Toni-

Congratulations on being in remission.

Your question about job opportunities is very broad.  Regardless of whether or not we have health
issues, finding a job has to do with our skills, competencies, training and
track record.  So in order to provide
some good ideas, we would have to know a little bit more about your career and
past employment.

What type of work have you done in the past? 

What type of industry do you prefer?

Are you looking for full time or part time work? 

What is your training, your skills? 

What are you best at doing and/or enjoy the most in past
jobs? 

What city do you live in, or at least, tell us what part of
the country and whether you live in a urban or rural environment?

 With a little bit more information,  I am sure I can provide you with several suggestions
and point you in the right direction.

 Looking forward to hearing from you.

Margot

Toni:
First of all, I’m glad you’re doing well enough in dealing with your cancer to be thinking about employment. Good for you.
Second, you’re a fighter. You’re on your way to beating cancer. That means that you’re a strong person, emotionally and physically. Employers want and need strong people who don’t give up easily. You fit the bill.
Third, I agree with Margot. It is difficult to provide you with any helpful ideas on finding a job without knowing a little bit more about you, your skills, your interests, and your experience. If you send us some of this information, we can help you.
Keep your head up and keep moving forward.
Bud

Thank you all so much. Yes I've always worked in customer service, such as receptionist,  office clerk,  library clerk, I guess you could say all my jobs have been admistration clerical type jobs.  

I work for our local police department, but I'm looking for a change. I'm a cancer survivor and I want to do something to help other cancer survivors or patients.  I work in the detective unit as an intake clerk if you will, obtaining pertinent supplemental information. Anything clerical. Typing faxing data entry filing, making police reports.

Toni-

Thanks for sharing your background. With good customer
service skills, that opens the door to a lot of opportunities.  Make a list of organizations that would
appeal to you as a potential employer.

Consider Cancer Support Organizations, Cancer Centers, State
Health Advocacy agencies and any other agencies and non-profit organizations
where you would be able to help others. 
Think of not only helping patients but also patient families.

Then go to our website to learn how to put together a great
resume that will get the attention of employers and get you the interview. 

When networking or interviewing,  focus on your skills, your accomplishments and
your potential  contribution to their
organization.  The fact that you have
lived through cancer speaks of resilience, flexibility and
resourcefulness.   I would advise you to
focus on the qualities you have acquired, rather than your cancer history. You
don’t want a hiring manager to be concerned about how your health will impact
your attendance or performance.  You want
them to realize what a great compassionate customer service employee you would
be for their organization.

Once you identify open positions within the organizations
you are targeting, check with people you know to get an introduction to someone
in that organization so that you will have an internal advocate.

Networking is one of the best ways to land a job.

In the meantime, while searching for a job, why not
volunteer at one of the organizations on your target list.  You will create relationships internally,
show what you are capable of doing and probably get to hear about potential
openings before they are posted externally.

Hope these ideas are helpful.  Good Luck.

Margot

Thanks Margot.