- Melody Wilding is an executive coach who helps people navigate their careers confidently and find lasting work-life balance.
- She says personal crises are so difficult for professionals to deal with because they're crises - you can't plan for them, and they often throw your whole life off-kilter.
- It can be difficult to balance crises that take up your time and attention with the career you've honed, especially when you need that sense of normalcy.
- Taking care of yourself, being careful in communicating details of your situation, and taking advantages of your company's resources can all help you get through this time.
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You've made your career a top priority. You strive for excellence and may have even made sacrifices to advance in the workplace. When life throws you a curveball, it can be challenging - and somewhat disorienting - to stay on track. Major life crises, like a family member being diagnosed with cancer, financial troubles, or other life events can (rightfully) consume a lot of your time and attention.
If you find yourself in the midst of a difficult time, it may seem impossible to carry on as a top performer at work. At the same time, you know it's important to keep your career on track, not to mention maintain a semblance of routine and normalcy through the rough patch.
How do you balance a career and a personal crisis? Here are a few tips to navigate the workplace: