Starting a first job is a milestone, but for AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) cancer survivors, that milestone can feel different than their peers. Treatment, recovery, and long-term side effects can interrupt or delay early career opportunities in ways that feel disorienting. If you're stepping into a first role, or returning to one, you may have a different set of anxieties or worries. A recent Glassdoor article talks about four ways you can navigate this moment with confidence.

1. Gain Trust with Your ColleaguesWorkplace relationships are built over time, and the foundation is simple: do what you say you'll do, and do it consistently. This might feel basic, but for someone who has spent months or years managing the unpredictability of treatment, showing up reliably is a genuine strength you've already practiced. Remember, you don't need to disclose your health history to connect meaningfully with colleagues if you don't want to. What matters most is that people can count on you, and that you're genuinely interested in them.

2. Ask QuestionsMany new employees worry that asking questions signals inexperience or weakness. It doesn't. Asking thoughtful, well-timed questions demonstrates curiosity and initiative. The people who ask good questions tend to learn faster and make fewer mistakes. Remember that your manager is not the only person you can ask questions to. Asking questions to your colleagues is another way you can build relationships and trust.

3. Go With the FlowEarly roles rarely come with a perfect roadmap. Responsibilities can be vague, priorities can shift, and you may feel uncertain about where you fit. This is normal. Approaching challenges with curiosity rather than pressure to already know everything can make the uncertainty feel more manageable. Think of your first job as a place to gather information about the working world and yourself, not just a test of whether you're good enough.

4. Ask for FeedbackFormal performance reviews only happen a few times a year, but feedback is available all the time if you know how to look for it. Pay attention to what your manager responds positively to, and don't be afraid to ask directly: "Is there anything I could have done differently on that project?" It's also worth keeping a running list of your accomplishments — tasks completed, problems solved, positive feedback received. This habit serves you in reviews, future job searches, and on the harder days when it's easy to forget how far you've come.

For more resources for Early Career survivors, click here.