Hi Katharine,

Thanks for writing to us, I'm sorry to hear that you've been having a hard time recently, but it's great that you're working to change your situation. I've sent your question over to our coaches who will be in touch soon.

It sounds like you would like to look for a new job, is this correct? If so, I would recommend checking out our job search resources, such as:
- Exploring Your Options (http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options)
- Free Resume Review Service (http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new)

These are just a few places to start, I hope that they're helpful. Our coaches will be in touch soon.

Best,
Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Dear Katharine,

I am so sorry you are feeling so lost and overwhelmed. I am sure you are aware that your depression and anxiety are likely inhibiting your ability to make a plan and take action. I am not a physician however I would encourage you to seek clinical help so you can get control of these symptoms stemming from your difficult circumstances.

As for your work situation, unfortunately it sounds as if your company is blocking you from moving ahead whether it is because of your cancer diagnosis or your age. This said, it is a good idea to go through some self-assessment to determine what skills you have and some jobs or industries that interest you. Going through this exercise will help you build your confidence a bit too. In addition to the resources that Sarah mentioned, there is a recording on the CAC website of a webinar that I just did this week on the topic of changing careers. It might be beneficial to listen to this to give you some ideas about different types of jobs and walk you through the three-step process (1. self-assessment 2. Identify opportunities and obstacles and 3. Create an action plan) to help you move toward something different.

I agree that working in a low paying part-time retail job is a terrible fit for you with your impressive work experience and many skills. While it may be hard to believe at the moment, there are definitely jobs and companies that are an excellent fit for you regardless of your age.

I wish you much good luck in moving forward!

Take care,

Julie

Hello Sarah and Julie,

Thank you very much for your responses and suggestions. I will upload my resume for review in the next couple of days and begin working on the three-step process that Julie has outlined. I am sure I will have more questions and concerns as I move forward. Thank you again. - Katharine

Hi Katherine - I understand and empathize with your situation because I am in a similar one. Unfortunately I don't have any great advice or wisdom for you, but I hope you find my empathy and shared experience supportive. I'm a 54 year old professional software engineer - I have a pain inducing tumor in my pelvis which makes it hard to stand/walk much for which I had 3 surgeries over the last 11 years and expect another one in the fairly near future. While still working full time I feel like the track is quickly running out for a number of reasons (health, corporate instability, long commute, etc). This creates anxiety and fear about the future, how to make ends meet, etc. It's a bit too early to retire, my mind is still good but I need a better work/life balance - my life needs more attention. I've started looking at both FlexJobs.com and AngelList.com for remote/part time opportunities that would better fit my life. I've also started to reconnect with my professional network, at least those people I've been closest too, in the hopes that something might reveal itself. I've also created an itemized list of my 'ideal' transition and that has given me some confidence and hope. One of the most important things that I have learned with this tumor is that I need to allow the anxiety and depression room to express themselves. Sometimes it seems like we live in a world where we try to get rid of those unhappy feelings. They can be healing and helpful or consuming and destructive and it's equally important not to suppress them but not to let them become your reality. It's a tough line to walk and only those of us in it can really understand what it's like. Anyway I will be thinking good thoughts for you and hoping for a positive outcome for you. All my best - Jon