Next steps/ Continued recovery from brain injury/cancer
Shauna G. on February 13, 2025
I'm back at the office full-time after nearly four years of working almost exclusively from home.
During this time, I've come to see how different my brain is. I'm far less flexible and require a lot of tools to work well. And, I just miss a lot of work due to migraines and medical appointments. I don't like being that kind of employee.
I'm far from done. The working part of my brain is telling me to hit the gas. I have a lot more to offer. I always thought I would take advantage of my company's grad school benefit, but now I can't see how I can fit that into my schedule. To get the amount of sleep I need, I'm asleep between 7:30 and 8:00. I get nothing accomplished except a shower after work.
So, I'm struggling with what my next step will be. I don't see myself able to retire for another 30 years. I'm someone who needs the security of a full-time job with benefits and a steady paycheck. I'm a planner and I am researching my options, which include disability.
Any resources, experiences you could share will help.
1 Comment
Nicole Jarvis, LMSW
Feb 13, 2025
Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:
Hi Shauna,
Thank you so much for reaching out to Cancer and Careers! I’m sorry that you’re facing these challenges. I can imagine how frustrating it must be for your brain to not be operating the way you want it to. It sounds like you’re a really motivated and ambitious worker as well, which I’m sure adds to the frustration.
This may be the moment for a reset and reframe. The unfortunate reality that cancer changes so much in terms of functioning can often take time to accept and adapt to. I encourage you to give yourself the grace and time to get accustomed to where you are right now. I hesitate to say the “new normal” because who can tell the future and this may not be forever. In social work we are encouraged to meet our patients where they are, and in this case I would encourage you to do just that – meet yourself where you are so that you can figure out a realistic plan without self-shaming for not being at a different working level.
Seeing as you’ve had to change environment in which you work, after four years no less, it’s understandable that it will take time to acclimate. Needing accommodations in order to fulfill the duties of your job is nothing to be ashamed of. Laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act exist because it’s common for that to be the case. In terms of resources to explore alternative options, I would encourage you to check out the following articles on our website:
If you’re looking for state-specific legal information, I’d suggest you check out Triage Cancer, as they focus on the legal aspects of cancer and work, and offer resources and information based on where you live.
Finally, you may also find it helpful to look through our Collective Diary to see if any submitters bring up similar struggles and what they ended up doing. It’s also just a way to feel connected to others’ experiences as they may relate to your own.
If there is anything else we can help you with, or if you’re looking for additional resources/information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to cancerandcareers@cew.org.
Warmly,
Nicole Jarvis, LMSW
Assistant Director of Programs
Cancer and Careers
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