For many workers all across the nation, their jobs are their lifelines.
Stop for a moment and think about where you would be if you were not working.
Among the factors to consider:

• Money – How would you support yourself without a regular job? For most people, the answer is they would not be able to. Even if they are in a low paying job or jobs, that works keeps them off the streets.

• Career – Any significant breaks in your working life can lead to more problems. Many employers will avoid individuals who have sizable gaps on their resumes. As a result, it can be hard to get back into the working field.
• Trouble – Without a regular work routine, would you end up getting into trouble? For some folks, too much free time on their hands can be trouble.

For you to avoid your career get sidetracked, you need to see that your work life stays together.

That said a serious incident in your life can derail your career at the snap of a finger.

If that happens, will you be able to rebound?

What Kind of Events Can Derail You?

Among the types of serious incidents in life that can derail your work life:

1. Accident

If you’re hurt rather seriously in an accident, the ripple effects can be tough to overcome.

You are trying to get your physical and mental health back, two tasks that can be difficult to achieve.

Making matters worse is when the accident wasn’t even your fault.

For instance, did the driver who injured you get away?

Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents are all too common nationwide.

If there is no police report, you already are behind the eight ball. Were there any eyewitnesses or video evidence? Again, if you can’t find either, where do you turn for help?

If you were able to catch the vehicle plate of the hit-and-run driver, you at least have something to work with.

License plate searches following a vehicle accident can help you out. In finding the other driver, police can look for damage to their vehicle. They may have also sought medical attention right after the accident.

Even though it may seem at first like a long-shot, be sure you exhaust all your options.

Not only has someone hurt you and, they may have put your career on hold for a significant amount of time.

2. Illness

A serious illness is another obstacle you might need to overcome to get back to work.

Examples of this can include treatments for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

While many employers will work with employees, some may choose otherwise.

If you find yourself dealing with that latter, you may have to fight for your job through the legal system.

As if the physical suffering from cancer isn’t bad enough, now you’re dealing with the mental stress too.

The best thing you can do is focus on your health.

Yes, your ability to work is important, but how can you do a good job if your health is far from what it should be?

If you do get a serious cancer diagnosis, take time to sit down with your employer and discuss your options.

By being upfront, there’s a good chance you two can come to an understanding to benefit both parties.

3. Death

Losing a loved one can be one of the hardest things many people deal with on a regular basis.

Not only is there the physical loss of having that person in your life, but also the emotional fallout.

Any point in the day can remind you of that person. When that occurs, the thoughts are happy ones. Even when they are, yet, it can give you a sense of grief and loss.

Although some people are able to immerse themselves in their jobs to dull the pain, many others can’t.

If you are having trouble focusing on or even going to work after the death of a loved one, don’t be afraid to seek help.

By getting things off your chest, you can bring some comfort to the situation.

Sure, you will likely never get over losing that individual.

That said you will be able to get back some semblance of normalcy in your life, including in the workplace.

Photo credit: Pixabay

About the Author: Dave Thomas covers business and career topics on the web.