The Ever Younger clientele

If I had done the math first her age of 26 would not have shocked me, it was the year of her birth 1980, which sent me reeling. 1980 was a year after I graduated from High School. To me it seems unreal to me that a person who had not even been conceived as I marched down the aisle in my graduation robes who be sitting in front of me asking for information on a divorce. The problem I continue to face is a dilemma I wrote about in my last post regarding spousal ignorance. The young girl in front of me a self stated "homemaker" knew nothing about the marital finances. Unlike her mother and grandmother before her however, when I asked her if she was educated she sited two different degrees to her credit. My concern is her absence from the workforce from the time of earning these degrees to the present. Yes, she does have potential but no experience. This will lead only to entry level positions giving her another disadvantage in the matrimonial war.

Although this sounds like a put down to stay at home moms my statement reflects only my experience with marriages. Not all marriages last, in fact if we believe the statistics the odds are against marriage. Any women who cannot support herself and sometimes her child will be at a severe disadvantage and may either be forced to remain in the marriage or substantially change her lifestyle.

So what is it that I suggest? Keep a toe in the water in your chosen career, even if only on a part time basis. Act as a consultant, intern, anything to keep yourself in the loop of your profession. When I decided to take a year off after the birth of my second son, I did pro bono work out of the house, just to keep myself involved in the legal community and keep my contacts. Keeping contacts fresh and connected is the second rule if you decide to stay at home. These are the people who will help you locate a position when you are ready to enter the workforce again. Also keep abreast of any updates or changes in your profession. Things change all the time and keeping up with your career will hold you in good stead in the future. Finally be sure to keep up with your license or continuing education requirements for your degree or license. Again you never know when you will be thrust back into the workforce and the independence that you will achieve can get you through the bumps which may arise in your life.

No one enters marriage preparing for divorce, but everyone should be prepared to support themselves and their children if the need arises.