Don't get a job yet. First see about support. If your kids are still at home, I think the worst thing is to go out and become unavailable and stressed out right away while they and you are still trying to deal with the fresh pain of the divorce.
You should be able to get enough support to serve as a bridge to whatever new life you can plan. It's better to think it through and come up with a good career, if you are going to be working from now on. Otherwise you will ping from low paying job to insecure job. If you need training, school, whatever, get that under your belt before you start, otherwise it will be too hard to stop and start again once you are bearing the responsibility of bringing home the bacon.

Erin, sorry you find yourself in a position where you feel trapped.

I don't know if you have any skills, if you do try to enhance them through education or by getting a job where you can put them to use. Gaining experience can be as valuable as education in some areas. What ever you do, don't settle, always try to improve yourself. That is how you will advance. And you never know, by going back to work might change things at home for the better.

Good luck in whatever you do.

I haven't worked in 26 years. I am so screwed. If I were you, I would get an education in something medical. Nursing, x-ray tech etc. Hospitals always need help. They have good benefits and good pensions. Hours that can work too with children. A friend of mine went back at 40 to become a nurse in 2 years. She makes just over $50,000.00 and works 3 12 hour days a week.

I'm not sure how old your kids are so look at all of your options before you do a thing.