Is “Leave Your Problems at the Door” Gone?

Something we’ve always been told to do whether in school, at our jobs, and even other places for that matter is to leave problems at the doorstep. Yet surprisingly, we hardly ever hear it suggested or stressed nowadays, so it’s easy to wonder if that popular saying has disappeared.

With rising concerns such as mental health, toxic positivity, stress management among many, many more, it’s always good to have an “open door” policy on both giving and receiving ends. But, where do we draw the line?

We’re encouraged to have open and honest discussions with our bosses, employees and coworkers separately and even altogether, and if each person displays caring, empathetic and encouraging qualities, we assume we’re golden to say the least. 

These instances and traits don’t automatically give us the greenlight to vent though, since we should always try our best to deliver concerns and issues in a calm, neutral state as much as possible. While not always avoidable, one emotional outburst can take you to places you’ve never been before, and not ones you or anyone else wants to be in!

Over the weekend a thought occurred to me that one should generally weigh out their personal issues and their work environment in a way that’s similar to waking up to a gentle rain. The sound is relaxing, yet more often than not we gather our mental and material resources and tackle the day and weather as best as we can before reaching out for and accepting help. 

This rain, or unique sets of challenges, can come and go at any time, yet we have to remember that it can be accompanied by either mild or rough winds, thunder, overall intensity, and many other factors. 

We all know that weather is always a regular, ongoing discussion, and our questions, comments and concerns from all over the spectrum should be as well. 

Whether just coming in or leaving, offering to be the umbrella, jacket or sunscreen for yourself and especially others can be just what your company needs during trials. Leaving our problems at the door can be a thing of the past, which I think many of us should strive for. 

Written by Blog Contributor: Amber Chisholm