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Small Business vs. Startup: Which Path to Choose for Stability?

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on October 22, 2025

When deciding between the starting of a small business or the launching of a startup, aspiring entrepreneurs face this key question: which path is offering more in stability? Each option presents unique opportunities, and each has its own advantages too. However, a set of challenges does exist for each option. Examining structure, funding, and growth potential lets individuals determine which route aligns with their goals for long-term stability better.

People often consider a business when they start their entrepreneurial adventure. A small business is often of this kind of business. Typically, these firms try to give goods or services to a market or nearby town. They seem to depend less on risky investments. These investments involve often more steady, predictable growth over time.

For example, classic small businesses can be a family-owned bakery or they can be a local plumbing service. These businesses usually have modest revenue goals, also owners focus on meeting the immediate needs of their customers while they maintain a manageable scale.

To create stable cash flow is often a key focus for most small businesses, which ensures long-term survival. Owners can reinvest within to profit the business or save so it grows over time. The risk of failure for small businesses can be lower if consistent demand and a loyal customer base exist.

What is a Startup?

Startups, on the other hand, are businesses that aim for rapid growth and scalability, often with a unique product or service that has high potential in the market. Unlike small businesses, startups are typically looking to attract venture capital or angel investors, who are willing to take on higher risks in exchange for a chance to receive high returns.

Startups often revolve around innovation. They are built to grow quickly, sometimes exponentially, and can operate in high-growth industries like technology or biotechnology. For example, a tech company with a new mobile app that could revolutionize how people communicate or a health tech firm creating a disruptive medical device could be considered startups.

While startups can offer significant returns, they also face higher risks. Investors often expect high scalability and rapid growth. If the business does not meet these expectations, it could face financial difficulties or even failure. Unlike small businesses, startups often operate with a longer timeline for profitability, which can add a layer of uncertainty.

Stability in Small Businesses

Small Business vs. Startup Which Path to Choose for Stability

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For many, small businesses provide a level of stability that startups cannot always guarantee. Stability in this context refers to predictable profits, manageable risks, and a consistent customer base. Because small businesses typically grow at a slower pace, they are less likely to face the dramatic ups and downs of startup ventures.

Moreover, small businesses often face fewer financial pressures, as they are less likely to rely on external investors for funding. This self-sufficiency allows business owners to focus on steady growth rather than rushing to meet external expectations.

A small business owner is also more likely to have a direct, hands-on role in the day-to-day operations. This provides greater control over decision-making and reduces the complexity of management. As a result, small business owners can feel more confident in their ability to navigate challenges because they are more intimately involved with the business’s core operations.

Stability in Startups

On the other hand, startups often come with a different kind of stability, one that is not immediately apparent. While startups may initially experience instability due to their rapid growth ambitions and the need to secure funding, they can achieve a higher level of market influence in the long run.

The key to startup stability lies in their potential for scalability. When successful, a startup can grow quickly and reach markets on a global scale. This growth can lead to significant financial rewards for investors and founders, but it often requires strong leadership and effective execution.

Additionally, startups often benefit from a more dynamic work environment, attracting top talent eager to work on innovative products. This drive for innovation can foster a sense of purpose and resilience among employees, further contributing to the startup’s ability to overcome early-stage challenges.

Which Path Offers More Stability?

Choosing between a small business and a startup depends on an entrepreneur’s risk tolerance and long-term goals. Those seeking a more predictable and stable business model may find that a small business offers a better fit. Small businesses typically provide steady cash flow and manageable risks, making them ideal for individuals looking to build a sustainable business without seeking rapid growth.

However, for those who are willing to take on more risk in pursuit of a larger payoff, startups can offer significant potential. While the journey is often more volatile, startups have the opportunity to scale quickly and achieve financial success on a much larger scale than most small businesses.

The decision ultimately comes down to how much risk one is willing to assume and how long they are prepared to wait for financial rewards. Some entrepreneurs may choose to start a small business and eventually transition into a startup as their business grows. Others may prefer the steady, reliable growth that a small business can offer from the outset.

Key Takeaways for Stability

Small Business vs. Startup Which Path to Choose for Stability

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  • Small businesses are ideal for entrepreneurs seeking consistent cash flow, manageable risks, and steady growth. These businesses tend to focus on serving local markets and are often less reliant on external funding.
  • Startups offer higher growth potential but come with greater risk. They require significant external investment and have longer timelines for profitability. However, successful startups can scale quickly and provide significant financial rewards.
  • When considering stability, small businesses generally offer a more predictable and sustainable path, while startups offer a riskier but potentially more lucrative future.

In summary, both small businesses and startups present distinct advantages depending on the entrepreneur’s goals. Small businesses are generally more stable, offering predictable revenue and a manageable workload. Startups, on the other hand, offer the possibility of rapid growth but require a higher degree of risk tolerance and patience.

Aggravating Factors in a Drunk Driving Case

The Chicago Journal Staff on October 22, 2025

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges can have serious legal and personal consequences. However, when certain circumstances are present, known as aggravating factors, the consequences may be even more severe. These factors can lead to enhanced penalties, additional charges, or longer license suspensions. Understanding what these aggravating elements are and how they can affect a case is important for anyone facing a DUI charge.

A DUI defense lawyer can play a critical role in challenging the evidence and the circumstances surrounding these factors. Whether questioning the accuracy of a breath test or examining the details of an accident report, a defense attorney may be able to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. While the specific laws and penalties in DUI cases differ from state to state, the strategies that an attorney may use to challenge these charges tend to be very similar across jurisdictions.

High BAC DUI

One of the most common aggravating circumstances is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that is significantly higher than the legal limit. A high BAC often leads to harsher penalties because it suggests a greater level of impairment and risk to public safety. Many states impose enhanced punishments for drivers whose BAC is double the legal threshold or more. These penalties may include longer license suspensions, increased fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, or minimum jail sentences.

Despite these challenges, a defense lawyer can explore several potential avenues to contest a high BAC charge. The reliability of breathalyzer and blood testing equipment is a frequent issue in DUI cases. Improper calibration, faulty maintenance, or procedural errors during testing can call the results into question. Additionally, certain medical conditions can produce falsely elevated readings. 

DUI Resulting in Injury or Death

A DUI that results in injury or death is usually treated as an especially serious offense. When a crash causes harm to another person, prosecutors may pursue felony charges rather than misdemeanors. These cases can involve lengthy prison sentences, large fines, and permanent license revocation. Civil lawsuits may also follow, as injured parties or their families may seek compensation for damages.

In a DUI case involving injury or death, prosecutors may need to take steps to prove not only that the driver was impaired, but also that their impairment directly caused the accident. Factors such as road conditions, weather, mechanical failure, or the actions of another driver could play a role in these cases. A defense attorney may work with accident reconstruction experts to determine whether intoxication was truly the cause of the crash. Establishing doubt about causation may affect the outcome of the case.

Repeat DUI

When a person has one or more prior DUI convictions, any subsequent charge can result in more severe penalties. Repeat offenses can lead to mandatory jail sentences, longer license suspensions, and other consequences. Courts may require a person to participate in substance abuse treatment programs. Since prior convictions may demonstrate a pattern of behavior, prosecutors and judges tend to impose stricter consequences.

Defense strategies for repeat DUI offenses may involve a more thorough investigation of the facts, since the defendant may not be eligible for the pretrial diversion programs that may be available for some first-time offenders. When contesting a repeat DUI charge, a lawyer may look closely at the initial traffic stop to see if the officer had probable cause, review the results of any chemical and field sobriety tests, and go over the officer’s testimony in detail to spot contradictions or inconsistencies.

DUI With a Child Passenger

Driving under the influence while a child is in the vehicle is viewed as particularly dangerous. Many states impose enhanced penalties or separate charges for DUI with a child passenger, often treating it as a form of child endangerment. Penalties can include mandatory jail time, higher fines, and potential involvement from child protective services.

When developing a defense in these cases, an attorney may take steps to show that the driver’s level of impairment did not reach the legal definition of intoxication or that testing procedures were flawed. Other relevant factors may include whether the driver was aware of their level of impairment or whether the child’s safety was actually compromised. An attorney may show that a person used responsible behavior, such as safely pulling over upon feeling unwell or avoiding dangerous driving maneuvers, which may influence the outcome of a case.

DUI With a Suspended License

Operating a vehicle under the influence while one’s driver’s license is already suspended is another aggravating factor that can significantly increase the potential penalties of a DUI charge. In these situations, a person may face both DUI charges and separate charges for driving with a suspended license. Penalties may include extended license suspension periods, substantial fines, and possible jail time.

A defense attorney can evaluate whether a person was properly notified of a license suspension or whether there were administrative errors in the record. In some cases, a lawyer may be able to challenge the assertion that the defendant was in actual control of the vehicle, or they may argue that a person was charged due to a mistake of fact. Alternatively, a defense attorney could negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the penalties in exchange for a guilty plea.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers facing DUI charges or related legal matters are encouraged to consult with a qualified attorney for guidance specific to their situation.

When may People Be Charged With Harassment or Stalking?

The Chicago Journal Staff on October 22, 2025

Personal conflicts may sometimes escalate into situations that involve criminal accusations. In some cases, these conflicts may involve actions by one person that make someone else feel unsafe. A person may attempt to contact someone repeatedly, follow them around, or engage in other behaviors that could be viewed as threatening. In these cases, the alleged victim may reach out to the police or other officials and ask for help. This could lead to charges of harassment or stalking.

The laws that detail criminal charges related to harassment and stalking are meant to address behavior that causes fear, distress, or disruption to a person’s life. While the specific legal definitions may vary from state to state, these offenses generally involve repeated behavior considered dangerous or threatening, prompting law enforcement officials to take steps to protect people from ongoing, unwanted attention or intimidation.

How Harassment Is Defined in State Laws

Most states have enacted criminal statutes addressing harassment, though the details of specific laws may differ significantly. Generally, harassment refers to a pattern of conduct or communication intended to annoy or alarm another person or cause them to experience emotional trauma. These laws will typically attempt to draw a clear line between ordinary interpersonal disputes and conduct that may be considered threatening or abusive.

Harassment may occur in many forms. It may involve direct interactions, written messages, or electronic communication. Some states may distinguish between general harassment and harassment by communication, with separate penalties depending on the method and the potential harm suffered by a victim.

Certain state laws classify harassment as a misdemeanor offense, while more serious or repeated conduct may lead to felony charges. Factors that may influence how a case is charged include the criminal history of the alleged offender, whether the behavior involved threats of violence, and the presence of any restraining orders or other protective measures.

Examples of Conduct That May Lead to Harassment Charges

Harassment does not always involve physical contact. In many cases, harassment charges are based on repeated or unwanted communication that creates fear or distress. Examples of actions that could potentially lead to criminal charges of harassment include:

  • Repeated unwanted phone calls or messages that continue after the victim has asked for contact to stop.
  • Following someone or showing up at their workplace or home without a legitimate reason.
  • Sending threatening letters, text messages, or emails, even if no physical harm occurs.
  • Posting false or damaging information online that is intended to humiliate another person or cause them to suffer emotional harm.
  • Engaging in behavior meant to intimidate, such as photographing or recording someone without consent in a way that causes fear.

While many of these actions might seem minor on their own, when they occur repeatedly or cause emotional distress, they may meet the legal threshold for harassment.

When Harassment Becomes Stalking

In many states, stalking is considered a more serious form of harassment. The difference often lies in the repeated nature of the behavior, along with the victim’s reasonable fear for their safety. Stalking typically involves a pattern of conduct that causes the victim to fear bodily harm, emotional trauma, or threats to their property or loved ones.

For instance, harassment may become stalking when the behavior includes:

  • Continuous following or monitoring of the person’s movements.
  • Making threats of violence or implying that the victim or their family will suffer harm.
  • Using electronic devices, GPS trackers, or social media to track a person’s location or activities.
  • Engaging in unwanted contact that escalates despite previous police reports or restraining orders.

Because stalking demonstrates a more persistent and threatening intent, many states classify it as a felony offense. Penalties may include imprisonment, fines, probation, and mandatory counseling or restraining orders.

Legal Tools to Address Harassment and Stalking

Law enforcement officials and courts have several tools that may be used to help prevent ongoing harassment or stalking. One of the most common is an order of protection, which is also known as a restraining order or protective order. These orders are civil directives that prohibit a person who has been accused of stalking or harassment from contacting or approaching the alleged victim. They may also impose additional restrictions, such as staying away from specific locations. In many cases, a person will be required to surrender any firearms they own to law enforcement.

Protective orders may be temporary or long-term, depending on the circumstances of a case and the level of risk involved. They may be issued in conjunction with criminal charges, but they may also be requested independently in civil court.

If the person named in the order violates any of its terms, that violation itself may lead to separate criminal charges. In many states, violating an order of protection is a misdemeanor for a first offense, but repeated or violent violations may result in felony prosecution. The court may also impose fines or extend the duration of the protective order.

How Law Enforcement Handles Accusations of Harassment or Stalking

When police officers receive a report of harassment or stalking, they may take steps to gather evidence such as text messages, social media activity, phone records, or witness statements. Depending on the evidence and the severity of the conduct, officers may issue warnings or they may make an arrest.

Some jurisdictions also have dedicated domestic violence or stalking units that focus on investigating patterns of behavior rather than isolated incidents. This approach may help authorities identify when seemingly minor acts, taken together, indicate a larger pattern of intimidation, abuse, or control.

The Broader Impact of Harassment and Stalking Laws

Harassment and stalking statutes and units that address domestic violence reflect society’s growing recognition of the emotional and psychological harm that people may experience due to this type of behavior. An increased focus on cyberbullying also indicates that public officials are taking steps to address how people may be affected by these activities. While these laws may help protect people from potential threats, the protections they provide may need to be balanced with people’s rights to free speech and privacy rights. As technology evolves, courts and legislatures are likely to continue to adapt these laws to address digital communication and online conduct, including cyberstalking.

People who are accused of harassment or stalking may face serious consequences that could affect their lives and their futures. Criminal charges may carry penalties that include hefty fines, jail time, a criminal record, and reputational damage, which may limit employment opportunities or affect a person in other ways.

Addressing Charges of Harassment or Stalking

When a person has been accused of harassment or stalking, these accusations may indicate that they have engaged in conduct that went beyond ordinary disagreements or social conflict. Claims that a person has been involved in repeated, unwanted actions causing someone to experience fear or distress may be serious. A person facing these accusations or who has learned they are the subject of an order of protection may need to determine what defense options are available. If you find yourself facing allegations of harassment or stalking, consulting a criminal defense lawyer may assist in these situations, explaining the nature of the charges, the options for defense that may be available, and the steps a person may take to avoid or minimize the penalties that may affect their life and their future.

 

Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.

What to Expect at Chicago’s Most Popular Street Fests

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on October 22, 2025

Chicago’s most popular street fests aren’t just about food or music, they’re an open-air celebration of everything that makes each neighborhood distinct. With warm weather as the backdrop, these events stretch from late spring through early fall, drawing massive local and tourist turnouts. From visual art fairs to food-centered gatherings and multi-stage music blocks, the city’s street fests offer something for every kind of weekend wanderer.

One reason these festivals consistently draw tens of thousands is how well they tap into Chicago’s diverse communities. Whether centered around music, cuisine, cultural heritage, or local artists, each festival feels personal to its neighborhood. In areas like Pilsen, West Town, and Logan Square, these events often reflect the area’s history and evolving identity. Some festivals focus on one or two city blocks, while others shut down multiple avenues, setting up rows of vendor booths, performance stages, beer tents, and kids’ zones.

Which Fests Offer the Best Music Experiences?

For those interested in live music, certain Chicago street fests are known as unofficial showcases for up-and-coming talent and touring headliners. A few feature curated lineups by respected local venues or promoters, turning neighborhood intersections into makeshift concert arenas. Sound quality is usually impressive for open-air setups, and some festivals include multiple stages to keep things moving and minimize overlap between sets.

Events held in areas like West Town or Wicker Park tend to highlight indie rock, electronic, and genre-blending performers. Further north, festivals near Lakeview often lean into pop, dance, and DJ sets. Country and roots fans usually flock to larger-scale events near major venues, where performances pair with specific food themes. Blues and jazz also maintain a strong presence, with dedicated festivals near downtown and Hyde Park, featuring local legends and international guests alike.

What Kind of Food and Drink Is Available?

What to Expect at Chicago’s Most Popular Street Fests

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Street fest menus are a major draw, often curated to reflect a theme or regional focus. At some events, mole, tacos, and grilled elotes dominate. Others highlight barbecue ribs, smoked brisket, and craft sausage. One of the largest summer food festivals offers nearly every type of cuisine imaginable, from deep-dish slices to global street eats, all served in tasting portions. Beverage tents tend to feature local breweries or rotating cocktail setups, depending on the scale and sponsor involvement.

Food offerings usually spill beyond established restaurants. Pop-up vendors, food trucks, and community kitchens all find space along the streets, creating a patchwork of aromas and flavors. Prices vary, but small cash payments or tap-to-pay options are the norm. Seating is limited, so most festival-goers snack while they walk or gather in shaded areas near music stages.

What Are the Major Chicago Street Fests to Know?

The variety of festivals reflects the city’s diversity, with each event bringing its own identity, audience, and experience. Here’s a month-by-month overview of some of the most popular Chicago street fests:

  • May
    • Mole de Mayo – Mexican heritage, mole tasting, lucha libre, and dance in Pilsen
  • June
    • Chicago Blues Festival – Free lakefront event with renowned blues artists
    • Chicago Pride Fest – Multi-stage performances and community events in Lakeview
    • Logan Square Arts Festival – Music, food, and local art under leafy boulevards
    • Printers Row Lit Fest – Books, readings, and publishers in the South Loop
    • 57th Street Art Fair – Juried art fair in Hyde Park’s tree-lined streets
    • Juneteenth Village Fest – Live music, carnival rides, and cultural celebration in North Lawndale
  • July
    • Taste of Chicago – Food from dozens of vendors and free concerts downtown
    • Chinatown Summer Fair – Lion dancing, cultural displays, and Asian street food
    • Windy City Smokeout – Barbecue and country music outside a major arena
    • West Fest – DJs, local food, and family-friendly fun in West Town
    • Northalsted Market Days – Dance tents, vendors, and performances in Lakeview
  • August
    • Wicker Park Fest – Indie bands, art vendors, and strong neighborhood vibes
    • Hyde Park Jazz Festival – Multi-stage jazz event in South Side cultural spaces

Each of these events reflects a slice of Chicago’s character, from culinary identity to music history and community creativity. The seasonal mix of entertainment options makes these weekends a central part of summer routines for many residents and visitors.

How Do Chicago Neighborhoods Shape Each Festival?

Each street fest draws heavily from its surroundings. Festivals in historic areas like Hyde Park often include a strong arts presence, while events in Logan Square or Andersonville may incorporate live mural painting, gallery booths, or hands-on crafts. Others have a more family-oriented setup, with face painting, carnival rides, or pet adoption corners taking center stage. Cultural festivals bring folk dancing, martial arts demos, or traditional dress parades to the streets, adding to the city’s eclectic summer rhythm.

Even layout and logistics reflect neighborhood character. Some streets feel like block parties with tight crowds and minimal barriers, while others create broader open boulevards with carefully arranged entry points and suggested donations. The overall vibe ranges from laid-back and creative to loud and crowded, depending on both the scale of the event and the energy of the area.

What Are Some Smart Tips for Enjoying a Fest?

While every fest has a slightly different setup, a few basics tend to hold true across the board. Streets usually open mid-morning or early afternoon and stay active until 10 PM or later. Entry is often free, but most request a donation that supports artists, musicians, or neighborhood programs. Public transit is usually the easiest way to get there, since parking can be both limited and expensive.

Here are a few key things to expect across most events:

  • Streets will be blocked off, creating foot-traffic-only zones
  • Security may conduct bag checks at entry points
  • Alcohol is allowed only within fest boundaries
  • Pets are common but should be leashed and crowd-friendly
  • Restrooms are typically portable and located near entryways or performance areas
  • Most transactions are cashless, but tipping musicians or performers still uses cash
  • Sunscreen and comfortable shoes go a long way

Some festivals also offer downloadable maps or mobile apps for performance schedules and food booth guides. Lines at popular vendors can get long, especially between 5 PM and 8 PM, so arriving early is often worth the effort. Attendees looking for quieter experiences may prefer early afternoons or visiting on the festival’s second day.

What Makes Chicago’s Street Fests Stand Out?

What to Expect at Chicago’s Most Popular Street Fests

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Chicago’s most popular street fests succeed because they balance scale with specificity. Large crowds don’t erase the neighborhood feel. Most festivals focus on elevating what makes their part of the city distinct, rather than creating one-size-fits-all entertainment. Whether it’s a stretch of jazz music echoing off brick buildings or the sight of hundreds dancing in front of a drag performance stage, the mix of sights, sounds, and street-level interaction feels deeply rooted.

From food-focused gatherings in historic neighborhoods to multi-day celebrations of music, literature, and art, these events offer a steady rhythm to the city’s summer calendar. Crowds are lively but generally relaxed, and there’s space for both short visits and all-day adventures. For those interested in how city culture lives and breathes during summer weekends, these festivals remain one of the most reliable and rewarding ways to see it happen up close.

Strategic Alliances and HR Tech Collaborations -Examining WorkBright’s Role in a Connected Onboarding Ecosystem

The Chicago Journal Staff on October 22, 2025

Speed and compliance walk together in the modern workplace. Companies are no longer working in separate silos; they are dependent on networked systems that simplify complicated processes such as onboarding, employee authentication, and data management. This change has amplified the demand for adaptive, integrative technology solutions that can integrate into multiple platforms and adapt to changing legal requirements and workforce expectations.

The growth of HR technology has tracked the increasingly decentralized and mobile nature of today’s workforces. A 2023 Gartner report discovered that 58% of organizations intend to spend more on HR technology, with integration and automation among their top priorities. Instead of depending on standalone solutions, businesses are seeking tools that not only address immediate operations issues but also enable interoperability with present systems and partners. This increasing demand for collaborative ecosystems has highlighted the worth of strategic partnerships throughout the human resources space.

Within this broader context, WorkBright has emerged as a company focused on developing and maintaining key partnerships across the HR technology and compliance spectrum. Founded by David Secunda, the Colorado-based company has positioned itself at the intersection of workforce compliance and digital transformation. As hiring practices continue to digitize, WorkBright’s collaborative approach has gained relevance across a range of industries with unique operational demands.

One of the company’s more visible collaborations was announced in January 2024, when WorkBright partnered with Thomas & Company, a national provider of employment verification and unemployment cost control services. The partnership, first reported by Business Wire, aimed to address challenges related to I-9 employment eligibility compliance and streamline document collection. The integration allows employers to centralize new hire data while ensuring federal and state-level documentation remains current and accessible. By incorporating WorkBright’s HR compliance platform, Thomas & Company strengthened its offering for clients operating in highly regulated sectors such as government contracting and healthcare.

These types of integrations are not unique to WorkBright but are increasingly seen as necessary within the HR technology space. According to a 2024 Deloitte report, 61% of companies stated that fragmented systems were a top barrier to effective HR operations. In response, WorkBright has shifted toward open application programming interfaces (open APIs) and embedded service models that support seamless data exchange between tools.

WorkBright is designed to support enterprise-level needs and smaller-scale users alike. For example, numerous WorkBright clients within the outdoor recreation and camp spaces use its mobile-friendly features to onboard temporary employees without the need for in-person documentation transfers. By partnering with organizations looking for compliance, document automation, and HR infrastructure, the firm has optimized its service model to support high-volume environments.

WorkBright’s collaborative strategy is also evident through its participation in industry initiatives and HR-focused organizations. Though not exclusive to formal partnerships, its participation in larger ecosystems of compliance and workforce management shows a commitment to collective learning and adaptation. As employment eligibility and data privacy legal frameworks change, businesses such as WorkBright have emphasized the importance of keeping pace with legal standards such as those from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

In addition to regulatory partnerships, WorkBright has also developed its platform to enable integration with HRIS platforms. These integrations tend to be real-time data syncing, which allows users to start onboarding workflows as soon as hiring decisions are made. For most organizations, especially those without separate HR departments, expediting the period between offer and onboarding is essential to enhancing retention and reducing compliance risk.

Although much of the company’s development has taken place behind the scenes, WorkBright’s approach is indicative of broader trends in the human resources industry. Instead of developing monolithic software, today’s HR platforms are now designed to operate as modular solutions that conform to current workflows and organizational requirements. This philosophy has become especially important in industries like construction, education, and home healthcare, where workers may be brought on quickly and from geographically dispersed locations.

In interviews and written commentary, WorkBright CEO Chapelle Ryon has underscored that the firm’s emphasis on integrations is less about developing a closed system and more about creating efficiencies in HR compliance. By encouraging partnerships that decrease friction between hiring, onboarding, and compliance, the platform seeks to decrease time-to-productivity for new employees while retaining organizational control over data and documentation.

WorkBright has prioritized strategic partnerships as a vehicle for innovation in HR onboarding. Through collaboration with partners and compliance experts, the firm has developed a platform that flexes to accommodate the intricacies of contemporary employment while remaining interoperable with a broad set of tools. As companies remain focused on automation and regulatory compliance, the function of partnerships in HR software will continue to be a determining influence on platform development and client success.

How Stay-at-Home Parents May Be Affected by Divorce

The Chicago Journal Staff on October 22, 2025

Life as a stay-at-home parent may be deeply rewarding, but it may also involve some unique challenges. This is especially true when a marriage ends, which may require a parent to reconsider their priorities and determine whether they may maintain the same lifestyle they and their children have become accustomed to. 

Divorce affects all families differently. Questions about child custody, property, finances, and housing may become especially complex for parents who have spent years focused primarily on raising children rather than maintaining full-time employment. Understanding how these issues may be approached in a divorce may help stay-at-home parents navigate the process more clearly. By working with a divorce lawyer, a parent may gain a greater understanding of the issues that will need to be addressed, the options available, and the steps they may take to minimize disruptions in their children’s lives.

How Caregiving History May Affect Child Custody Decisions

Many of the most significant issues in any divorce involving children will be related to child custody. While the terminology used and how custody is approached may vary from state to state, the laws almost always focus on protecting the child’s best interests. Stay-at-home parents’ history of providing day-to-day care may play a central role in these decisions.

Child custody is usually divided into two main categories:

  • Legal custody involves decision-making authority about the child’s upbringing. It addresses major decisions about children’s education, healthcare, religious instruction, and other issues. Often, a stay-at-home parent may have been the primary decision maker focused on addressing children’s ongoing needs.
  • Physical custody addresses where a child will live and when they will stay with each parent. If a stay-at-home parent had provided the majority of the child care, they may believe that children should continue to live with them for the majority of the time.

Courts will often consider each parent’s past involvement in caring for children when making these determinations. A stay-at-home parent who has managed children’s daily routines, attended school functions, handled medical appointments, and taken care of other household responsibilities may be viewed as having played a primary caregiving role. This history may influence decisions about where the child will live most of the time and how parental responsibilities will be shared.

However, this does not necessarily mean that a stay-at-home parent will automatically receive primary custody. Courts generally favor arrangements allowing both parents to remain actively involved in their children’s lives. Joint legal custody is a common outcome in family law cases, and parents may share decision-making authority so that they may cooperate to make major decisions related to their children. 

Physical custody arrangements may also be put in place to provide each parent with reasonable amounts of time with their children. While a stay-at-home parent may advocate for arrangements in which children will live with them most of the time, the other parent will usually be able to have regular parenting time. The arrangements that may be put in place will depend on the family’s specific circumstances, and courts will make arrangements that support children’s best interests.

Property Division and the Family Home

A stay-at-home parent may want to take steps to avoid uprooting their children, so they may advocate for arrangements that will allow them to continue living in the family’s home. Various factors may be considered when deciding about ownership of a couple’s home and other property.

When dividing marital property, courts typically take steps to divide all of a couple’s assets and debts fairly. This does not always mean that there will be a perfectly equal split. Instead, fair arrangements may be determined based on each spouse’s income, their respective contributions to the marriage, and their future financial prospects. A stay-at-home parent’s non-financial contributions, such as managing the household and caring for children, may be recognized when making property-related decisions.

Whether a stay-at-home parent may remain in the family home often depends on their financial circumstances. In some situations, it may be practical for the parent with primary physical custody of the children to stay in the home, avoid moving children to a new home, and potentially begin attending new schools. However, home ownership must also be financially feasible for a stay-at-home parent. If a person cannot cover ongoing expenses, including mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance, and property taxes, selling the property and dividing the proceeds may be the more practical solution.

Financial Support and the Path Toward Self-Sufficiency

A divorce may have a significant impact on the financial situation of a stay-at-home parent. Without an independent income, a person may be unsure how to cover their ongoing expenses. While they may plan to return to work in the future, the lack of a recent employment history may make it difficult to find employment. Several forms of financial support may be available to help a stay-at-home parent address their needs and make the transition to self-sufficiency in the future.

Child Support

If a stay-at-home parent has primary physical custody of their children, they will typically be eligible to receive child support from the other parent. These payments are intended to cover the child’s basic needs, such as housing, food, clothing, and educational expenses. Other expenses, such as health insurance or other medical expenses, may also be addressed. With child support orders in place, a stay-at-home parent may be better equipped to meet their children’s needs.

Spousal Support

In addition to child support, a stay-at-home parent may be eligible for spousal support, which is sometimes referred to as alimony or maintenance. This type of support is meant to balance the economic disparity between spouses during and after a divorce, ensuring that a person may maintain their standard of living, even if they are not currently working. 

There are a variety of factors that may be considered to determine whether spousal support should be awarded, including the income and earning capacity of each party, the contributions spouses made to their family during their marriage, and the sacrifices a person has made when choosing to focus on family responsibilities rather than their career. In many cases, a stay-at-home parent will be eligible to receive ongoing support that will help them address their needs.

Spousal support will often be paid for a fixed amount of time based on the length of a couple’s marriage. In some cases, spousal support may be “rehabilitative,” meaning that it will help a person become self-supporting, such as by pursuing a college degree or receiving training that will help them find employment in the future. 

Rebuilding After Divorce

For stay-at-home parents, divorce may require adjustments, including changes to daily routines, exploring new career options, or relocating to a different home. With the right planning, a stay-at-home parent may help meet their children’s ongoing needs while taking steps to achieve financial stability. A divorce attorney may provide guidance on the issues that a stay-at-home parent may need to address, and they may advocate for solutions that will help to minimize the disruptions that may affect children and help a person prepare for the future.

 

Disclaimer: The content in this article is provided for general knowledge. It does not constitute legal advice, and readers should seek advice from qualified legal professionals regarding particular cases or situations.