5 ways to keep your career on track during a personal crisis, according to an executive coach

Melody Wilding is an executive coach who helps people navigate their careers confidently and find lasting work-life balance.

She says personal crises are so difficult for professionals to deal with because they're crises — you can't plan for them, and they often throw your whole life off-kilter.

It can be difficult to balance crises that take up your time and attention with the career you've honed, especially when you need that sense of normalcy.

Taking care of yourself, being careful in communicating details of your situation, and taking advantages of your company's resources can all help you get through this time.

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You've made your career a top priority. You strive for excellence and may have even made sacrifices to advance in the workplace. When life throws you a curveball, it can be challenging — and somewhat disorienting — to stay on track. Major life crises, like a family member being diagnosed with cancer, financial troubles, or other life events can (rightfully) consume a lot of your time and attention.

If you find yourself in the midst of a difficult time, it may seem impossible to carry on as a top performer at work. At the same time, you know it's important to keep your career on track, not to mention maintain a semblance of routine and normalcy through the rough patch.

How do you balance a career and a personal crisis？ Here are a few tips to navigate the workplace: