Hello Wilbur,

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

It sounds like a productive step for you at this point is to create an action plan for yourself. When there are so many moving parts, it can get overwhelming and you may feel defeated. Breaking the process down into smaller pieces can help everything feel just a little more manageable. It sounds like there are a number of different directions you might be interested in – custom cards, real estate, banking – so I would recommend creating an approach for all three and seeing what may pan out first. This could mean updating resumes for each of those industries, networking with others in those industries, and certainly strengthening your LinkedIn profile and presence. Here are a few resources that you may find helpful:

• Recordings of our Balancing Work & Cancer webinars:




• First Impressions: Resumes and LinkedIn


• Communicating Effectively, Part 1


• Networking: Unlock New Opportunities




• Check out the Legal & Financial section of our website for articles that layout some of the legal protections available to you as someone with a cancer diagnosis. This also includes information and guidance on how and when to request accommodations if you find you need them.


• Take a look at some helpful articles on Managing Treatment Side Effects at work, guidance on disclosure and Sharing the News
  




• In particular you may find it helpful to read through our article on Managing Disclosure When Looking for a Job
  




• We have an entire section on Interviewing that can help you start to think of how to approach interviews, manage your disclosure decisions, and get as prepared as possible prior to meeting with a potential employer.


•  It can also be a great idea to do some deep dive research into companies before you meet with them. Particularly on sites like Glassdoor where you can not only read about company culture, benefits, management, but also read about the level of difficulty of interviews, examples of questions, etc. Check out our article on Researching Employers to Inform Your Job Search, for more ideas on what to look for and where to find it.

I hope some of the resources above are helpful! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to cancerandcareers@cew.org if you have any remaining questions or would like more information.

Warmly,

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW

Assistant Director of Programs

Cancer and Careers

Wilbur,

Thank you for sharing your journey and concerns with such openness in the Cancer and Careers forum—it takes incredible strength to navigate recovery while planning your return to work. As a veteran in the Talent Acquisition industry and career coach who supports cancer survivors, I want to affirm that your worries about health, work pressure, and discussing your condition are valid and shared by many in your shoes.

In addition to the comments and resources provided by Nicole, here are some thoughtful steps to help you plan a confident and reasonable return to work:

1. 
   Reflect on Your Needs: Take time to assess your physical and emotional capacity. Ask yourself: What hours feel sustainable? Are there tasks that might be more challenging now? This clarity will guide conversations about adjustments. For example, requesting flexible hours, remote work, or a phased return (starting part-time) can ease the transition while prioritizing your health.


2. 
   Communicate with Your Employer: You’re not obligated to disclose your diagnosis, but sharing what feels comfortable can foster understanding. Prepare a concise script, like: “I’m excited to return to work after my medical leave. To ensure I can perform at my best, I’d like to discuss some accommodations, such as (add a specific request).” If you’re unsure how to start, consider reaching out to HR for guidance, if available, on company policies or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which may entitle you to reasonable accommodations.


3. 
   Explore Accommodations: Adjustments depend on your role and health, but they’re often essential for a sustainable return. Examples include modified schedules, reduced travel, or ergonomic workspaces. These don’t signal weakness—they demonstrate your commitment to thriving at work. Discuss options with your doctor to align requests with your medical needs.


4. 
   Build a Support System: Connect with colleagues you trust or a mentor to ease re-entry. If available you might also explore workplace Connector Groups (sometimes formerly known as Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)) or continue engaging here for peer insights. Others’ experiences, like pacing their workload or setting boundaries, can inspire your approach.


5. 
   Manage Work Pressure: Set realistic goals and communicate boundaries early. For instance, let your boss know if you need time to ramp up. Tools like weekly check-ins can help manage expectations while showcasing your dedication.

From my experience coaching survivors, those who advocate for their needs—whether through accommodations or open dialogue—often find employers more supportive than expected. Your health comes first, and tailoring your return to fit your current reality is a powerful step toward balance.

I’d love to offer you a free coaching session to discuss your specific situation, craft a return-to-work plan, or practice employer conversations. Happy to share my contact information. This community is behind you, and you’re not alone in this transition.

Wishing you strength and confidence,

Brandon Gottlieb