Hi Christina,

Thank you for reaching out and for sharing what you're going through. Losing your job so quickly after a diagnosis is a difficult way to begin all of this but you’re asking some great questions about the best way to move forward. That should serve you well.

I’ve reached out to one of our career coaches to provide their insight. In the meantime, I’m happy to answer some of your questions and share relevant job search resources.

In regard to asking about a hybrid/remote schedule, CAC generally recommends waiting until you'vee had at least one interview before asking about an accommodation, and it’s often better to wait until an offer is on the table. That gives the employer a chance to get to know you as a person and a professional, so the conversation centers on how you can succeed in the position rather than on logistics. Also, as you mentioned, many companies already operate on hybrid schedules so you may this topic comes up organically while interviewing.

In terms of timing for starting your job search, its really up to you to decide if now feels right. While it may not be possible for everyone, there are many people who look for work while in active treatment. Everyone's experience with treatment is different, so it can help to stay flexible and check in with yourself (and your healthcare team) as you learn what is possible for you in terms of energy, cognitive function, treatment schedule, etc. You can find general guidance on considerations you may have when working through treatment on our website: www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/where-to-start

In the meantime, here are some resources that may help with your search:

• Our free Resume Review service gives you access to a professional career coach who will provide feedback on how to improve your current resume. You can take advantage of this program by uploading your resume here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new.


• Additionally, on the website we have a number of articles and downloadable tools available which you may find helpful in thinking about your job search. This section will be the most helpful for your search: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work.  


• We have a number of publications available in English and Spanish which can be ordered in hardcopy or downloaded for free! You may be particularly interested in our Job Search Toolkit.
  

We also have an upcoming webinar you may be interested in, part of our Balancing Work & Cancer Webinar series, Navigating the Virtual Landscape: Work & Job Search on October 7^th. You can learn more about this session and check out recordings of past job search related sessions here: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/events/webinars

I hope you find some of the above useful as you start thinking about next steps. Please don't hesitate to reply with follow-up questions.

Warmly,

Sissy

Hi Christina,

I am so sorry about your diagnosis and losing your job soon afterward. I echo what Sissy said about delaying any discussion about time off or accommodations until much further in the process and ideally at the time that you receive an offer.

Regarding your readiness for a job search, while you have a sense of urgency now, this may change when you need to prioritize your health. I would recommend networking and targeting companies now and once you gather all the information you need from your oncology team, you can make a more definite decision about the appropriate timeline for interviewing for jobs. 

If you have any other questions that I can answer, please do write back. 

Take care,

Julie