Hi Lynne,

Thanks for writing to us, I'm glad that your medical issue is resolved but sorry that the job search has been difficult. I have sent your question over to our coaches who will be in touch soon. In the meantime, we have a number of job search resources that I recommend you check out (if you haven't already):

- Free Resume Review Service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new
- Exploring Your Options: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options
- Interviewing Tips: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/interviewing
- Job Search Toolkit (can be ordered or downloaded for free): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new
- Flexjobs (if you're open to flexible work options, such as telecommuting, this is a great resource to find these types of jobs. If you enter the code CANCER when you sign up for a membership you'll get a 50% discount): https://www.flexjobs.com/

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

Best,
Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Hi, Lynne,
Sarah sent along your question about your search to me this afternoon. Congratulations that your medical issue is behind you. That alone in something to celebrate. Unfortunately, your joy has been tempered by that difficult career change exploration and job search. I do commend you, though, for giving a new field a try and then quickly recognizing that it is not for you. Finding a career that is a good fit can indeed be challenging.
You did not mention what your prior career field has been, only that a company wants to bring you on board when they make some personnel moves. That is something to keep in your hip pocket in case their situation changes.
But, in the meantime, let's talk about a full blown job search plan.
Once you have your job target in mind, you will want to spend some time preparing all your materials for your search.
Regardless of your field, the first thing that you may want to do is review your resume to ensure that it is up to date in content and style. Expectations about resumes change frequently, so please feel free to send it along to the resume review service that Sarah mentioned above. Our career coaches are experts in positioning one's work history to showcase your greatest strengths. So, do give that a try.
Second, do a thorough inventory of your skills and accomplishments. Write down those things that you have done that have made a difference in the firms where you have worked. What impact were you able to achieve? Were you able to save money, streamline processes, build relationships? Any of those items will give you great fodder for answering interview questions.
Once you have those two basics down, it is a good idea to build your profile on LinkedIn, because many employers and recruiters use this social media tool to source candidates. We have some good resources on our site that will give you some tips on how to build a profile with impact.
With those tools in place, it is time to start networking by reaching out to all those you know and even those they know, to share your goals, and job target and to ask for advice and any information that they are willing to share. Then follow up on any connections that they provide. Believe it or not, most positions are still filled this way, rather than through responding to postings cold, so don't neglect this important aspect of the search.
If you are willing, you can also explore the option of temporary or contract work. This option will provide an opportunity for you to check out the culture in various organizations, while giving you valuable recent experience and giving employers to see you in action. Again, Sarah has shared some great resources above that should be helpful in this regard.
I know I have listed quite a few tasks that will be essential to your search, Lynne. Just take them one at a time, and work at your search one day at a time. Before you know it, you will build up the momentum you need to uncover that right position.
Do stay in touch and let us know how else we may be of assistance. Wishing you a future filled with health and career success.
Kathy Flora, Career Coach

I'm in this same situation. I worked for a start up company and quit because I hadn't been paid. After that, I needed time off because I sprained my ankle badly enough that working would not have been practical. My BA is in psych and I'm a teachers aid. Then I knew I needed female surgery because of previous issues. The gyne was removing scar tissue when he found early stage Appendix cancer. I had major surgery (Cytoreductive Surgery) that was open abdominal surgery.

I will be working at a child care center this summer. The director knows why I took time off.

How does one explain the time off when looking for a full time job? What legal responsibilities are there in terms of disclosure when I find a full time job? Thanks.

Hi Lauren - I saw that you created a new post with your question so we will respond to you over there.

Thanks!
Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers