The Hunt

At some point in our careers, life knocks the wind out of us. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a divorce, a major health issue, or another deeply personal crisis—none of us are immune. These experiences don’t ask for permission, and they rarely arrive at a “convenient” time.

And yet, our jobs continue. Meetings still get scheduled, inboxes still fill up, and deadlines don’t disappear. The professional world keeps moving forward, even when we personally feel stuck. It creates a quiet conflict between the need to show up and the internal struggle of simply getting through the day.

So how do we manage a career during times when just brushing your teeth or answering a Slack message feels like climbing a mountain?

At Artemis Consultants, we’ve worked with thousands of professionals over the years. We’ve seen first-hand how personal crises can derail a career—or become defining moments of clarity, resilience, and growth. We’ve also seen how managers either rise to the moment or mishandle it out of discomfort or lack of training.

If You’re the One in Crisis:

1. Don’t Suffer in Silence.
You don’t have to (and shouldn’t) disclose every detail—but letting your manager know what’s going on can make a world of difference. According to the Harvard Business Review, vulnerability at work—especially during crisis—can build trust and deepen professional relationships when shared thoughtfully¹.

2. Set Clear Boundaries.
Be honest about what you can and can’t do right now. Maybe you can handle emails but not major presentations. That’s okay. Set short-term expectations to avoid long-term burnout.

3. Take the Support Offered.
If your company has an EAP (Employee Assistance Program), use it. If you have unused PTO, take it. This isn’t weakness—it’s strategy.

4. Create One Small Win Per Day.
One email, one project update, one brief team check-in. Small, manageable actions help maintain your sense of capability and rhythm.

5. Be Kind to Yourself.
Give yourself the same grace you’d give a teammate. You’re not “underperforming.” You’re surviving. There’s a difference.

If You’re a Manager Supporting a Team Member in Crisis:

1. Lead with Empathy, Not Assumptions.
Don’t assume what someone needs. Ask: “What would be most helpful for you right now?” Then listen.

2. Be Flexible with Time and Space.
Offer a lighter schedule, work-from-home options, or non-traditional hours. Flexibility can provide dignity and control when everything else feels unsteady.

3. Check In—But Don’t Crowd.
Respect their privacy. A simple “Thinking of you—no pressure to respond” message goes a long way.

4. Protect Their Reputation.
Don’t let one tough season color how others view a high-performing employee. Advocate for them. Cover for them if needed. Their career shouldn’t derail because of personal pain.

5. Encourage, Don’t Rescue.
Support without overstepping. Help them return to strength, don’t take away their agency.

6. Handling Adversity as a Team
Adversity is inevitable. There are ways to foster a supportive team environment.

What Everyone Should Remember:

• Crisis doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re human.
• Compassion is a career skill, not a soft skill.
• Everyone either has been, is in, or will be in a personal crisis. Normalizing that makes work healthier for all of us.

According to the American Psychological Association, resilient employees aren’t born—they’re supported. Workplaces that recognize this are not only more humane, but also more productive and loyal in the long run. Personal crisis will affect everyone at some point.

At Artemis Consultants, we believe executive staffing isn’t just about skillsets. It’s about people—whole people—who bring both talent and humanity to the table.

If you’re a leader looking to build a resilient team, or a professional looking for a workplace that understands the reality of life, let’s talk.

Artemis Consultants is a premier purpose driven executive staffing company, delivering talent worth the hunt for the SaaS, B2B Tech and B2B Services industries. We exist for two reasons: To help companies advance and grow by recruiting highly qualified talent. And to provide people career opportunities that positively impact their lives.