Hi Michelle,

Thanks for writing to us. I have sent your post over to our career and legal experts, so they will be in touch with their advice soon. In the meantime, I would recommend checking out a website called Flexjobs (http://www.flexjobs.com/) for some ideas of alternative work options that might work during the summer months. Flexjobs offers a 50% discount on membership fees for Cancer and Careers constituents, just type "CANCER" into the promo code field during payment.

Best,

Sarah, Cancer and Careers Associate Manager of Programs

Hi Michelle,

You are wise to ask these questions before you do anything work-related as you wouldn't want to compromise your long term disability. I know Sarah said she would be sending your question to a legal expert but I am quite certain that the response will be that you need to review your actual policy with a professional since they are all different.  I recommend you check out the National Cancer Legal Services Network (nclsn.org) or lawhelp.org and find someone you can speak with directly about your policy to make sure you understand all the fine print and options you may have.

Good luck!
Rebecca

Rebecca V. Nellis
VP, Programs & Strategy

Michelle-

 Our legal experts will address your questions about long
term disability, I can make a few suggestions.

You may want to ask your Human Resource department at your
school district, to provide you with a Fact
Sheet of the terms of your Long Term disability. They should have done that
at the time you were approved for disability benefits.  The benefit may be tied only to your inability
to work at the job at you are currently trained for.  Terms of LTD plans vary based on the program
your employer secured. You are wise to be cautious about abiding by their
terms.  

 Based on the terms of your LTD, you may be able to do some
work from home that might not impact your benefits.  For instance, while I am on Social Security
disability, as a stage 4 lung cancer patient, I am still able to earn a certain
amount per month/year without jeopardizing my disability payments.  The amount refers to net earnings, after
related expenses.  I am able to volunteer
as a coach and an advocate for other patients.

 I doubt that your Long Term disability program would restrict
your ability to pursue training or education, particularly from home.  That should be no different than any physical
exercise that might benefit your health or attending a support group.

 If you are seeking to remain engaged and stimulated, participating
in online training and webinars is a great idea.  You can also volunteer, perhaps to do some
tutoring, or for a Literacy organization. 
If you are able, you could volunteer at your local hospital , library or
church.  In most of these circumstances, there
is flexibility to fit with your schedule and energy level. 

I hope this is helpful.  Let us know if you need further ideas or information.

Margot

Thank you, already!  You ladies are fast!

Hi. I start back to work part time as a meat manager on Tuesday January 20th. I've been off work for six months.  I had a radical hysterectomy, and six rounds of chemotherapy. I've been using my eliptical trainer daily and doing planks.  However I'm still apprehensive about going back.  I'm glad I found this support.  I do tire easily and I'm forgetful at times. It is a physically challenging job.  As a manager, I hope I'm able to retain the information needed to do this job.  I'm seeking support or advise if I don't do well.  Thank you

Roberta,

I am glad to hear that you are feeling better and will tackle a part time job.

What you need most right now is Confidence.  It's understandable that you are hesitant and uncertain about your skills since you have been away from work.  You are experienced and everything will come back to you.  On one hand you may be stimulated getting back into the familiar; you will also become tired at the end of your work hours because of the fatigue.  You are changing your routine and environment again but there will be familiarity.  It might take a little time to re-adjust.  You may find that you are slower at remembering process.  Just do your best and don't beat yourself up.  You've just been through a tough time and made it. I bet the job will be a breeze compared to cancer.

Plan your day well. Find a time for a nap. You can do it.  That said, if you  find that you don't like the work any more and that you want to do something else. And that's OK. We can help you think through another path. 

Think of this as a temporary step. Try it out. Enjoy the opportunity. And if it doesn't work out, you will move on. 

Margot

Michelle,

Because you are referring to a Long Term Disability provided by your employer, you need to read through the benefits and restrictions. 

For instance,  Social Security Disability program allows you to earn a certain monthly amount and that information is usually well spelled out.  The same must apply to your plan.You are right to be careful about working until you know this.  

If you don't need the $ badly, don't take a chance.  You can expand your knowledge through schooling as you suggested.  I don't suspect any limitation on that.  You could also volunteer, within reason , or perhaps tutor.  It should be something easy and flexible that is in line with your limitations.

Again read through your LTC plan, highlight the areas of questions and have your Benefits person in HR help you interpret the restrictions in question.

I hope this helps.  

Margot