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Ask CareerBuddy: How can I handle a heartbreak while trying to work?

October 12, 2024

Hi, CareerBuddy!

I don’t even know if this is an appropriate question to ask but I could as well try. I’m going through a breakup, and as much as I hate to admit it, it’s been really taking a toll on my work rate and productivity. Any recommendations for me?

Look, your feelings are valid. And, because you are not made of stone, when something is on your mind, it will definitely be at the forefront of your thoughts.

That’s why I’ll never be able to understand people who shout ‘‘leave your emotions and personal issues at home’’ like it’s some Louis Vuitton bag I can decide not to take to work. Sometimes, it’s just not practical.

Still, facts are facts. Your relationship issues is never a valid reason for your company’s work to suffer.

So here are a couple of things I recommend;

  1. If you can, apply for a leave ASAP. Yeah I understand breakups don’t always happen conveniently, like right before a holiday or when you have plenty of leave days left. But there are times when you can actually request time off. It’s important to take this time for yourself because you need some alone time to heal and recover.

  2. Talk to your boss/manager: Let them know what’s up. At the end of the day, everyone is human. You’ll need to assure them that you’ll try to avoid letting their work suffer, but that you might need a bit extra wiggle room in the short term. Now this is probably not the option for you if you already know your boss is from hell. You also want to be sure that your boss is not a gossip.

  3. Rituals help, too: Engage yourself with regular aerobic exercise, meditate daily for at least 10 minutes, and begin a gratitude practice. Sounds corny, but I hear daily gratitude journaling works.

  4. Get help: Speak to a therapist. It’d be nice if your company had one but if not, visit one! They will guide you on the best way to deal with the relationship issue and refocus your focus.

I really hope you found this helpful.