Starting a new job
Tomorrow I start a new job - one year ago I was still in hospital recovering from a bi-lateral mastectomy and TRAM reconstruction.
I’m feeling a bit more apprehensive that I would normally at starting a new job – as this is the fourth since my diagnosis. The first job I was still on probation when diagnosed and had to account for each 15 minute block of time I was absent at appointments - so that my pay could be deducted accurately. It was not a happy time. I had no income for the 5 weeks I was off work recuperating and then was made redundant five months after I returned to work.
The next job was a contract role, which I loved and applied for. Unfortunately even though I interviewed for the role I was unsuccessful. Through persistence in applying for over 60 jobs, I was successful in starting at a third (permanent) job soon after the contract role completed.
I actually interviewed for this job the day after revision surgery. This job only lasted 6 weeks, as I was dismissed early January due to ordering some catering for the wrong day (which was picked up on and rectified).
Added to the drama of the year were another pre-cancer and a skin cancer, prolonged low iron levels, the constant pain of early osteoarthritis, and financial stress - no wonder I wasn’t working at my optimum level.
I suspect I’m going to have to mention at some stage to this new employer that I had breast cancer 12 months ago, as I still have appointments to attend. But I don’t want to use this for any excuses relating to my work standard.
How have others coped when returning to work or starting a new job when life has dealt significant set-backs in a short period of time. I’ve always been of the mind-set of carrying on regardless, but I’m now finding I do have some self-doubt. I’ve told the new employer how great I was in the past – but what if I can’t deliver on my promises?
Comments
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Hi Linda
A few of us were 'talking' the other day about how having such a serious health problem (and you have had more than one) really saps your confidence. We are not really the same because of what has happened and the complete shake up this gives your life.
I think what you are experiencing is very common and the person we most have to convince that we can be strong and capable again is ourselves. We have to find ways of boosting our confidence and giving ourselves that taste for excelling again.
Sometimes that just takes time and we need to not put ourselves under too much pressure until that inner strength has a chance to build again. I had to find ways of giving myself some energy again. Some people in our lives help that process and some don't. Spend time with those who do and avoid those who hinder it (where possible, it can be tough in a work environment). Same with what you choose to do outside of work. Do things that help to make you feel good and stronger again.
Try not to blame yourself if something does not work out. Give yourself credit for just keeping on trying because that is really , really hard when you've had a bit of a battle. Just believe that it is going to happen and one day you'll suddenly realise that it has. Good luck with your new job and take it easy on yourself. That capable, strong person is still there inside you just give yourself a chance to shine through all the tough things you've had to do. When you really think about it you have had the toughest time of your whole life and you've kept working and have never given in. You are stronger than ever right now. Just remember that and you'll be fine. Take care. Deanne xxx0 -
Hi Linda, good on you for fighting through. I read that a lot of women end up unemployed after treatment for breast cancer after full employment prior to diagnosis.
I really admire you for what you have done, and the strength and persistance in the face of such difficulties and unfair treatment. With my chemo brain I could easily get a date wrong for an order. I don't know that they can legally dismiss you without at least one written warning for making a single mistake, esp if you did rectify the problem. But the important thing is to make the new job work well. I really hope it suits you well and that they are good people to work for.
Arlene Chan, oncologist at the Mount Hospital, 150 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth, WA s doing a research study into survivorship and is very interested in how employers look after employees with breast cancer. So you may like to contact her and see if you can be part of that trial/study.
All the best
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hope it all goes well for you. Have a notepad handy so you can take lots of notes - the first couple of weeks are overload.
Have faith in yourself - you can do it one day at a time xx
Sending big hugs
Chris0 -
Congratualtions on the new job I am sure you will go fine, just don't stress yourself.
I returned to work after my surgeries and treatment and to be honest I struggled all of last year. I think I went back way to early but I felt my mind needed to be busy, trouble was it had holes in it.
I am extremely fortunate that my employer has shown empathy to my situation and undersanding to my need to attend appointments etc..
I found that if I stressed myself I seemed to have more holes, so I made it through by writing important thingings on my white board, using my calendar to my advantage and resting at the end of the day. I had to learn that I couldn't come home and do all the things I used too.
You will get there just be gentle on yourself along the way.
Donna
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Linda you are amazing. Wishing you all the best. No strategies from me as I have been in the same job for ages. I like Chris's idea of the note pad. Just remember everyone is very nervous in a new job. You will get there.
Paula xx0 -
Linda you are amazing. Wishing you all the best. No strategies from me as I have been in the same job for ages. I like Chris's idea of the note pad. Just remember everyone is very nervous in a new job. You will get there.
Paula xx0
