Hi Susan,

Thanks for writing to us.  It’s smart that you’re already thinking critically about your next steps with work as you continue with treatment.  Figuring out the best professional path forward while dealing with side effects from treatment is an issue that we hear about a lot from survivors. Since you have some physical limitations at this point, would it be possible to apply for administrative roles in a school or healthcare organization, something that wouldn’t require working directly with children and heavy lifting? Since you have experience working in these environments, it might be worth seeing if there would be a good fit for another position there. 

I would also recommend checking out FlexJobs (https://www.flexjobs.com/), which is a useful resource to learn more about the kinds of telecommuting jobs that are out there and the companies that hire for them.  These roles might be good options as you continue to recover from surgery and monitor the effects of Ibrance treatment.  They also have a very robust job board that is fully vetted and focused on those types of roles.  Many are full-time and might provide health insurance and other benefits.  It is membership-based but you can explore everything before you commit, and if you decide to join you can enter the code CANCER when you check out to receive a 50% discount. If the fee is too high, please let me know and I will try and work something out for you.

I’ve reached out to one of our career coaches to get further insight into your situation, but in the meantime, the following resources might be helpful:

• Recording of the 2017 Job Search Webinar: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/job-search
  


• Job Search Toolkit (2^ndEdition): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new (features advice on improving resumes, cover letters; interview and networking tips and other useful tools to help you during a job search)


• Resume Review: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new (free program where a professional coach will review your resume and provide feedback to help you refine it towards your current work goals)

You also mentioned that returning to school or paying for further training might not be feasible right now, but I wanted to let you know that CAC offers a Professional Development Micro-Grant program that provides cancer patients and survivors professional development opportunities to build or enhance their skillsets. The application period for 2018 grants is currently open (until November 6^th). For more information and to apply: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/resource/micro-grants

A coach will be in touch soon!

Kind regards,

Nicole Franklin, MPH

Manager of Programs

Cancer and Careers

Dear Susan,

It’s terrific, you have a self-care plan! Being aware of your current physical limitations and monitoring how you respond to Ibrance are important as you figure out possible job options.

As Nicole suggested, there may be jobs at one of your current workplaces that don’t require lifting since you already know the work environment, the company’s needs and how you can meet those needs. 

You said that you are looking for ideas of jobs working with children that do not require lifting. 

I suggest making a list of possible places where you can continue your work with children.  To help you start brainstorming, here are some ideas: schools, museums, hospitals, libraries, community centers, etc.

Keep adding your own ideas to the list while thinking about what kind of positions might be feasible for you.

For example, many community centers have inclusion programs that need staff who understand how to work with children who have disabilities; museums need tour guides; stores need sales associates; respite care centers hire paraprofessionals; and several youth-focused organizations need volunteer coordinators. 

Other jobs you might consider exploring – tutor, private nanny, and, caregiver trainer.

Now that you have a list of jobs you want to explore further, think about who you might be able to reach out to for additional information, also known as an informational interview.  Keep in mind the purpose of an informational interview is for you to get more information about a particular position or organization.  Some questions you might ask are: What is the best part of doing x work?  What kind of training or experience is needed to do the job?  What is a typical day like?  How can I learn more about x? 

This does not always have to be in-person, sometimes communicating via e-mail or telephone is an option.

After you decide which type of jobs you want to pursue, write a list of the businesses or organizations where you want to work.  Knowing the what and where will help you devise a targeted job search plan.  

 I hope the information is helpful.  Write back with any questions and to tell us about your progress.

Take care,

   Arona