APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here she gives a reader advice whose struggling at work after the death of their father.
Q) I’ve been working in nursing for the last five years, mainly in end-of-life care, which has been tough but highly rewarding.
However, my own father passed away a few months ago very suddenly, and now I’m really struggling in my job.
I keep getting flashbacks and feelings of anger, when I know I shouldn’t be bringing my personal life to work.
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I wonder if I need to move into a different area of care, but I don’t know how to explore that or what to say to my manager.
What do you think?
Gloria, via email
A) I’m really sorry to hear about your father.
Losing a parent is life-changing, so it’s entirely understandable you are struggling.
Add in your line of work, and it would be impossible for you not to be triggered.
Schedule a meeting with your manager and be honest about how you’re feeling and how it’s been affecting your work.
Discuss whether you could move into a different role during this particularly raw and difficult time.
It may be that you’ll feel ready to return to end-of-life care in the future, or it could be that you need a permanent change.
If you feel up to it, consider training that could help you transition into a different area.
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Also, consider speaking with a therapist or a support group – they can provide a safe space for you to process your feelings and develop coping strategies in all areas of your life.
Remember, it’s OK to seek help and make adjustments to prioritise your mental and emotional wellbeing.
Your health is important, and taking steps to care for yourself will ultimately benefit your ability to provide quality care to others.
