Whether you feel inspired to make a career change, have taken some time off for treatment and are ready to go back to work, or are just looking for ways to continue developing your career, it can be difficult to find sage advice that connects with your situation. In the article “10 Pieces of Career Advice No One Tells You,” The Job Network website lays out valuable tips on how to cultivate a meaningful career path.

Here are a few highlights:

  — “Job Requirements are not set in stone.” While it’s important that your background and experience meet the basic hard skills for a particular position (e.g., a physician must have the required education and training), a list of job requirements is not necessarily set in stone. What is really important is the value and enthusiasm you bring to the workplace. Keep this in mind when you’re applying for jobs and are worried about a gap on your resume or when you’re navigating a new field of work.

— “Create a position.” If you’re willing to put in the research and passion, creating your own job can be a wonderful option, providing flexible hours and the ability to work from home — which can be helpful for anyone undergoing treatment. Another, similar option that offers greater flexibility is combining part-time jobs. (See our Balancing Work & Cancer webinar on Career Change for more information.) 

— “Your boss matters.” Whether you choose to work through treatment or take time off, you’ll need to decide whether or not to disclose your health status to those you work with. Finding a mentor (and coworkers) with whom you share mutual respect and open communication can make it that much easier to navigate the workplace during a cancer diagnosis and treatment. For advice on how to talk to your supervisor about your diagnosis, download our Manager’s Kit. 

Be sure to check out some of Cancer and Careers’ other resources that can help you successfully choose and/or follow your career path:

— Have one of our professional career coaches provide feedback on your resume, through our Resume Review Service. Or get advice from the coaches regarding a specific situation, on our Ask a Career Coach board. 

— We cover numerous topics related to cancer in the workplace in our Balancing Work & Cancer webinar series. 

— If you’re seeking new employment, find advice in our “Job-Hunting After Cancer Treatment” article, and take advantage of our Job-Search Tools. 

— If you’re preparing for interviews, be sure to review our tips on interviewing, before you schedule your appointments.