What to Do When a Personal Crisis Is Hurting Your Professional Life

At some point, we all confront a stressful life event or personal crisis that threatens to distract us from work. Perhaps it’s tending to a sick family member, coping with your own illness, or dealing with a divorce. These are all incredibly tough situations to navigate personally — let alone professionally. Before asking for help, consider how much you’re comfortable sharing and set boundaries for yourself and for others. If your coworkers aren’t forthcoming about offering help, ask for it explicitly. And be thoughtful about how you frame your request. It’s also a good idea to loop your boss into what’s happening, assuming you feel comfortable doing so. And do what’s right for you. Some people might find comfort in coming in to work every day, while others might need to take an official leave of absence.