Crossroads

I was there about a year ago, I work(ed) for state government handling contracts (routine and emergency) and a 100 million dollar budget. It’s stressful work, then add hurricanes and floods during treatment, ugh. I gave my bosses a 1 year warning and time to hire replacements for me to train. Soon after brain mets were discovered and I knew I wouldn’t be able to work at my previous level, so I kept it going through July, then took sick leave.

Now, I’ve been home over a month and I am bored out of my mind. I’ve been cooking and going to the gym but I realize some people aren’t made to sit around. Perhaps, you could find something part time or at least less stressful? Good luck 🙂

I say get out of the stressful job you don't love!! This diagnosis is an amazing wake up call for all of us who sometimes linger a little too long in things we should've gotten out of long ago, whether it be toxic relationships, jobs, familial stressors, financial debts.

Everyone has their path - After I started treatment I ended up filing bankruptcy and going down from a 6 day work week to a 3 day work week (I own my own business). Best decision I ever made!!!

On the days I have off, I go to the gym, go to the supermarket, i take naps, I cook healthy meals and do all the that help me THRIVE, not just survive with cancer.

Whenever I start to question if I should be working more, my friends remind me of how much I am currently thriving with the pace I am taking life now.

I like the idea of a part time gig. And perhaps your office would be willing to negotiate that with you or you can start working on that resume and pursue something more gentle

It's hard being single. Those of us with spouses have someone to bounce ideas off of. When you're on your own that doesn't exist unless you have a good friend.

When my Dad died my Mom started asking me for advice on stuff. We both figured out that it wasn't that she didn't know what to do -- she just was used to having someone else to discuss it with.

These forums are good for that! I've always gotten good advice.

Finallyoverit, I will be thinking about you and keeping fingers crossed that a new, positive opportunity comes through. Sometimes things can change very quickly - with a new job opening becoming available either outside your work or within. I hope that happens for you. I have interviewed and explored new jobs since being dx'd with mets. I did in fact make one job change but it was internal in my company. Taking steps to search for new opportunities made me feel better in and of itself. I would recommend floating the idea you are looking with your friends, colleagues and/or boss (as you reasonably and safely can do, given what is going on at your workplace), aquaintances, etc. Put it out there. You never know who will remember you said you were looking and come back to you with a lead or who will want to help you. Sometimes it is people you would not expect, people you don't know very well - who either have a direct or indirect lead or see a listing that you missed and that ends up being a perfect fit.

Philly, working part time sounds nice! Enjoy.