Hi Lisa,

Thanks so much for reaching out to Cancer and Careers! It must be frustrating that you took the job with a set expectation and it's been changed in a pretty significant way. Despite being cancer-free, effects of a diagnosis and treatment can certainly still linger, one of them being fatigue, so it could potentially be a reasonable accommodation to request to continue the original schedule in an effort to curb tiring yourself out, should you feel up for asking for that. You can read more about requesting reasonable accommodations here.

Otherwise, if you're not comfortable requesting an accommodation, it might be worth having a candid conversation with your boss/HR about the length of the commute and the challenge that poses. That's not to say you have to disclose your health history, but rather it's pretty understandable that adding an additional 8 hours of commute time per week would take a toll on anyone. When you took the role, did they say the one day per week in the office was temporary, or that the goal was to be in the office more frequently/regularly? If not, you can cite that, letting them know that a primary reason you took a job that was nearly 2 hours away was because you knew you'd only be making the commute once per week. Of course, an employer can change their mind or decide to implement a new procedure or schedule, but you certainly have the right to ask for some flexibility if that change seriously impacts how you do your job.

I will pass this along to one of our career coaches to see if they have any further insight into best approaches. 

Please feel free to reach out with any further questions or if you'd like any additional resources.

Sincerely,

Nicole Jarvis, LMSW

Assistant Director of Programs

Hello Lisa,

It's great to hear that you've been in good health for the past 10 years and that you've successfully navigated a remote work arrangement during that time. Your concern about the extended commute and its potential impact on your health is completely valid. While you might not be seeking a medical accommodation due to your cancer history, there are still steps you can take to address this situation.

1. Start by having an open and honest conversation with your supervisor or HR representative. Explain your situation and concerns about the increased commute affecting your health and well-being. Emphasize your commitment to the job and your desire to find a solution that works for both you and the company.


2. Inquire about the possibility of a flexible schedule or telecommuting on certain days to minimize the number of days you need to be on-site. You can propose a schedule that allows you to come in on days when your physical presence is crucial, while working remotely on other days to avoid the long commute. 


3. Since you were initially told that you would be working in the office one day a week, it's reasonable to discuss the possibility of maintaining a hybrid work arrangement. This could involve negotiating a balance between on-site and remote work that aligns with your health needs and the company's operational requirements.  


4. Although you might not be seeking a medical accommodation, consider documenting any potential health concerns that the extended commute could trigger. This documentation can serve as a record of your genuine worries about the impact on your well-being.


5. If your discussions with your employer don't yield a satisfactory solution, you might consider seeking support from colleagues, mentors, or employee assistance programs within your company. They might provide guidance, advice, or insights on how to navigate this situation effectively.


6. If no compromise can be reached with your current employer, you could explore other job opportunities that offer a more manageable commute or a remote work arrangement that better suits your needs.

Remember that your well-being is of utmost importance. While it's great that you don't want to ask for a medical accommodation, it's essential to find a solution that supports your health and allows you to continue contributing effectively at work. Approach the situation with a proactive mindset, and hopefully, you can come to an arrangement that works well for both you and your employer.

Hope this helps, and happy to connect further off-line,

Thank you,

Brandon