Hi Victoria,

Thanks for writing to us. It’s totally understandable that you’re interested in a finding a job that is less stress-inducing while you balance your medical and health needs. It’s wonderful you’re taking time to re-evaluate and think critically about what you want to do moving forward. Many cancer patients and survivors say that their experience has served as a catalyst for change in their lives and are eager to find a job that is more fulfilling personally and professionally.  Since you are currently employed, that should give you a little more time to reflect and plan on your next steps and how to achieve them. Even if you’re ready to move on from your current job, it allows you the invaluable opportunity to figure out what you want to do while having an income and some sense of security . You may want to think about setting up virtual information interviews with people in positions and/or at companies that spark interest or passion. Even though there are many unknowns on the social and economic front right now, there are still plenty of opportunities to network and boost your skillset. One of our recent blog posts, “Don’t Give Up on Your Job Search During the Coronavirus Pandemic”, highlights effective actions you can take during this time.

I’d also encourage you to register for our Job Search Strategy During COVID-19 webinar next Tuesday, 5/12, which will offer a lot of great tips and advice.

I've sent your question to our career coaches for their insight, but in the meantime, I would suggest checking out the following resources:

• Webinar recording on career change: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/career-change
  

• Article on cancer as an inspiration for career change: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/cancer-as-inspiration-for-career-changes
  

• Article on finding meaningful work: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/finding-meaningful-work
  


• Free resume review service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new
  

I hope this is helpful. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at cancerandcareers@cew.org or 646-929-8032.

A coach will be in touch soon!

Kind regards,

Nicole Franklin, MPH

Senior Manager of Programs

Cancer and Careers

Thank you for these great resources.

Hi Victoria,

I am sorry that you are experienced another round of cancer. I wish I knew what type of job you have now. However, the process of finding different type of work whether it is a dramatic career change or a shift is the same. It is important for you to take self-assessments and go through some introspection about the following:

- Your personality type (Take the MBTI at personalitytype.com)

- Your interests

- The skills you have and still are willing to use

- Your core values that bring meaning to your life 

- And the type of meaning you are seeking

I am the author of a book called I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Gratifying Work and there are short assessments for all of these.

You will also need to be clear about your needs and preferences regarding compensation, format of work (part-time, freelance, 100% virtual, etc.) and the level you are willing to take.

Next, you will want to do research on industries, functional areas, and companies to see what aligns with who you are and what you want to do. As Nicole mentioned, scheduling some informational meetings with people is an important step because they are more reliable than internet research. 

And hiring a career coach for a few sessions is a good idea. Ask your friends and network for referrals. 

While you probably have a sense of urgency, this process takes a reasonable amount of time particularly during COVID. So, if you can somehow negotiate your current situation in a way that is less stressful, I would do this.

Please write back if you have additional questions or comments.

Take care,

Julie

Hello,

I was diagnosed with cancer last year. I have undergone a mastectomy during the time I had cancer I was working. I was being treated unfairly and discriminated against and harassed. I have a masters degree in psychology and was pursuing my PhD. at this time, I am not working in my field finding a very difficult to make ends. Meet to keep a roof over my head. I have not been able to rest after surgery a month now and I’m as very exhausted. I don’t know how long it will be before chemo and radiation. I am seeking a remote position or a facility that is understanding to my treatment if you can possibly help me please let me know. I would gladly appreciate it. I’ve also written a book I have not been able to publish because I cannot afford. Praying for a cure and praying for those of us who struggle without means of support find a way thank you.

Audrey

Hello Audrey,

Thank you so much for reaching out to Cancer and Careers. I'm sorry to hear you had such a negative experience at your last job. It sounds like now is the time to really make sure you're resting so you can recover and heal appropriately. Perhaps there is some side work you could do from home - would it be possible to perhaps consult somewhere or even through your school where you were pursuing your PhD? Is it possible you could provide some assistance to a professor (undergrad?) such as grading work or helping with lesson planning/prep? Just trying to think through what could be in your wheelhouse that wouldn't take too much extra energy. Are you able to provide teletherapy as an income for the time being?

Given the relative unknwowns about your upcoming treatments and radiation, it may be a bit difficult to plan for. Have you spoken with your healthcare team to get a sense of a timeline and what you may be able to expect in terms of anticipated side effects? That may be helpful so at the very least you have a sense of what things could look like over the course of the next few months and plan according to that, with the flexibility of changing and pivoting should it be necessary. 

Here are a few CAC resources that may be helpful as your weigh your options and devise a plan:

- The section on Exploring Your Options on our website houses a number of useful articles that can help you figure out what will work for you right now.

- It might be helpful for you to also read our article on Job Search and Disclosure.

- Since you're interested in remote work, it may also be insightful to read the articles in our Working Remotely section.

I don't want to overwhelm you with information so why don't you start with those and then if you would like to have a phone call, please feel free to reach out to cancerandcareers@cew.org to set up a time to chat. Best of luck to you!

Warm regards,

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW

Assistant Director of Programs

Cancer and Careers