Interviewing for a new job

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mary625
mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer
Interviewing for a new job
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  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
    edited July 2012

    Dear Stage III Sisters--I posted this question already in the insurance/financial issues forum and got no response.  I would like to get your thoughts, both pro and con, to this question.  I also would welcome responses from any Stage IV Sisters here as well.

    I am just 3 months out of treatment, and I'm Stage IIIC.  The opportunity to interview for a mega-job has come my way just landing in my in-box, but I am nervous about proceeding because if I start with a new employer, I lose my FMLA rights for 1 year and there will most certainly be some sort of waiting period on short and long term disability pre-existing conditions.  I hate to think negatively, but on the other hand, if I get mets in the next year or so, I'm going to be SOL and dependent upon the employer's good graces.  And, by the way, I would be the head of human resources so talk about a conflict of interest!  

    Is this all just too soon?  Is there some period of time after treatment that would be somewhat safer for such a move?  I just don't know what to do. 

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  • 116
    116 Member Posts: 108
    edited December 2012

    I was practically handed a new job offer not too long after I finished treatments, It was much better pay and great benefits and after being with my current employer almost 14 years I was so ready for a change in my position. However I was really concerned about my  available FML and the fact that I had so much vacation and sick leave time built up that I could possibly depend on if necessary in the case of a recurrence that I would not have at a new job............. 5 years later  I am still at the same old job and finding myself, thankful for no recurrence and grateful to be working and for my good health insurance of course, yet completely unchallenged and totally bored out of my mind!!!!!!!! Wish I could tell you what the right thing is to do. My only suggestion is to invest in a Magic Chrystal Ball :) Sure wish I had one!!!!!!!!!!

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  • cookiegal
    cookiegal Member Posts: 3,296
    edited July 2012

    I feel for you.

    My job is one that I could keep doing even if I had to go through treatment. I am honestly a bit overqualified for it, even my boss asked why I was "putting myself out to pasture."

    So two years later I have to decide do I stay safe or take a risk.

    (The people at work are used to seeing my sleeve as well.)

    There is no right answer, at 3 months out you have the right to be cautious.

    At the end of the day though, I think there is something to be said for living in hope more than fear.

    But that's easy to say two years after being done.

    It's also possible even if you had mets you could keep working for a while at least.

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  • Mopsy
    Mopsy Member Posts: 49
    edited July 2012

    I have also wondered about when would be the right time to interview for a more challenging job.  

    What worries me more is the one-year-pre-existing-condition-clause for medical insurance (as well as disability insurance that you mention).  You could not receive treatment benefits for something you were treated for in the past, for one year.  Obamacare would invalidate pre-existing clauses, but it does not take effect until 2014, and if it is repealed, then what?  

    Make sure you do not have even a one day gap in insurance; some policies cover pre-existing conditions as long as you have "continuous coverage", so pay COBRA for a month if you have to.  I was wondering how to ask the new job, after the offer is made and before you accept, if they have the one year pre-existing condition -- but then how would That look?

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  • mary625
    mary625 Member Posts: 1,056
    edited July 2012

    That's the same thing I feel about wanting to ask about the one-year pre-existing on long term disability. It's my understanding that with medical, as long as you have creditable coverage without gap (no more than 60 days, I think), you have to be given coverage without pre-existing condition limitations. This was implemented prior to Obama care. But definitely check this out as I work for bigger employers with coverage through the big insurance companies.



    I'm definitely going to be nervous about taking this job. I'm trying to find out indirectly from my benefits broker if the one-year on long term disability is standard or not. I also lucked upon some information in my CT scan during dx that may qualify mee for a post-treatment CT scan. Certainly, a clear scan might buy me some confidence.

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  • kriskat
    kriskat Member Posts: 163
    edited July 2012

    Mary:



    I hope it's ok that i answered given that i am only stage 2- I had a great job opportunity fall into my lap right after finishing treatment- I took it. 6 months later no regrets. Pre-existing doesn't come into play with group coverage as long as there is no lapse greater than 60 days. That was actually one of the reasons I took the new job- the health insurance was phenomenal. Good luck with your decision!

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