by Rachel Wood

Created on: April 15, 2009

On a lot of occasions crying at work is seen as unprofessional and weak. It makes you look vulnerable and like you can't handle the pressure. However we all need to cry and sometimes you just can't hold it in no matter where you are. Nobody wants to be known as a cry baby at work but if you are under a lot of stress and going through a bad time it's just one of those things that can't be helped. I don't think anybody who has ever cried at work should be judged, it all depends on the individual's circumstances.

If it's a work issue rather than a personal one instead of sitting at your desk and crying try to be practical. If your workload is too much or you have a tight deadline to meet it's not worth getting upset over. Get organised and figure out exactly what you need to do. If you need to get some help or to speak to your manager because you know you can't get all the work done on time then do it. Throwing yourself into your work will help take your mind off the tears that are building up and your work ethic will impress people.

It depends on the circumstances but try and keep your work and home life separate. Obviously if there is something major going on in your life such as a serious illness in a family member or close friend it is going to affect you at work. But try to leave your everyday worries at the door when you arrive at the office and let your job take your mind off everything else that is going on in your life. You don't want to gain a reputation as someone who does nothing but cries.

If you feel the tears building up don't make a huge scene out of it so your colleagues are distracted. Be as calm as you can and excuse yourself. Go to the toilets or any other quiet room in your building and let yourself cry there. Once you feel ready then go back to your desk. If other people ask what the matter is, then it is really up to you whether or not you wish to tell them. Accept any consolation politely and settle back to your work with the minimum of fuss. If you do receive terrible news at work and feel you can't carry on then go straight to your manager and ask to go home. It's extremely unlikely that your boss won't allow this.

Crying at work isn't the end of the world but it may affect how others see you. If you feel that you need to then don't make a big deal out of it but go off somewhere quietly and go back to your work once you are feeling better.

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