Dear Judith

Thank you for sharing your situation and your concerns. Although you've identified that you need a job with good health coverage, I'm not quite sure if you have a question for us?

I do have some questions for you that might help you as you consider next steps. Is it possible to learn more specifics? Your last boss might be willing to tell you what he meant by "no longer a good fit" if you explain that you need to explain this in interviews? Although he won't say it was because of your cancer history, you might probe. Perhaps he'll say something that would tell you if he believes that your behavior in any way contributed to this - or not. According to your description, living with cancer wasn't a problem at this job and you didn't ask for any "accommodation"-- so his his reaction to what sounds like an isolated event (testing that wouldn't impact your schedule) seems odd. Although it might feel heard to hear what he has to say, it is one way to turn this into a learning opportunity. You learn might be helpful in the next job.

I so empathize with your feelings of frustration and the wish to get sick again. But from your self description, you sound like someone who can make this work. As far as the scar and disclosure, do you have to explain it unless you choose to? It's your decision, isn't it? Use that to your advantage.

Please write again if you have more questions I can address here.

Warmly

Rosalind

Dear Judith,

My apologies for my delayed response to your posting and plea for help. Clearly you have suffered a great deal, not only because of your cancer but also because of the way you have been treated by your employers. I am sure that you have already done this, but as a first step, I would reach out to some legal experts to become very clear about your rights. There is a long list of legal resources here on this site for starters. Cancercare.org is also a very good organization to reach out to.

You also need to find out what kind of discounted insurance plans the state of New Jersey has.

You are very marketable still and thankfully the market is picking up as well. As tough as it feels, it's important for you to dig into a thoughtful job search. It's always easiest to focus on what you've done in the past. I am sure that you know who the competitors to your previous employers are and I would start there if you haven't already. You also want to get your confidence level back up to where it once was. This isn't easy but reaching out to people and networking is a good way to start.

Taking action and nurturing yourself are the two best remedies for moving yourself out of your current state. Please write back if you want more specific feedback.

Warmly,

Julie