HBR Guides to Managing Your Career Collection (6 Books)

CHAPTER 13

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

by Amy Gallo

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. Should you disclose what’s happening to your manager and colleagues? How do you ask for what you need, such as flexible hours or a reduced workload? And how do you know if you should take a leave of absence?

What the Experts Say

“This is life, and these things happen to everybody,” says Anne Kreamer, author of It’s Always Personal. But knowing you’re ...