Though divorce affects every ethnic and socioeconomic group in the United States, there are certain factors that make it more likely that a marriage will end. Some states have much higher divorce rates than others. On the other hand, spouses with higher levels of education are more likely to stay together. Research also shows that some jobs are associated with an increased likelihood of divorce, while others are linked to lasting marriages.
Nathan Yan, a statistician for the Flowing Data website, examined U.S. Census records and concluded that some types of work strain a marriage due to the unique demands and stressors they impose. employees whose jobs are linked to a high rate of divorce include the following:
- Bartenders and casino workers — Even if employment-related, nightlife, alcohol and festive environments might not be the best thing when a husband or wife is staying at home. Consequently, bartenders and casino workers are more likely to get a divorce than workers in almost any other field.
- Nurses and first responders — Many police officers, firefighters, nurses and emergency medical technicians are exposed to high levels of stress, trauma and irregular hours. All of these factors can test relationships.
- Flight attendants — Frequent travel and unexpected absences due to flight delays often make it difficult to maintain a strong marital bond.
There are also professions where the people who work within them are much less prone to divorce. Not surprisingly, members of the clergy typically stay married due to their adherence to religious principles and support from their faith communities. Actuaries, whose job involves calculating risk, also have a very low divorce rate, possibly because their work leads them to weigh evidence very carefully before making important decisions.
Doctors, engineers and scientists have relatively low divorce rates. Many attribute this to the stability, high earning potential and the mutual understanding among partners about the pressures of those professions. Of course, no industry is divorce-proof, and spouses with substantial assets might face a more complicated marriage dissolution process as the parties struggle to divide real estate, 401(k) accounts and other marital property.
As the Long Island divorce leader, the lawyers at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates, P.C. know how job-related pressures can lead spouses to go their separate ways. Across Nassau and Suffolk counties, we offer skillful, empathetic divorce counsel based on your specific situation and needs. For a consultation, please call 631-388-6009 or contact us online.