I started a new job just over a month ago. A few days in, my partner was diagnosed with cancer which has spread (we don’t know how much yet or what the prognosis is going to be.) He was in hospital all last week after undergoing an operation. I visited him every day after work. My boss has been very understanding of my situation and has let me work from home on days when he has hospital appointments.
On Friday afternoon, it became apparent that I had somehow made a mistake about two to three weeks ago (sent the wrong forms on an email, I still don’t understand how this happened.) I had a senior member of staff speak to me angrily on the phone. I went straight to my boss, who was very kind and understanding, and I worked out a plan to mitigate the situation. I felt shaky throughout, but just as I had the situation under control, my boss said very gently, “Don’t forget, you have been dealing with an awful lot this week” and then the floodgates opened, I burst into tears. She was so lovely and even got me some chocolate cos I hadn’t eaten. Then as luck would have it, I then got a call from the hospital to come and collect my partner as he was being discharged.
Even though my boss has been really kind (she’s asked if I want to check in later today) I feel wary of accepting the help because I don’t want to be seen as weak and as if I can’t be trusted when I’ve only been there just over a month. I feel a bit sick that I’ve already cried at my desk, to be honest. Can anyone else relate or does anyone have any useful advice?