Hi Margaret, Thanks for reaching out to us. I understand that maintaining motivation can be difficult after a long job search and being newly diagnosed, but it’s encouraging that you’ve had a few interviews and received positive feedback. You also seem to have an amazing breadth of professional experience to offer! I’m going to pass along your inquiry to our career coaches, but in the meantime, I would recommend looking over the following resources: • Job Search Toolkit (2nd edition): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new • Exploring your Options: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options • Interviewing Methods and Tips: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/interviewing/interview-methods • Resume Review Service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new • Video on Managing Finances: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/finances We also have a Job Search webinar on March 8th, that might provide some useful insight. Information and registration can be found here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/events/webinar-jobsearch2017 Our career coaches will be in touch soon! Kind regards, Nicole Franklin, MPH Manager of Programs Cancer and Careers

Margaret,
First of all, and more than anything else I could say, I send my blessings to you to carry you through your surgery tomorrow and consultations with Oncologists/Radiologists over the next few days. I remember the frantic feeling that can come from facing so much at one time, especially facing so much of the unknown. The need to be in as much control as possible during such an uncontrollable situation can be overwhelming. As one who has been there, if I could say anything to help you right now, it would be to consciously take a short pause, to center your spirit on yourself and your healing, and to trust that once you are through this medical crisis, your job search will be there and you will tackle it then. Now is not the time for worry about anything except walking yourself gently through the next few days. Draw on the love of your friends, the support of your family, and the knowledge of your medical team - and breathe through this, just for now.
Then, once you are through the surgery and know more about the next steps in your recovery, your mind and heart will be more able to think and act on that job search. You are an accomplished woman with outstanding experience and it comes through clearly in your inquiry. There will be answers to your fears and concerns, and there will be a job that is right for you.
Do take advantage of the resources that Nicole mentioned above when you are ready... but first, take care of yourself.
Please write back soon and let us know how you are doing. Happy to provide a few job search tips then. I will be thinking about you tomorrow, my sister in survival.
Warmly,
Kathy Flora, Career Coach