Does anyone feel the way I do?
I recently made enquiries to go back to work after having cancer. I'd put it off as long as I could. I came back in floods of tears. I feel I have been written off. Cast aside, reject, faulty, out of order. I may as well have the plague. Avoid me at all cost.
I knew it was going to be difficult but, after facing up to 'life after cancer' I feel like I have been hit with the iron hand in the velvet glove.
I've been full of optimism since recovering, I' ve been given another chance. I never felt bitter that I got it, but at this very moment I wonder why I was ever born? More to the point where do I go from here? I feel completely dependant upon everyone.
I'm in my 30's! I can talk, see & hear & have the use of both my arms & legs. Will no-one employ me because of my condition?
I've never had such a giant obstacle in my path. How do I deal with this?
Any thoughts?
FormerMember
hello there,yes i understand what you say i have 2 more chemo sessions left and also hope to return back to work part time as soon as i can to feel normal again but my firm have already put another person on my job and hours never contacted me about it i also feel pushed to one side forgotten written off so i wish you loads of luck.
Retrain, cast off in a new direction, and try again not mentioning the cancer until you are asked.
You are not on the scrapheap. If you can work you can be paid. Try to do some voluntary work as well to give you some more confidence. In your thirties you will be welcomed with open arms. Most of us are pensioners.
But don't give up on your old job too easily. One feels really strange going back to work anyway. The slightest word can be wounding and normal work badinage can be very hurtful if you have been out of the habit of coping with it. If you were good at your job before, you can be good again.
I had the obstacle of being in my fifties when I got my degree, and getting a job was a nightmare. I kept it 5 years, and then it's been temporary since then. I have only worked once since my cancer, but I was over 60 when I recovered. With the credit crunch, I have been standing aside to make room for younger people. So go for it. It won't be easy, but it is hard for everyone. There is the right job for you out there. Don't compromise. Good luck
