Hi Arthur,

Thanks for writing to us! I'm sorry to hear that you're having a hard time communication with your company around your health, it's never easy to do. I've sent your question over to our coaches who will be in touch soon.

In the meantime, our Manager's Kit might have some useful information for you: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/employers-managers/managers-toolkit

I hope that this is helpful, our coaches will be in touch soon.

Best,
Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Dear Arthur,
I'm sorry to say that your situation isn't at all unusual. It just plays out differently but the bottom line is how do you keep everyone happy, show that you're a team player without jeopardizing your future?

It's hard to answer this without more background, how far into the leave are you, what has been your relationships with your team and supervisor, how much do they know about your health? These are all critical factors in determining what you want to say at this time. But I'm going to make certain assumption to try to respond to your request.
1. they know you live with cancer and that's the reason for this current leave
2. you are generally well regarded and trusted,
3. regardless of whether your return to this job or now, you want to maintain positive relationships.

If this is true, then I suggest that you respond to their request for a long term plan including your role in it and be honest that you don't know 'for sure' about your ability to return to do this work. This shows that you're still on the team, even if you're not there, but that you don't have enough information to make future commitments.

I hope that this is helpful.

Warmly
Rosalind

Hi Arthur,

This veers into legal territory so before you do anything, including take Rosalind's advice, it is important to understand your rights in the situation. My first question is are you using the Family and Medical Leave Act to take this time off or using an internal company policy to be out of work?

Can you let us know?

Best,
Rebecca

Rebecca V. Nellis, MPP
Chief Mission Office
Cancer and Careers

Arthur:
I agree with both Rosalind and Rebecca's advice.
Start with Rebecca's -- explore your legal righs.
Regardless of what you learn, I suggest that you do exactly as Rosalind suggests.
Be up front with your employer.
Treat the company with the same level of courtesy and respect that you want them to treat you.
Best of luck as you continue your journey.
Bud

I have been dealing with cancer for almost 5 years. I am now on a 3 month sick leave absence due to it and may not be able to return at all. However I am not at a point where I want to communicate this. So my workplace has been asking for updates essentially a month at a time however they are now saying (due to my director responsibility) that they are looking at my organization's longer term strategy and want to know if I will be contributing to this plan, eg will I be returning to work soon. How do I diplomatically hold them at bay until my prognosis is more firmed up. Thanks