Finding the right work-life balance can be a struggle. It can be even harder on people that are faced with serious personal problems like losing a family member or close friend, a major break-up, a serious illness or one’s own health problems. Whatever the personal issue is, sometimes it gets in the way of our professional lives. However, there are ways to try and combat that issue to not let it get in the way of our bread and butter.
As International Workplace Consulting states, being actively involved in your work is one way you can avoid letting your personal issues surface in the office. This means you focus solely on your work at work. It’s difficult, but many people find that this actually distracts them from their personal problems. Working may actually be a solution to the constant dread of dealing with a personal issue. Sometimes you need a distraction to keep you afloat. Work offers the perfect distraction from focusing on your personal problems and allows you to focus on improving your career.
For others, the personal problem may be too severe and focusing on work may be nearly impossible. This is often the case with people that are dealing with the loss of a loved one. You need that time to grieve and cope with the loss. If you find that you can’t be there at work giving100 percent, then you should ask to take a day or two off. This means you will have to talk to your boss and let them know what it is you are going through. It may be difficult presenting your personal problems to your boss, but they may be more understanding than you think. If they are an understanding boss, they will give you the time to deal with your personal problem because they’d rather have you away from the office rather than being at the office struggling to concentrate and put in the effort. That way when you come back you are ready to work.
Your boss is the only person that really needs to know about your personal problem. Telling coworkers is up to you. Some people like their privacy and don’t give away too many details. Depending on the level of trust and openness you have with your fellow coworkers, you can gauge and sort out just how much you want to reveal. You may find that telling a trustworthy coworker about your personal problem will offer you the support that you need through this hard time.
How do you keep personal issues out of the office? Let us know about it in the comments section below!
IMAGE: Courtesy of Female Science Professor
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