Tips on Transitioning into a New Career

Sissy Silva on March 9, 2020

tags: Back to Work, Career Advice, Career Change, Chemo Brain, Disclosure, Employment, Job Hunting, Job Re-entry, Job Search

Changing careers can be scary. Putting yourself out there, exposing yourself to potential rejections, and going through a series of trial and error are essential parts of this often-daunting experience. For survivors, dealing with issues around disclosure and chemo brain can add an extra of layer of concern during an already difficult process. However worrying this may all sound, this time can also be an exciting opportunity for personal and professional growth.

A recent article from Forbes,“What To Do When Your Career Is Disrupted Later In Life,” points out the need to tackle fears around career change head on and highlights five things you can do to make a successful transition into your new career. For survivors looking for work, here are three takeaways.

  1. Be adaptable – As you are looking to make a career transition, you may want to rethink the way you market yourself to potential employers. Former job titles may not be enough to get your foot in the door. Think about what skills you have acquired during your career.  Always consider both your hard skills and soft skills when deciding whether to apply for a position.
  2. Embrace the unexpected – Part of what makes a job search particularly difficult is the fear of the unfamiliar. This is why it is essential to be mentally prepared to adapt during this process and embrace the unknown. Career change is an opportunity for a fresh start. Don’t be afraid to develop new skills and expand your search.
  3. Consider professional development – The job market is constantly changing and it is essential to be able to adapt and develop new skills. There are so many opportunities available, both online and in person, to accomplish this.

We don't deny that looking for work can be a demanding process, so to help you jump start the process, CAC offers a number of free resources — from articles and publications addressing navigating a diagnosis and your career, to our Balancing Work & Cancer webinar series.

Cancer and Careers also provides a Resume Review Service to cancer patients and survivors, completely free of charge. Simply upload a copy of your resume and you’ll receive personalized feedback from one of our professional career coaches.