Lack of enthusiasm for work

Hi ToriButtons a cancer diagnosis and subsequent journey throws up many unforeseen challenges.

I was diagnosed way back in 1999 at 44 with my first type of rare (8 in a million) incurable Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma….. as my condition progressed quickly the then median survival was set at 3-5 years was on the small amount of information I was given.

I actually continued to work in a demanding teaching job (further education) on a full time table that was fitted around my treatments.

I actually worked for 12 years….  way past the survival time but the developments in treatment ment that the survival rate had become ever so unknown.

My condition was effecting my work and the passion I had for the job had diminished…… so I jumped ship at 55…… we actually could not afford fir me to do this but a close review and tightening of the belt made it possible.

I went back to my trade and did some odd jobs but in late 2013 a second rare, but aggressive type of Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma appeared triggering 2 years intensive treatment but I am still here, I turn 70 next month and I continue to live a great life.

At times, living the post cancer journey is like living in a parallel universe - you can see your old life but regardless what you do you can not get back on that same path.

Following my many years of treatment and now 10+ years into my post treatment life, a situation I was unwillingly put into. It did actually make me review life and everything that we once thought important.

So as a family some things from our old life are still in our lives but various aspects of our old life that were once seen as important were put in the bin and we don’t miss them.

((hugs))

I was off work on sick leave after my surgery and never went back. I just didn’t feel well enough. My outlook on everything did change like many people with cancer. I was fortunate that I was 58 at the time so could afford to take my work pension. I’ve never regretted it. I’m sure many people change paths if retirement isn’t an option. My advice would be to find a job that you like as it’s a long road ahead. Good luck!

Ann

Hello

Following my diagnosis and treatment which was for rectum cancer where I had an ileostomy and then had this reversed in February 2018.

Your journey is very personal to you and I can completely understand how you feel. I was 50 when I had my diagnosis and I planned to retire at 55 on a reduced pension for the same reason of wanting to ensure I lived every day as if it was my last.

Remember you have been through a life changing experience and you need to be kind to yourself and not make any rash decisions that you may later regret.

 I am still working full time in my role, I did a Coaching course to become a coach and this gave me some great tools to use in my daily life.

I made the decision I was content in the role I was doing and would not seek promotion and was clear around boundaries and became an expert at planning my leave to make the most of my time off.

I would take your time and not feel rushed into making any decision, you have had so much to process and it can make you feel that you need to take action. I would hope your employer is supportive and it may be worth speaking with your Occupational Health to see if they can support you.

Good luck  

Yes, once diagnosed work wasn't important at all and understandably so. I considered resigning (I was 52 at the time) but decided I needed to not make a knee jerk decision and wait to see how the treatment went.   I took the summer off 6 months after treatment started.  Then I went back three days a week.

I am unsure about going to work full time again. I have had trouble securing permanent full time work since moving to Ireland from the States in late 2022. I had two temporary FT contracts only, and just casual shift/gig work between. The last full time job that I had ended in mid-December, 2024. It was great but was just a 12 week contract.

I will start a new FT job this coming Monday, and I don't know how I feel about it. I definitely need to work a regular office job, either part time or full time and right now I need to take over paying rent (I was unable to pany any for the last 11 months), and rebuild my savings (that was depleted to zero this past May). 

The job I will be in doesn't sound exciting to me at all and I am unsure of it. Of course, I won't know until I am in it and it is a temporary contract that prrobably will last a year or maybe more. I love love love being at home but won't be able to work even hybrid at the new job until I have passed 6 months' probation. Only time will tell but yes, I loved being home with my partner who works 100% from home, and rediscovering my creativity, though I will never monetize what I like to do and I don't care to. 

What is motivating me is that I will be able to save money again and we will be able to travel. As well, with my income, we will be able to get out more. On only one income, we weren't able to do any of these things. So it's all a trade off.