Back to work?

I've not been in that situation myself as I chose not to continue working.  I have been tempted to go back...

I think if I were you I would take the phased return starting when you feel ready - and it sounds good, the plan outlined.  Have an open chat with you line manager about workload and ethics.  You will find yourself tiring easily (which is why what seems to have been offered sounds good).  Then you could talk openly to your colleagues and team so they understand where you are at.  In my experience most people understand and accept.

Working will be good for your mental state - providing you don't overdo it.  I've had many staff who needed to work after a traumatic event; not for the money, but for the social interaction.  It took a while to understand that, but I fully supported them and they came back to full functioning quicker as a result.

Hi Ronnie

Reading your post it seems that you'd really like to take up the offer from your boss as you feel it would be best for you and it does sound like a good plan. 

I agree totally with Peter.  You may get tired so you will need to learn to pace yourself, and speaking to your colleagues so they understand your situation would be good.

Personally I've been unable to return to work due to some long running issues which have not been resolved and being a gardener it's a very physical job.

So good to hear you're progressing well.

All the best.

Linda x

Thanks Peter,

I do think a bit of structure will be good for me, something else to focus on. I am scared of jumping back in too soon though. 

Yes, I think sitting down with the team will be key - they are probably my biggest concern in understanding. They have taken a 'do not disturb' approach to my illness (apart from one who couldn't be bothered to think for herself and kept asking for help), so I think there is a huge lack of understanding I will need to help them fill. 

Hopefully we can put some review dates in to see how it is going. 

Take care, Ronnie

Hi Linda,

I am really torn. I very much enjoy my work and am missing my students. I feel a school is a community and I miss being part of it. At the same time, I have loved time at home with my husband and puppy. I fear if I don't do it soon I may never do it. You've right, its the tiredness that worries me most. Its a much more energy sapping job than I imagined before coming into it (I had previously worked night shifts in care homes as a student and run bars, so long hours of physical work weren't new to me). One of the reasons I have asked not to work with the larger classes of younger students this year, 

Sorry to hear you are still suffering issues which have prevented you going back, more because you have to cope with them, than not being back working. 

Take care, Ronnie x 

There is a huge lack of understanding with head and neck cancer as it's not heard about as much as other cancers.  I certainly knew nothing about it.

I'm sure an honest discussion with your boss is the way to go so there are no unrealistic expectations.

It's a difficult decision but presumably if you feel in time that it's all too much for you you can have a rethink?

Linda x 

Hi Ronnie As others have said there’s a great lack of understanding in HNC if you sit down with the head explain that your in a phased recovery some days you’ll feel good others you’ll feel fatigued snd the fatigue is above and beyond tiredness. A phased return is what others who are still working have done. I’m lucky I had already retired. The ones who rush back thjnk g they are superman : woman tend to have a few setbacks. Done sensibly you’ll be fine. 
Hazel x

Hi Ronnie

The return to work issue is always a bit of a problem as you just are not sure if you will be able to keep up the pace.

I did return to work after my first cancer operation and radiotherapy when I was 59 and continued to work with no issues until I retired at 65. I was a Senior Occupational Therapist working in aged care and it could be quite demanding with lots of interaction with clients, organising my team and attending different meetings so I understand your concern.

My management was very understanding and allowed me a phased return which was helpful as it was the fatigue that I found most challenging.

I returned to work 3 months after completing my radiotherapy and found that was about right for me. I still had some fatigue but by then it was not too severe.

I must admit I had lost my confidence a bit as my work was quite demanding but it did not take long to get back into the swing of it.

I’m sure that with a phased return you will have no trouble at all and it sounds as though you are ready for the challenge.

Good luck

Lyn

Hi again Linda,

Yes, chatted with boss again earlier and we are hedging our bets to see how I get on. I think if I struggle we will be able to review again. 

Thanks, Ronnie

Hi Hazel, 

Lucky in that my head's brother had surgery fir prostate cancer a few months ago  so pretty good understanding from him. They've also been great with a couple of staff who had covid in terms of fatigue, do I'm crossing my fingers. 

Started to manage expectations with drip feeds to key people. Also got 3 colleagues who gave had cancer and I am sure they will put me straight if I do too much too soon . 

Thanks, Ronnie 

Well done Ronnie.  Sounds like a sensible approach.

Hope all goes well for you.

Linda x