Not all careers affect a marriage in the same kind of way. Although every relationship should be taken on its own merit, research consistently shows that people in certain occupations are far more likely to go through a divorce than those in others. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the gap is striking.
If you or your spouse works in a high-stress field, learning about how that pressure can affect your relationship is worth thinking about. And, if you are already considering a divorce in Georgia, knowing how the state handles the process can help you plan your next steps. Read on for the full breakdown.
The 10 Jobs With the Highest Divorce Rates in the U.S.
The following occupations consistently report some of the highest divorce rates in the country, based on Census Bureau data. Each one shares certain work-life factors that tend to put added strain on a marriage.
- Telemarketers (48.0%) deal with low pay and repetitive daily stress. That kind of financial pressure is one of the most consistent predictors of marital conflict.
- Licensed practical and vocational nurses (47.2%) work long shifts in emotionally demanding settings. The combination of bedside patient care and overnight rotations can leave little energy for life at home.
- Bus drivers (47.8%) spend extended hours on the road with early morning or late-night routes. This makes it hard to maintain a consistent presence in their families’ daily routines.
- Massage therapists (47.9%) often build their client base by working evenings and weekends. That can directly cut into the time most couples rely on to stay connected.
- Correctional supervisors (47.5%) manage high-risk, high-stress environments every day. The emotional weight of that work makes it difficult for many to decompress.
- Ambulance drivers and attendants (47.3%) face trauma and unpredictable hours as part of the job. Emergency response work also demands constant alertness.
- Press machine operators (47.6%) work physically demanding factory jobs that often involve rotating shifts. The toll of the labor itself, paired with inconsistent schedules, adds up over time.
- Orderlies and psychiatric aides (47.2%) work long hours in hospitals and psychiatric facilities. These jobs also often involve overnight shifts.
- Supervisors of personal care workers (47.6%) oversee staff in high-turnover, caregiving-heavy fields. Managing emotionally taxing teams often carries over into their own personal relationships.
- Healthcare practitioners in specialized roles (48.3%) round out the top of the list. This broad category covers professionals like audiologists who often face demanding caseloads and nontraditional schedules.
The pattern across these careers is clear. Jobs that involve things like unpredictable schedules and lower income stability tend to produce the most marital strain.
The Basics of Georgia Divorce Law
Georgia allows both no-fault and fault-based divorce under O.C.G.A. § 19-5-3. Most couples file on no-fault grounds by stating the marriage is irretrievably broken. The state requires a six-month residency before filing, and there is a 30-day waiting period after the other spouse is served.
Georgia is an equitable distribution state as well, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily in a 50/50 split. Courts look at a range of factors in these circumstances, including the length of the marriage and contributions made by both parties. Fault can also influence decisions on alimony and property division.
Contact an Experienced Georgia Divorce Attorney at The Edwards Law Group for Help With Your Case
No matter what career you or your spouse is in, going through a divorce is rarely simple. The legal process involves important decisions that can shape your financial future for years, making it wise to have a trusted divorce lawyer on your side from the start.
Reach out to The Edwards Law Group for help today. We proudly serve clients throughout Cobb County and the greater Atlanta metro area in Georgia from our Atlanta office.
The Edwards Law Group Atlanta
3621 Vinings Slope SE, #4320, Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 723 7211
V. Joy Edwards is the founder of The Edwards Law Group, an Atlanta family law firm serving clients across the metro area in child custody, child support, adoptions, prenuptial agreements, and postnuptial agreements.
With over 20 years of experience in Georgia family courts, Joy brings a rare combination of courtroom litigation skill and strategic negotiation, built on relationships developed on both sides of the bench, including her time as Staff Attorney for judges in Cobb County State Court.
The Edwards Law Group is the oldest Black-owned, female-led family law firm in Cobb County, and Joy has earned recognition from Super Lawyers and Top 10 Atlanta Family Law Attorneys. She is a board member of the Stonewall Bar Association and a member of the State Bar of Georgia’s Family Law Section.
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