Terry:
Below you'll find a link to an article that I recommend to folks who are considering a career change. I think you will find it to be helpful.
All the best,
Bud
http://www.whatsnext.com/content/5-tips-midlife-career-change/

Hi Terry,

Thanks for writing to us, I'm sorry to hear that you've been having a hard time finding a job that works for you. Bud sent over a link with some great tips, and we also have a few resources that may be of help:

- Cancer as inspiration for career change article: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/cancer-as-inspiration-for-career-changes
- Finding Meaningful Work article: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/finding-meaningful-work
- Exploring Your Options: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options
- Looking for Work resources: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work
- Free Resume Review Service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new

I hope this is helpful, please let us know if you have more questions.

Best,
Sarah Goodell, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Dear Terry - My math tells me that you still have many good working years ahead but it sounds like you've 'stalled'. My first question is, do you know what is causing the anxiety and do you have ideas for how to manage that? Is some of the anxiety around 'losing' your last job shortly after returning to work? Is it that you struggle with the detail work that you're doing while on post chemo drugs and you're hoping this will change once you're off them? Whatever the reason, it is very demoralizing to find that you can no longer do what you once did so well. I've also seen how important it is to identify this so you don't just keep repeating the same mistakes and losing jobs. That only increases your anxiety and won't help you keep the paycheck you need and a job you like.

As far as changing careers, in my experience, it's a lot easier to do this if money is not a concern. But it is possible. It takes careful planning that takes into account your entire situation, including your health. The assessments that Sarah sent could be a good start. It's also a lot easier to do this if you make a change that builds on your experience rather than starting from scratch. Once you've identified your wants & needs including your health, you might research options. You wrote that you like being around animals and you might consider volunteering/interning in a shelter or a Vet Clinic to get a sense of what might be good a fit. Just be sure you match up your self assessment with the job/career that you choose to pursue so you're doing it thoughtfully!

Good luck with this.

Warmly
Rosalind