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return to life

Gail K. on June 22, 2015

Job Search

I have been absent from working for over 15 years.   I was the only caregiver for my mom who had alzheimers.  In 2007, I was diagnosed with cancer and in 2008 my mom was.   She passed in 2012.   I was then an hha for a woman with lung cancer in 2014.   Since then , I have benn trying to get my computer skills back and work on my resume. with has canyons, not gaps.    I would appreciate any help you can give me.   I am living on my salary from 2014.   I am on a very tight budget, and I was unable to apply for unemployment.   Thank you.



2 Comments

Image of Sarah Goodell

Sarah Goodell

Jun 22, 2015

Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:

Hi Gail,

Thanks for reaching out, it sounds like you've been through a lot. I have sent your question over to our coaches who will be in touch soon. In the meantime, I would recommend checking out the following resources if you haven't already:


  • Professional Development Micro-Grants: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/micro-grants

  • Free Resume Review Service: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new

  • Minding the Resume Gap: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/looking-for-work/resume-gap

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

Best,

Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers


Image of Margot Larson

Margot Larson

Jun 22, 2015

Career Coach Comment:

If you have been absent from the workplace for
15 years, you are starting over and competing with trained and experience candidates.

 Your experience, value and contribution are your
Home Health skills.  Research and take
the time to get a certification to match your experience.  Then you can sign up with an agency or create
your own solo organization to work in your local community.

You may be able to take a course from your local community college which will then provide you with a certification, or there may be some private organization that provides that training.  I would check out Health Care positions to see what the titles are for that type of position.  There used to be a CNA position, Home Health Aide and there may be more.

 Using some of Cancer and Career tools and our
coaches, put together dynamite resume and prepare market yourself once you get
a certification. You can advertise your service at Church groups, Support Groups, through the Doctors you know.

 I hope this is helpful.

 Margot


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