Hi Shar,

Thanks for reaching out and I'm sorry to hear that you've been having a hard time with your job search. The good news is that we have a number of tools and resources that should be able to help you. I have sent your question off to our coaches who will be in touch soon. In the meantime, I would recommend checking out the following if you haven't already:

• Free Resume Review Service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new


• Professional Development Micro-Grants (could be of help with your computer skills): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/micro-grants


• Job Hunting After Cancer Treatment: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/Job-Hunting-After-Cancer-Treatment


• Job Search Tools: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/job-search-tools


• Job Search Toolkit (free for order or download): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new

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

Best,

Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Hi, Shar;

Your note touched me so much.   I know it is difficult to search for work, but doubly difficult when you feel that your skills are not in line with what employers are looking for today.   I can tell your confidence is shaken, and that you are feeling quite a bit of financial pressure.

In addition to the great resources that Sarah has listed above, I  really encourage you to get in touch with your nearest OneStop Career Center.  This is a federal/state funded job search office, usually found in mid-sized or larger cities,  that can assist you with many aspects of your search including helping you find ways to gain new skills that are essential for you to find the type of administrative work you are seeking.  They can also offer assessments to help you determine the type of work to which you are best suited, and assistance with resumes, retraining for today's marketplace and job leads and support groups.  The face-to-face interaction and guidance may really be a good thing for you.

Please also check into the micro-grants offered by this organization that Sarah also mentioned, as I believe you will need to brush up on those administrative skills, including Microsoft Office applications in order to successfully navigate through the candidate screening process.

It is also important for you to get the emotional support you need so that you and your husband can work through this tough stage in your recovery.   It might be a good idea to reach out to get support from a professional who is skilled in helping individuals and couples through this transition to life after cancer.   I know that in my own case, seeking the guidance of a good counselor during my recovery meant the world to me.   It helped me get my sea legs again and to regain my confidence in myself.  Perhaps that would also be a good option for you.    Your local chapter of the American Cancer Society may also have resources for you that can give you and your husband that type of support.

I sense the stress and frustration in your questions, Shar, and I encourage you not to give up hope.   Your fear and uncertainty will dissipate as you put in place the strong emotional support, job search assistance, and perhaps some retooling that will increase your marketability.  With those positive steps under your belt, soon your confidence will return.

Please let us know how you are progressing and if we can be of further assistance.

With Warm Regards,  

Kathy Flora, Career Coach