After analyzing my personal experiences, including professional articles. I definitely disagree is not Okay to cry at work and I will tell you my reasons. The topic of tears in the workplace is very sensitive. We all know a crier and have had to cope with them once in a while is a reality. I have had staff members, peers, fellow soldiers, managers and as a Mental Health Registered Nurse, the majority of my patients cry big fat tears in front of me at work. Sometimes they were crying out of frustration, and depression with job related issues; sometimes it was about a personal matter. Putting the patients aside for a moment and emphasize on co-workers, why is that people cry at work? First, unfortunately it is mostly women. Military service members probably do not cry much in front of each other. In this case, female military service members in particular do not dare to cry. Pilots and mechanics, none of these guys work in emotionally sensitive environments. Do not be surprised if everybody who sees you cry at work checks you off on her/his list as "the crier", meaning you are one ugly cry label as "unstable", and most of the time is a career killer. The best thing you can do is NOT to cry at work. Most managers, especially men, will feel uncomfortable, or they will assume you have a manipulative personality. I am not telling you not to do it, but prevention is the key. When facing the actual moment to cry, here are some things I will recommend you to try. Ask for a moment to compose you. Just say something like, " I am feeling uncomfortable about this conversation and I would like to step out for a moment. I will be right back." Then go out breathe, refocus a find your balance, and smile. It will help. Breathe quietly and deeply, in through your nose, out through your mouth. Pinch yourself hard, or bite on your tongue, that always works. I have always managed to avoid workplace crying because my
References: www.businessfinancialpost.com / 2013/04/22. www.businessinsider.com /2013/04. www.foxnews.com/2013/12/02 www.GreatOnTheJob.com www.huffingtonpost.com /2013/11/24. The Telegraph, 1 November 2013 by Rhiannon Williams