Working with Cancer??

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wintersocks
wintersocks Member Posts: 922
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

I am stll less than a year from dx. (Feb2012).

I have to return to work asap, owing to my housing situation, money, kids etc. My last job (only 3 employees) more or less told me they couldn't cope so I resigned.

Here is my problem: I applied for a job working for a very large organisation that gives all  round support to cancer patients. To my surprise I have an interview on Monday as 1st point of contact for those with cancer and affected by cancer. It is full time.

Now I am asking my self am I really in a position to support others? as I feel I can't support myself at times. I am still really anxious  The interview is really terrifying me. I feel I have lost a great deal of confidence since dx. I still feel very fragile.  I feel I might just sit there and not be able to answer any questions. from anyone. I am still shutting myself away at home most of the time. 

But I really need a job. This maybe my last chance. I am 52. And this is a good job.

Any one with any advice? Please.        

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Comments

  • barsco1963
    barsco1963 Member Posts: 2,119
    edited February 2013

    Wintersocks - you might be surprised at the support you are able to give. You may also find it to be a win win situation.

    But first things first. Go to the interview and learn more about the job. Then decide if it's something that you are up for.

    Good luck with the interview I'm sure you will do great

    Keep us posted

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  • thefuzzylemon
    thefuzzylemon Member Posts: 2,630
    edited February 2013

    Well...you wont know until you try, right? Do you have any other options? I think the longer you stay out, the less confidence you will have...so this may be just the thing you need to get back in the swing of things.

    I say GO FOR IT!! Give it everything you can...plan the rest as you go along.

    Good luck! Have fun!

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  • Hipline
    Hipline Member Posts: 195
    edited February 2013

    Sounds like a great job. You will find strength in others. Go for it!

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited February 2013

    wintersocks, it really does sound like a good company, and a job that could be a great fit for you. Give yourself a pep talk, have some great questions ready to ask, and show them you're the woman for the job. Please let us know how it goes!

    • The Mods

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  • Msbelle
    Msbelle Member Posts: 235
    edited February 2013

    The greatest support system is someone who has been there and can relate. You will do great. Your journey this last year can be shared and impact so many. You will be amazed at how strong you will feel when you start sharing. You got this! Hold that head up and smile. Wishing you lots of luck!!

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  • wintersocks
    wintersocks Member Posts: 922
    edited February 2013

    Dear All (and the wonderful mods)

    Thank-you for the vote of confidence. I am not even sure if those that interview me will know about my dx. As I understand it the equal op form is peeled off for stats?

    Does anyone think I should mention I have/had cancer? or would it be ill-advised to draw  on my own situation?

    See, what I am like!  like a big bowl of jelly (I think USA: Jelo?)    

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  • LaCombattante
    LaCombattante Member Posts: 226
    edited February 2013

    "Should I mention I have / had cancer?" That's a really good question. I would say that for this situation your cancer experience is your unique skill, so to speak, that makes you a good ( and hopefully winning) fit for the job. Look up job seeker websites to prepare for interview and go for it!

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  • michellej1980
    michellej1980 Member Posts: 342
    edited February 2013

    It sounds great but I think they might be concerned that you're not far enough out from your own cancer experience to be 'stable'? enough to help others. I guess it depends on the exact role of the job and the interview will help you both decide if it's right for you. Good luck! 

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  • Claire_in_Seattle
    Claire_in_Seattle Member Posts: 4,570
    edited February 2013

    Hi Winter....

    I say "go for it"!  You own personal experience will be very helpful here, and yes, I would tell them as it is actually an important job requirement.  I am doing consulting/volunteer work for a brain tumor organization, and my history as a cancer patient is most useful.  So is my commitment to help others.

    I think one confidence-building exercise would be to list job requirements and then how your background and experience make you an ideal candidate.  You will talk convincingly about this if you do.  Of course, all cancers are not the same, but there are common themes.  One of these is that it takes a bit of time to screw up your confidence and "get back in the saddle".  Another, is that until your hair finishes growing out, you don't feel completely yourself.

    Now, I did do an interview quite soon after my cancer journey, but that would have been just fine except that the person who set it up (who really should have known better) oversold me to the interviewers, and then I painfully learned that IN NO WAY did I have the background or experience they were looking for. YIKES!!!!  I have since forgiven my misguided, but well-meaning friend.

    But life does go on, and your family needs you to work.  The more things you conquer, the better you will feel about yourself.  I am assuming you have the basic skill set they are seeking in saying this.

    So good luck, and I want to learn how you aced the interview and landed the perfect opportunity to give back. - Claire

    p.s.  Just read your "shutting yourself at home" comment.  Go for a long walk today and every day prior to the interview.  Will do tons to get your brain around the task and get you back in the game.  Promise.

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  • crazyride43
    crazyride43 Member Posts: 154
    edited February 2013

    Winter, I have a high profile job and it has taken me a while to regain my confidence and sense of being capable. Sitting at home thinking about everything just made things worse for me. Getting out there and diving back into "life" helped me see very quickly that others respond to the persona that we project, and no one cares at all about my short hair! Even if you have to fake it a little at first, getting out there is the best medicine. I suggest doing a few mock interviews with friends to get prepared. If possible, get a new outfit and get your makeup done. Whatever will work to give you courage! Interviews are stressful even under the best of circumstances, so I think it's also important to take the pressure off yourself as much as possible. I know you need a job, but there WILL be other opportunities. Keep saying to yourself "I am strong and capable and I will be an asset to any company". You are not even close to a bowl of jello. You are an amazing, strong woman who has just made it through breast cancer treatment!!!! Remember that an interview is also a two way situation. You are also interviewing this company to make sure the job is s good fit for YOU! Wishing you a positive experience as you take this first step to getting back in the work saddle!

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