Employment/Career advice - post treatment

Hey Al,

My first job post treatment was in a tile store as a design consultant, prior to it I was an interior designer. I was worried that my previous job was to serious and required so much of me that I was not able to go there at the time. I was completely forth coming with the information about being post treatment and it worked to my advantage, well that and I had lots of great references from the industry.

It was how ever bought to my attention that lots of companies would see this as a setback to big to overlook...which of course p****ed me off but they were right others couldn't see past it. I think Steve's approach is good if you see an appropriate moment to mention it great, if not its not really any of there business anyway. Its sad but us YAC face an unspoken discrimination in the workplace, are we going to be around to do the job? will we require to much time off for our illness? will we suddenly take off to India to find ourselves? you know all the usual pre-conceived notions.

In saying that why not pitch yourself to the cancer council as a legal advisor, surely its a position that would come up! if not surely they need one

Best of luck with the job search.

Hi Al,
I hope you are feeling ok. Have you completely finished your treatment? Are there ongoing side effects?
The reason I ask, is most employers want to know that you are fit to carry out your duties and any previous experience.

Or the other way around, might ask you if there are any limitations - epilepsy, heart conditions etc?

You don't have to state you have/had cancer, just be confident that you can do what is required just like anyone else applying for the job.

I did the Living Well After Cancer Workshop (by NSW Cancer Council) and got some of tips offered to work out the new lifestyle/work balance. On this forum, the CC are looking at tailoring a workshop for younger adults.

Last year, I started a new permanent part-time role as a legal/paralegal in-house for a utility company. It was within a month after completing adjuvant therapy. With a number 1 hair cut all round and only just started to have eyelashes back. I'm sure people thought it was strange my hair was so short especially during winter. I've had lots of experience and worked in top tier firms which helped.

During both interviews, I said that I had been taking care of my ill mother (which was true) on my return from holidays - also true and which is why there was a gap the prev year experience. I got the job based on prev experience, good references and personality. I didn't say anything about my breast cancer until after my probation period 3-6 months.

By this time people got to know me and my work. Now my hair has grown back, they still can't believe that I was diagnosed or they hadn't personally known anyone with cancer before. It really depends on the culture of the company and the relationship of the people you work with directly.

The main thing is to have confidence in yourself and know what to look for.

I'm starting a new job today. I've been temporary for nearly two years during which time I was asked 'when are you going to get yourself another job?' by people higher up the food chain, including the rehab officer whom I thought was on my side.

So, I'm really glad you started this discussion Al. I've just realised I held a lot in for so, so long.

I have been offered a new posiiton (part time, which is what decided I wanted post-treatment) so I am in a relatively good position. But it is extremely hurtful to have to try and gain confidence again when they just want you to bugger off somewhere else because they don't want to consider a part-time role.

...not until I said "Why is finding the solution to this all left up to me?"

That seemed to hit home. I was offered something permanent and part-time shortly afterwards.

Hey All,

What a great topic to bring up Al! I myself have been wanting to get back into the workplace, but worry about how I'll cope with it. It's scary how much energy you lose and how much your fitness level decreases through treatment, which you dont realise until you try to get back to what you did before your diagnosis.

I've struggled with the idea of do I tell or do I not for a while, and am glad that this topic has been posted so I can get other peoples opinions.

When I was diagnosed I'd just recieved a promotion at work, and luckily they said that when I was ready to return to work I would have a position with them if I chose it. Which I think is great. But after I'd been diagnosed I saw a few of the people I used to work with, and it was rather awkward. I completely understand the feeling stevec, and it's not a great one.

I'm contemplating doing something different, like Al said, and his question is the same as mine.. what?

Let us know how it goes Al, maybe the job was missed for a reason, because another one even better is coming your way!

Interesting that i should come across this thread as i have decided that i dont want to go back to the position i had before cancer and am not even sure if there is a job available to me. I have certainly been given a career change some thought and wondering if its going to be possible and which direction to head in etc... Course having treatment makes this a long slow process.