Hi Frances,

Thanks for writing to us and congratulations on being cancer free! I'm sorry to hear that you've been having a hard time transitioning back to the kind of work that you did previously, but it sounds like you have great experience and are thinking critically about what you really want to be doing. I've sent your question over to our coaches who will get back to you shortly.

In the meantime, I have a few suggestions. We do have offer micro-grants for professional development, we aren't accepting applications at the moment but they will open again and could definitely help with some training or working with a coach to determine your next steps. You can find more information on this program here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/resource/micro-grants

If you would like to work with a career coach more immediately, The Muse offers some more affordable coaching rates, which you can learn more about here: https://www.themuse.com/coaching/30-minute-career-consultation

It doesn't sound like you need help with your resume, but we do have a free resume review service, which you can find here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new

We also have a section on the website dedicated to interviewing, which can be found here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/interviewing

I hope that this is helpful, our coaches will be in touch soon.

Best,
Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

hI, Frances,
It is heartening that you are getting interviews, but I sense that the drive you once felt for your field has changed with your new awareness for the need for greater balance in your work and personal life. That is understandable. As one whose cancer experience brought a different focus to my own career, I can empathize with the dilemma you are facing.
The good news of being cancer free is tempered by that change in perspective about work. I get it.

I have a few suggestions to add to Sarah's remarks that I hope will help you sort things out. First, consider meeting with a career counselor or coach through your local One-Stop Career Center. These are State/Federal services that offer job search and career assistance to the un and under employed, and the services are free. There are some funds available for retraining, as well as groups for search support as you explore your options.
Next, consider checking into the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Since you are on disability you should be eligible for retraining or updating of your skills to assist in obtaining employment. Both of these services are government funded, so you should be able to find them by looking online for the offices in your local area.
Community colleges are another route to explore. There are sometimes funds available through special programs offered that you may be able to tap for courses. And, for sure, they will have career guidance staff you may access.
Finally, as you sort out your next steps, give yourself the gift of analyzing all your skills, whether directly related to marketing or not. Also analyse what in your experience brought you joy, and what areas may excite you as you think about your future. Perhaps a hobby or newly developed interest could lead to a satisfying job option if you think outside your past work history and incorporate some other possibilities.
I know that career transitioning is not easy. But it can be exhilarating once you hone in on the direction you want to go. You can reinvent yourself and bring renewed richness and a sense of purpose back into your work life. Use those excellent strategic thinking skills to design your exploration and search plan and it won't be long before you determine your new path.
I wish you continued health, and the joy of exploration and renewal on this career journey.
Warmest regards,
Kathy Flora, Career Coach