many potential reasons to consider.
The role of financial stress
First and foremost, job loss tends to lead to financial duress. Suddenly, a couple that had a nice lifestyle can’t afford to pay the bills. Arguments over money may arise. Researchers have long known that financial disagreements are a major reason for divorce, and job loss just makes them more common.
Spending more time together
While some couples may argue that more time together sounds ideal, the reality is that it can push some toward divorce. This is one reason that divorce rates have increased in the last year and a half. Some relationships that worked when people spent half of their time at the office just aren’t the same when people are at home most of the time. When one partner loses their job and winds up around the house for months on end, the marriage can unravel.
Generalized anxiety and stress
The stress of losing a job isn’t just financial. It can lead to anxiety and stress about the course of one’s life. Someone may feel like they have fundamentally failed, even if they didn’t lose their job for any reason of their own. They may feel like their spouse will see them differently. This can lead to arguments and fights, and those can then lead to divorce.
What should you do next?
Do you feel like you’re getting close to a divorce for any of the reasons noted above? Ending a marriage is a complex process, and it is important for you to know about all of your legal options.
