Hi Charlene,

I’m glad you reached out to us. It sounds like the last few years have been really challenging to say the least, but please know you are not alone.  I understand that maintaining motivation can be difficult after a prolonged job search, but know that it’s still possible to find a position that makes you feel happy and fulfilled. 

I’ve reached out to our career coaches so they can share their insight, but in the meantime the following resources might be helpful:

• Job Search webinar recording: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/job-search
  

• Career Change webinar recording: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/career-change
  

• Job Search Toolkit (2^nd Edition): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new(features advice on improving resumes, cover letters; interview and networking tips and other useful tools to help you during a job search)

• Resume Review: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new(free program where a professional coach will review your resume and provide feedback to help you refine it towards your current work goals)

I also want to mention that CAC offers a Professional Development Micro-Grant program that provides cancer patients and survivors professional development opportunities to build or enhance their skillsets. The application period for 2020 grants is currently open (until November 15^th). For more information and to apply: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/resource/micro-grants

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

Charlene,

Oh, how I felt for you when I read your post and questions.  I know how hard it is to stay upbeat and motivated when it feels like you have been dealt a tough hand, one that keeps on in the same vein, deal after deal.  But, I also know from your post that you have a set of skills that are strong and deep, if, as you say, narrow in scope.  Although it is hard to say from what you shared with us what direction I could offer without knowing your profession, I do know that getting to the point of final interviews in a job search in any field is a clear indicator that you know how to communicate your expertise.  That is a key strength that you can hold on to.

I sense that in spite of all you are doing in your search, you need to open up new avenues to sustain your living situation until you land something in your profession.  Or, perhaps, there is some related field or role that would allow you to transfer some of the foundational skills you have had to develop and use, just not in the same role as before.

If so, here are just a few thoughts:

• Check out Flexjobs.com. Flexjobs is a website that posts flexible positions, telework options, and part-time work postings.   Perhaps you will see something that suits your background and experience via this site.


• Be sure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date and that you are using LinkedIn Jobs to source leads. Curating your profile on LinkedIn and soliciting recommendations from those that know your work is a good way to attract the recruiters who use LinkedIn for candidate sourcing. (And up to 90% of recruiters use this medium for sourcing today.)


• Get out of the house and involved in some sort of outreach activity like volunteering for a passion project or teaching a skill to others through lifelong learning programs locally. This can open a door to leads and referrals that come from people who have a connection with you, and who are happy to make a recommendation for possible roles that may never even be posted through traditional methods.


• Finally, please do get involved in a support group for job seekers.  It doesn't have to be related to those with cancer but should be reflective of those in your community who are also facing job loss and reinventing themselves.  One that I have found very helpful for those over 50 is called Encore.org.  This is an organization that focuses exclusively on the issues those who are our age face when working toward second careers, reemployment or entrepreneurship. If there is not a face-to-face group in your area, you can check out their extensive online resources.

I know it feels that you are climbing out of a hole right now, Charlene. And the best recommendation I can make is to reach out and grab someone's hand to get a boost out of that hole.  That is what you did when you reached out to us.  Now, do the same in your community so that you can begin to build those relationships and contacts again that can help you restore your confidence in your proven capabilities.

Please do write again if you are willing to share more about your professional path and career goals.  Perhaps then I can be more specific about the resources available in your field.

Until then, remember that you have been a pro for many years- no one can take that away from you.  Trust yourself.  You can do this. 

With encouragement for a brighter future ahead,

Kathy Flora, Career Coach

Hi, Nicole, Kathy, Jack and Everyone! Forgive my delayed reply but I have been working hard trying to make ends meet and by the time I am ready to hop on the laptop, I'm too exhausted. I am so moved by your concern and replies and I want to thank you for offering excellent suggestions and for your support generally. My current situation was not brought on by cancer but definitely exacerbated as I was not able to keep up with the contract work once I got sick, causing additional economic hardship. But the cancer diagnosis really shined a spotlight on what I have been doing with my life, and it is not the way I want to live.

Determined to dig myself out before the new year and have an interview or two, but I will take advantage of the Microgrant Program and hope I am awarded these funds to set my path on a new direction. I need to think carefully about what I would use it for -- likely a class either in product design or a language immersion program. Would those qualify for the grant money? Or maybe put the money towards Life Coaching? What did others apply for in the past?

Thanks once again for the work you do and for hearing me.

Best,
Charlene