In some senses, a demanding career can be beneficial for a couple. For instance, maybe one person is a high earner. They do have to spend a significant amount of time in the office, but the family is always financially stable, and reducing that financial stress can also reduce the odds of divorce.
However, what some research has also discovered is that this demanding career could eventually cause a divorce. If one spouse makes work their top priority, rather than the family, they end up spending far less time together. They may miss important family events, such as children’s events at school, or they may simply not be present for day-to-day activities, such as eating dinner together. None of this leads to a divorce immediately, but it can take a cumulative toll.
The issue with time apart
A big part of the issue here is that couples just tend to drift apart when they don’t spend very much time together. For instance, some studies have discovered that divorce odds go up by roughly 40% when one person has a 45-minute commute – or longer. That just reflects the fact that excessive time apart can be the thing that spells the end of a marriage.
While it’s happening, both spouses may believe that there is no other solution. The spouse who is a high earner is genuinely providing for their family and trying to do what they can to maintain that financial stability. This is a good thing, but it’s also important to be aware of the ramifications when it comes to family life and marital status.
Couples who do start moving toward divorce, especially when significant wealth and assets are involved, must be aware of all their legal options.
