Hi Steve,

Thanks for reaching out, it sounds like you've been through a lot recently, I'm sorry about that. I've sent your question over to our coaches who will be in touch soon. In the meantime, I would recommend that you submit your resume to our free Resume Review Service here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new. I would also recommend that you check out FlexJobs, a great resource for finding flexible/telecommuting positions (there is a membership fee, but if you enter the code CANCER at the checkout you will get a 50% discount): https://www.flexjobs.com/

We also have more information and resources on flexible work options here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/exploring-your-options/part-time-winning-combination

I hope that this is helpful, our coaches will be in touch soon!
Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Steve:
I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through such a difficult time.
I am glad that you have applied for government benefits. I’m not an expert in this area, but from your description of your situation, I am pretty sure that you will qualify.
Having said that, you might want to consider trying your hand at Virtual Assistant work. In this type of work you do basic computer work like typing reports, transcribing audios etc.
From the sounds of it, you would like to work at home. If this is the case, I suggest you go to the following sites and create a looking for work profile:
www.upwork.com
www.freelancer.com
www.fiverr.com
You may be able to pick up a few gigs here. Once you develop a reputation as someone who delivers on his promises, you are likely to get more and more requests.
Please feel free to post your experiences with these sites here.
All the best,
Bud

Good Morning, Steve;
I am so glad that Sarah got you started with the resources she mentioned in her note above. You must feel at wits end sometimes with all that you have been facing. But, I trust that there will be a way through this. One of the things that is evident in your posting is that you are resilient. You seemed to be able to adapt to many career changes in the past, so hold on to that approach when seeking a way to earn an income now. The flexibility will definitely help you.

I would like to encourage you to update that resume to include the courses you took and any new skills computer and applications you acquired since leaving Wells Fargo. The more current and up to date that information is, the easier it will be for a potential employer or contract agency to recognize how you may assist them in meeting their business goals. As Sarah mentioned, FlexJobs.com is one of the resources we have available on this site, and I definitely think it is worth it to sign up. But do get that resume updated and then reviewed first. Then, when you do approach potential employers, be sure to think about how you can make a difference for them or help contribute to their bottom line. Seeing and talking about things from an employer perspective shows that you are a professional, with an understanding of the give and take of the world of work that should serve you well in interviews.

Guru.com, elance.com and upwork.com are also good sources of flexible, work from home opportunities for legitimate work or contract opportunities from legitimate organizations. That said, be especially careful of any lead that you source online that requires you to purchase anything, offers a straight commission opportunity, requires you to sell anything, or promises you training before you actually get to work. Those sorts of come-ons can lead to disappointment at the least and dollars lost at best, so if it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is.

I also want to encourage you to seek some assistance in managing your disability claim and in any accommodations you may need to get back to work. I advise you to reach out for federal assistance through your local Vocational Rehabilitation office and to tap into additional legal and financial resources listed on our site, under the Looking for Work / Resources link. We partner with many expert organizations who's staff are both knowledgeable and compassionate. They are experienced dealing with just the type of situations you and other patients and survivors have also faced.

Finally, be sure not to sell yourself short, Steve. I know it has been a while since you worked in a field outside of physical labor, but you had a successful path prior to your layoff and your diagnoses. You still have the capacity to learn and update your skills, and you still have a commitment to find and retain employment. That commitment is worth a lot to a potential employer. The world of work has changed so that working in what is called "The Gig Economy" is not so unusual. Yours is a perfect situation to capitalize on the new economy by becoming a member of that new wave of flexible workers.

I acknowledge that your situation may feel challenging, and even bleak at times, Steve. So, do reach out for additional assistance from the resources we offer, and keep that resilience strong. Do check back with us from time to time, too, so that we may know how you are doing, both physically and in your search for career continuity.

With warmest regards,
Kathy Flora, Career Coach