Hi Emily,

Thank you for reaching out to Cancer and Careers. You're asking a great question and I will pass along to one of our volunteer coaches to respond.

In the meantime, I'd encourage you to think about which roles you enjoy the most, or even which specific skillsets you enjoy using. It can be helpful to identify two or three dircetions you'd like to go in, and then do some research on what existing roles are available and decide which specific experience and skills you could bring to the table. Having a plan in place for a few different options can take off some of the pressure, while still keeping you focused and your job search a bit more narrow.

Feel free to take a look at the Exploring Your Options section of our website which hosts a number of articles that may be helpful as you consider your skills and what you would ideally like to be using/doing. I'd also recommend watching the recording of our Balancing Work & Cancer webinar on First Impressions: Resumes & LinkedIn for some additional guidance on how to frame your experience and potential.

Hopefully those are helpful for now! Don't hesitate to reach out to cancerandcareers@cew.org with any additional questions or if you'd like more resources.

Warmly,

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW

Assistant Director of Programs

Cancer and Careers

Hi Emily,

Thanks for reaching out to us! Nicole's advice about thinking about the skills you would like to continue using, and doing research on specific roles is great. Since you've worked in such diverse positions, the good news is that you have a multitude of transferable skills, adaptability, and many other characteristics that will enable you to pivot into the right job and career for you. 

When I coach people who want to make a shift or transition, I encourage them to review their skills, identify industries that are appealing, evaluate functions, rank order their most important values, and think about how much money they need to gain a full picture of who they are. Then they can research jobs and careers on LinkedIn and especially by networking with people who are in these jobs and careers. 

I don't know how many years of experience you have however thinking about your level of ambition regarding promotions and progression is also a factor in your decision making.

If you have questions about this information or if you would like to share more specific information about you, please do write back.

Take care,

Julie