Week 1 - Tuesday
I felt well again when I woke - no dreaded flu.
So I attended a business meeting with a client. I had started a project with their agency in the summer before I knew I would need this treatment. I had completed an initial report on the work before I went to Spain on holiday. At that stage I had no idea if I would be able to take the work to the next stage. I have always tried to maintain a clear boundary between the personal and professional so I had decided to leave my personal health issues aside. I couldn’t think what I could say anyhow. “I might be able to work on the next stage, but perhaps I will feel too ill - have to wait and see how I feel; will let you know” doesn’t really sound like the professional commitment I usually bring to my work.
Today I decide up-front is the best approach. So when he asked “how are you” I told him, and outlined my health problems and treatment. He replied he hoped I would like to continue to work with them on the project if I feel well enough to do so.
This makes me think that personal/professional boundaries can become too rigid; that sharing my personal issues led the client to not only talk about his personal health issues but to supportively hope our work will continue together. Interesting lesson.