Working In the Midst of Personal Problems
Submitted by AS1976 on Thu, 12/27/2007 - 00:36.
I wasn't too sure where to put this particular topic, so I figured I put it in anxiety and stress.
How do people handle their jobs while there are other negative things going on in your own life? I'm not talking about Asperger's Syndrome, I'm referring to problems with family, health and etc. Problems outside of work. Does anyone have any difficulty with their work when other areas of their life are not so good? Has anyone figured out how to balance it all out?
Anthony
Excessive Load
I think that everyone finds outside distractions difficult when attempting to maintain their workload.
My boss lost his father a couple of years ago yet still went ahead and presented for - and helped win - a major contract. I really admired him for it and wondered if I could have done so. (I think not)
I think that the key factor with this in relation to Asperger is not taking on "too" much.
Because of my lower concentration levels I tend to flick from task to task. To fuel this I previously took on numerous responsibilities - this is a mistake.
What I have worked hard to do now is focus. "less is more" if you know what I mean.
That way if other difficulties intrude then the workload does not become all over bearing.
One thing that you could do
One thing that you could do is take your boss aside and let them know that you are having some personal issues and that would at least explain why your work might be suffering. I have found it helpful to think of myself at my work as a totally different person. This person is always cheerful, willing to help out, and tries her best. Myself at home is usually grouchy, and plagued with internal demons. it's hard to not think of more pressing matters at work - especially when you have to go home and deal with them. It might be good to talk to your spouse or a close friend about these things, sometimes that helps.