Teachers’ marriages are the most likely to end in divorce, study shows

Teachers are top of the class among the occupations most prone to divorce, a new study has revealed.

The findings from legal specialists Easy Online Divorce sheds light on the personal and professional pressures that can contribute to marital breakdowns across various fields.

Unemployed and retired individuals take the runners-up spot, while occupations like police officers, medical professionals, and the self-employed also rank high.

Rounding out the top 10 are civil servants, teaching assistants, project managers and company directors.

James Brien, founder of Easy Online Divorce, explained that the results highlight the intense demands placed on certain professions, especially those with high stress or irregular hours.

“Teachers have an incredibly challenging job,” he said. “They are responsible for the well-being and education of large groups of children, often while under intense scrutiny and with limited resources.

“These pressures can take a significant toll on their personal lives, especially when work-life balance becomes hard to maintain.”

Unemployed and retired individuals ranked second and third on the list, pointing to a different set of pressures.

Financial strain and the adjustment to life without the structure of work can cause significant stress on relationships.

Similarly, police officers and medical professionals – ranking fourth and fifth respectively – often work long and unpredictable hours in high-stress environments, making it difficult to maintain healthy marriages.

A combination of these factors are also common among the other professions on the list, including civil servants, teaching assistants, project managers, and directors.

According to Mr Brien, the research underscores how professional challenges can bleed into personal life and affect long-term relationships.

He said: “When work is overwhelming or constantly demanding, it leaves little space for partners to connect.

“It’s no surprise that those in stressful or highly time-consuming jobs are more at risk of marital breakdown.”

As the study highlights, the link between occupation and divorce suggests the importance of prioritising work-life balance and seeking support in maintaining healthy personal relationships, particularly in high-pressure professions.