Jennifer Garner faced financial concerns following her split from Ben Affleck, sharing her journey on the Aspire with Emma Grede podcast. Garner, mother to three children with Affleck, experienced anxiety regarding her ability to financially support her family after the divorce. She expressed a stark realization about her career’s uncertain future.
Garner noted, “I panicked when I was first out of my marriage and realized I had taken such a step back in my work.” She highlighted concerns about longevity in her acting career, questioning her ability to sustain herself and her children financially.
“This isn’t a career that’s like, ‘Hey, you’re 60, you’re 55, you’re 43, come on, let’s pay you more than you’ve ever made,'” Garner explained, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a successful career in Hollywood.
Following her divorce, Garner focused on being present for her children in Los Angeles, stating, “I can’t leave these kids for six months at a time.” Despite loving location shoots, she understood her priorities had shifted.
Garner shared insights into her past, recalling meeting Affleck on the set of Pearl Harbor in 2001, with romance blossoming in 2004 during the filming of Daredevil. The couple married in 2005, separating in 2015.
Reflecting on her career balance, Garner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to blend work and motherhood. “I was so lucky to be able to luxuriate and working some and being home and being a mom,” she said.
In 2017, Garner co-founded the organic children’s food company, Once Upon A Farm. She learned financial independence was crucial, stating, “Just because you’re well known by people does not mean there is some great living being provided for you.” Garner quickly recognized the importance of becoming an earner.
In discussing her family upheaval during the divorce, Garner explained her decreased work involvement, emphasizing the significance of imperfection in navigating life as a working mom. “There’s no such thing as balance,” she asserted, focusing on inner understanding and resilience.
Garner shared her experiences raising her children in separate households, noting, “When your kids grow up in two separate households, I become mom and dad, and he becomes dad and mom.” She emphasized the need to adapt parenting styles.
Despite the inherent challenges, Garner found value in letting go and easing the focus on raising children, acknowledging the gains from overcoming personal and family adversity.