Considering a Career Shift After a Cancer Diagnosis?

Maddy Meislin on January 12, 2024

tags: Career Change, Career Shift, Job Search, Learn New Skills, Meaningful Work

A cancer diagnosis often has a profound impact on most aspects of life, including one's perspective on work. Many cancer patients and survivors find themselves seeking a career change – either because they are seeking a sense of purpose and fulfillment; or because they are looking for a career that is more conducive to their “new normal”. Thinking about whether you should change careers can be daunting. Drawing inspiration from the article "Ways to Decide if You Should Change Jobs or Industries," below are some ways to navigate considering a career change post-diagnosis: 

1. Reflect on Personal Values: 

A cancer diagnosis often prompts deep introspection about what truly matters. Reflect on your personal values and identify what brings a sense of fulfillment. Consider how your values align with your current job and explore industries or roles that better resonate with your newfound insights. 

2. Assess Job Satisfaction: 

Research shows a relationship between job satisfaction and overall well-being, including physical and mental health. Assess your current job satisfaction. by evaluating specific aspects such as work environment, relationships with colleagues, and the alignment of daily tasks with personal interests. This self-assessment can guide decisions about staying in your current job or exploring new opportunities. 

3. Explore New Industries: 

If you are looking for more meaningful work, you may want to stay in your current industry or explore a new one entirely. Research industries aligned with your personal interests and values. Try talking with professionals in those industries to gain more insight into what the day-to-day looks like. Look at job descriptions and see if the values, job tasks, etc., align with your values. 

4. Consider Transferable Skills: 

Identify your transferable skills when considering a career change. These are skills that can help you move from one job to the next, no matter what the job is, such as leadership, problem solving, attention to detail, analytical thinking, etc. Brainstorm roles where these skills are highly valued. You can also use tools like JobScan Career Change Tool, where you can upload your resume to see which jobs are best matches based on your current resume; or LinkedIn Career Explorer Tool to see how your skills match to real job titles. For more on identifying jobs that match your skills, click here. 

5. Networking and Mentorship: 

Did you know most jobs are found through networking, not job boards? When considering a career change, networking is even more important. Try having an informational interview with someone who has successfully transitioned careers or someone in your desired field to gain perspective. Remember that everyone you know is in your network. You never know if your dentist’s brother is in your desired field – so don’t be shy in sharing your desired job search with those you know. Read more networking tips here. 

6. Professional Development: 

Acquiring new skills is empowering and can help boost your resume. This proactive approach can boost confidence and readiness for a career transition. For a webinar on identifying and building skills, view Enhancing Your Skills: Prepping For Success.

For cancer patients and survivors, it is not uncommon to yearn for meaningful work. For more resources on job search and career change, please visit the following links: