How to grieve AND progress your career

by Dr Marianne Trent & Jazmyn Thompson

This article has been adapted from episode 143 of The Aspiring psychologist Podcast. If you prefer you can listen here or watch here. 

How to grieve whilst building your career

How to Grieve AND Progress Your Career

Grief is a universal experience, yet its impact on our personal and professional lives can vary greatly. In a recent episode of the Aspiring Psychologist Podcast, hosted by Dr. Marianne Trent, the poignant subject of grief and its intersection with professional aspirations was explored through a conversation with Jasmine Thompson, who recently lost her mother. This article delves into the insights and reflections shared during the episode, offering guidance for those grappling with similar challenges.

The Emotional Landscape of Grief

Grieving the loss of a loved one is an intensely personal journey. Jasmine’s mother passed away nearly a year ago, after a long battle with cancer. This profound loss coincided with a critical phase in Jasmine’s career aspirations—applying for a place in a clinical psychology training programme. The timing seemed inopportune, yet Jasmine chose to proceed, a decision shaped by a mix of encouragement and self-reflection.

Is There Ever a Perfect Time?

One of the central questions addressed in the podcast was whether there is ever a right or wrong time to pursue or advance a career, especially amidst personal turmoil. Dr. Trent shared her own experiences, illustrating that while grief is a significant emotional burden, it doesn’t necessarily preclude professional progress. In fact, engaging in meaningful work can sometimes offer a sense of purpose and distraction from personal pain.

Practical Advice for Balancing Grief and Professional Aspirations

1. Allow Yourself to Grieve: Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself permission to experience the full range of emotions that come with loss. Suppressing grief can lead to more significant issues later.

2. Seek Support: Communicate openly with your supervisors, colleagues, and friends. Let them know what you’re going through so they can offer the support and accommodations you might need.

3. Flexible Planning: If you’re in a training programme or a demanding job, consider flexible arrangements. This might mean taking a temporary leave of absence, adjusting your workload, or even deferring exams or assignments.

4. Compartmentalise When Needed: While it’s essential to process your grief, sometimes compartmentalising can help you manage day-to-day responsibilities. Focus on work tasks when you need to, knowing that you can return to your grief in a safe space later.

5. Self-Care: Prioritise activities that help you recharge. Whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or simply taking quiet time for yourself, self-care is crucial during periods of intense emotional strain.

Personal Growth Through Grief

Both Dr. Trent and Jasmine highlighted how their experiences with grief have influenced their professional lives positively. Dr. Trent mentioned how grief had made her a more empathetic and effective psychologist. Similarly, Jasmine found that her journey through grief gave her a deeper understanding of her clients’ experiences, enhancing her ability to provide compassionate care.

Embracing the Journey

Grief is an ongoing process, and it's essential to recognise that it's okay to have good days and bad days. Jasmine’s story underscores the importance of perseverance and the belief that pursuing one's passions can coexist with personal healing.

For those navigating similar challenges, Jasmine offers this advice: “Don’t take yourself out of the running because you don’t feel ready in the moment. Life is unpredictable, and you don’t know how you might feel in six months.”

Conclusion

Balancing grief and professional aspirations is undoubtedly challenging, but it is possible. By allowing yourself to grieve, seeking support, and maintaining flexibility, you can continue to pursue your goals while honouring your emotional needs. For more insights and support, consider listening to the full episode of the Aspiring Psychologist Podcast with Dr. Marianne Trent and Jasmine Thompson, titled "How to Grieve AND Progress Your Career."

For further reading, you can explore Dr. Trent’s book, "The Grief Collective," which offers a collection of stories related to grief and loss. Additionally, check out Jasmine’s mother’s podcast, "Let's Reset," available on Spotify, for more inspirational content on wellbeing and resilience.

Stay connected with Dr. Trent on social media and join the Aspiring Psychologist community on Facebook for ongoing support and resources.