What No One Tells You About Being a Stay-at-Home Mom Getting Divorced

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So… you’re a stay at home mom and divorce just showed up uninvited. First, imagine me sending you a big virtual hug, because I have been there. Now, take a deep breath. You’re not broken, and you will feel better eventually!

It’s Normal to Feel Invisible and Scared

When your stay at home mom divorce journey begins, it’s not just a relationship ending—it’s your identity, financial security, and world all shifting underfoot. Feelings of panic and fear (“How will I support myself?”) aren’t just normal—they’re real grounded fears.

Why This Hits Harder for SAHMs

As a divorced stay at home mom, you’re facing:

  1. Financial instability 🧾
    • A UK study found women’s household incomes drop ~50% post-divorce—twice the decline for men
  2. Resume gap anxiety
    • Long career breaks make employers hesitant. A June 2025 Study from MyPerfectResume’s 2025 Career Gaps Report, found that 47% of U.S. workers have taken a career break—and yet 30% of employers still view these gaps negatively. That’s basically 3 in 10 employers still seeing career gaps as a red flag—despite almost half of all workers having one.
  3. Outdated skills
    • Research shows investments in education and recent work experience drastically boost earnings for divorced women. A June 2024 report by Brighton Jones highlights that divorced women often suffer a steep income drop post-divorce—typically around 30%—especially those who prioritized caregiving over personal career growth . The report emphasizes that rebuilding financial stability after divorce requires women to actively invest in themselves.

Solid Proof: Divorce Often Spurs Career Comebacks

Studies consistently show: when you’re getting divorced as a stay at home mom, the divorce itself can be a catalyst:

  • According to a July 2023 BLS review of NLSY79 data, as divorce became more common from the 1970s to ’90s, women’s labor-force participation also surged—from about 20% to nearly 70% among moms. Importantly, many women entered or re‑entered the workforce in the years surrounding the divorce or even in anticipation of one.”
  • A November 2022 study published in Personnel Psychology by the University of Minnesota surveyed over 500 individuals either in the process of divorcing or recently divorced. Results showed that nearly 39% of respondents “agreed or strongly agreed that divorcing had a positive impact on their work”—often because it “freed up time and energy and amplified motivation for work.
    • Nearly 44% reported a negative effect, highlighting that divorce impacts people differently.
    • But for those 39%, divorce acted as a springboard—less emotional burden, more focus at work, renewed drive and clarity .

What You Really Do Have—That Employers Want

Still worried about that resume gap? “How do you put SAHM on a resume?” … Let’s reframe. You haven’t been “out of the workforce”—you’ve been running a high-stakes, unpaid leadership position with zero PTO and 24/7 demands. Here’s what that actually looks like on a resume:

  • Project Management:
    Ever planned a school fundraiser with 12 chaotic volunteers, a $200 budget, and a deadline nobody respected? That’s stakeholder management, logistics coordination, and execution under pressure. (Also known as: Tuesday.)
  • Budgeting & Resource Allocation:
    Making five meals out of one rotisserie chicken isn’t just a mom move—it’s strategic financial planning. You’ve been running a tight operation with real-world consequences (i.e., hungry kids and overdraft alerts).
  • Conflict Resolution & Crisis Management:
    Mediating sibling warfare? De-escalating tantrums in Target? You’ve been negotiating peace treaties daily. Add “emotional intelligence” and “conflict de-escalation” to your CV.
  • Time Management:
    If you’ve ever juggled three different pick-up times, soccer practice, a dentist appointment, and remembered to bring snacks—congrats. That’s advanced scheduling, calendar management, and multitasking under pressure.
  • Perspective & Resilience:
    You know what really keeps teams running? Someone who doesn’t crumble under pressure, can pivot quickly, and still shows up the next day. That’s you.

👉 And let’s be clear: I don’t know a single SAHM who wasn’t doing some kind of “work” while home—whether it was PTA leadership, school event planning, organizing fundraisers, coordinating volunteer teams, or serving as the unofficial neighborhood CEO. You’ve been showing up. You’ve been managing people, expectations, chaos, and results.

These are real-world skills with real impact. You’re not invisible. You’re invaluable.

Your Next Step-to-Step Game Plan

  1. Download the Comeback Checklist. It’s your first tiny win—and guess what?
    Bonus: Download it now and be first in line for the SMOMs 100% FREE AI Resume Writing & Job‑Search Coach, launching this summer! I am so excited for this tool, and I cant wait to share it with you. 💥 This AI Resume and AI Job Search tool is specifically tailored for women reclaiming their resumes and careers.
  2. Reclaim Your Identity.
  3. Build your support village.
    • Divorce can clear the room—time to rebuild with women who see you.
  4. Invest in your human capital.
    • A certification, online course, freelance work, or a volunteer gig goes a long way
  5. Take one brave, realistic step.
    • Maybe it’s updating LinkedIn. Maybe as small as reconnecting with an old colleague.

Reframing the Story

Your narrative isn’t about brokenness—it’s about reinvention. The stay at home mom getting a divorce isn’t “out of the workforce”—she’s in Phase One of her comeback, and you will comeback better and stronger.

Stay in Touch

Stay in touch, join the Smoms email list for more tools and resources.

🎉 Reminder

Anyone who downloads the Free Guide: 10 Step Career Comeback Checklist:  gets exclusive early access to the upcoming 100% FREE AI Resume Writing & Job‑Search Coach—built just for SMOMs. Launching this summer. You’ll be the first to use it.

TL;DR for the SAHM getting divorced

  • Yes, your income may drop—but you can potentially reenter the workforce stronger.
  • You’ve built irreplaceable skills.
  • Divorce can be a powerful catalyst.
  • Support and smart planning make the difference.
  • The AI resume coach is coming—download that checklist and claim your spot!

You’re not behind. You’re on your way. Let’s make this your greatest comeback yet.

A woman with red hair is sitting at a wooden table, typing on a laptop with a smile. She is wearing a light sweater and has a notebook with handwritten notes beside her, along with a mug of coffee. In the background, colorful children's backpacks are hanging on the wall.
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