You’ve likely heard by now that Angelina Jolie has reportedly split from her husband Brad Pitt. As the mix of comments and feedback flood the internet we will see a range of reactions — and we’re already seeing signs of tall poppy syndrome — where other women delight in the failings of successful women (we’ve discussed this before on TBWM).
But before you listen to any of that poison, stop and think for a minute — especially if you’ve been through a break-up yourself (and who hasn’t?) about how difficult it is. Especially with children.
There is one thing that most people have overlooked in their rush to slam this story on social media. In most news reports. Angelina has not asked for spousal support yet has requested full custody.
This in my view is a very powerful move for any woman in this situation but one that can only be done if you’re financially independent of your spouse. And while few of us might have Angelina’s bank balance, it’s an object lesson in always striving for whatever financial independence you can — at every financial level.
Financial independence allows any woman the freedom of choice and the ability to leave a relationship, whether it be for the “health of the family” or other reasons.
Angelina has been scarified by media and social media over the years — the ‘husband thief’ label when Pitt teamed up with her was not the first barrage she’d endured. But she is a true well rounded business woman and we should be congratulating her for not playing the victim and for investing in her brand and financial future, which will set her and her children up for years to come.
Let’s try and keep this a positive response and not succumb to the all too common scenario of women tearing each other down purely for entertainment purposes.
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