Hi Julie

I just want to add that I worked in one of the most competitive areas (private equity/hedge fund analyst) in what was already an extreme industry - Wall Street. I am also a woman, a minority and a foreigner, and never worked as an investment banker - which is a basic requirement for most private equity jobs anyway - though there have been people who were willing to overlook all that for a smart, resourceful and happy teammate. Hope that provides context on my situation.

My academics and pre-cancer stints with leaders in the field coupled with a lot of help from friends and well-wishers enabled me to land the interviews. But I must admit that I did well in some interviews (and got kicked out at the final rounds for health reasons) and poorly in others (because I am only human, and it was emotionally draining).

As for whether I mentioned the cancer, sometimes I did, sometimes I did not - depending on whose advice I was following and my emotional state. Most US-based HR practitioners advised me not to mention it, but then it is difficult to explain to interviewers why a fresh business school graduate would walk away from a top offer 4 months into the job and disappear for the next 8 months (in the hospital). For investment managers and bankers, that seems incredibly flakey. Some of them were happy to consider me for a 2nd chance, but were then blocked by their HR/legal people. Not to mention difficulties sorting through the visa and insurance issues. Some rejected me on grounds that I had not put in a full year as an analyst in my first job out of business school, and given that I was never an investment banker before b-school, that makes it even more difficult for them.

I eventually moved out of the US to work on a contract position.

Some people now mentioned that the short stints, long absences plus lack of employer-sponsored training programs (implying less proficiency as an analyst) are the new stumbling blocks. The cancer has receded into the background in most discussions. But the after-effects of 4 years of limbo puts me at a disadvantage.

I am still getting interview calls from headhunters, but I am not sure how to overcome the objections so that I can restart my career.

As for whether I have tried applying for less aggressive industries. I tried applying to graduate trainee programs in non-financial companies, but was not particularly successful. I've been asked to start my own business to provide consultancy to cancer patients on how to monetize their assets to finance treatment. It is an interesting idea for volunteer work, but if I turn it into a fulltime career, it feels like a cop-out, and I am not sure whether it would be emotionally healthy to spend ALL my time and efforts on cancer-related work. I feel that I need a separate identity beyond the ex-cancer patient.

Hi,

I am so sorry you have experienced such a rough time with so many unsympathetic, perhaps even cruel people. There is so much that I don't know about your experience and the fact that you had so many interviews without getting any interest makes me scratch my head. I must assume that you told everyone that you had cancer although perhaps you didn't? Getting a job offer involves so many variables including attitude, image, communication and focus as well as past history.

It really sounds as if it would behoove you to work with an unbiased career coach who can help you wipe your slate clean and invent the new you - career-wise so that you can start over in your career change or job search.

I do think that finding a work environment that is less demanding, more open and flexible is the way to go for you as it sounds as if you have been pursuing opportunities in highly aggressive company cultures.

I would like to help you more however would need additional and specific information to do so. If you are willing, please write again. Thanks and the best is that you are completely cancer free!

Take care,

Julie