When You Cry at Work

Cited from What to Do When You Cry at Work

Reframing why you’re crying could work out in your favor.

'I am not crying because I’m upset, I’m crying because I am just that angry at what you did.'

'I’m having a strong reaction, give me a couple minutes and I’ll be able to continue.'

If you’re in a meeting or around other people and feel like you may cry, both Prosser and Williams say the appropriate thing to do is to go to a private place, like a bathroom, stairwell, or out for a snack, until you can compose yourself. Give yourself space and time.

'Say, ‘I’m sorry, I really need to go to the restroom.’ And that gives you time to compose yourself, to think about what’s upsetting you.'

So if you feel like you’re going to cry, take a walk, and come up with a plan for how you’re going to deal with it in the future. For example, if the issue is that you have a horrible boss, remind yourself that you’re looking for new opportunities and will be out of there soon, while still being polite and doing as good a job as possible.

Recognize what triggers the emotional responses and address that.