Lingering fear from a past job can show up in subtle but disruptive ways—especially if you’re already balancing the physical or emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. Certain workplace dynamics—performance reviews, visibility with leadership, tight deadlines or unclear expectations—can activate memories of earlier jobs where you felt unsupported, unsafe or constantly evaluated. The result can be outsized stress responses: replaying feedback for hours, hesitating to speak up or feeling like you’re “waiting for something bad to happen,” even when your current environment is stable. A recent article from Fast Company breaks down the psychology of fear in the workplace and offers new insight to handle it.

The core idea is that these reactions are often protective patterns your brain learned earlier in your career. They’re designed to keep you safe—but they don’t always match your current reality. Managing fear from old jobs isn’t about forcing yourself to “get over it.” It’s about learning how to recognize when past experiences are influencing present reactions—and then choosing how you want to respond.

For people working after a cancer diagnosis, this distinction can matter even more. Cancer can shift how work feels. Time away during treatment may affect confidence. Side effects like fatigue or brain fog can make normal work stress feel heavier. Financial pressure or fear of losing stability can make work feel higher stakes than before. When old workplace fears layer onto these realities, it can create a constant sense of needing to “prove” yourself again—even when you don’t.

Start by spotting the trigger, not just the feeling.Instead of labeling yourself as “too sensitive” or “bad under pressure,” get curious. Did this show up after feedback? A schedule change? A last-minute request? Having this awareness can help you separate present facts from past experiences.

Use reasonable accommodations as fear-management tools.Flexible scheduling, remote work, written follow-ups after meetings or adjusted workloads don’t just help with physical side effects—they reduce uncertainty, which is often what fuels fear from past jobs. Using these supports is a strategy for staying successful and sustainable at work.

Slow down reaction time.
Fear patterns often create urgency (“Fix this now or you’ll fail”). Giving yourself space—stepping away before responding to feedback or a stressful email—helps ensure you’re responding to your current job, not your past one.