Returning to work

Returning to work.  Wow what a topic.  I will always be remembered, when you Google my name, as the Pharmacy Assistant who returned to work after having had Cancer.  The Pharmacy Magazine asked me if I would be in their monthly read and I agreed to it.  My only regret is in this modern day of working, if I am Googled, they will see I have had Cancer.  It is not something I mentioned when I went for my first new job - moving to Sydney, after my return to work.  Behind me a left quite an impression and an experience.  No one was at fault, however, I look back now and see they refused to train me in a part of my study, as a Dispensary Technician in Launceston, and even now, I am given no responsibility and menial tasks to perform.  I am noticing no advancement as a subtle observation, and I was honest about what I had been through, before signing the employment contract. Although they were wonderful about it, (where I work now), it clearly isn't a way to be viewed as the person to pick for roles of responsibility.  I guess it all depends on how you look at it.  I am lucky, as they accommodated the arm that had been effected and I am well looked after in the environment I am in, in a caring and nurturing way.  So I guess it all depends on whether you need to advance in you career or not doesn't it.  Some of us are not in the luxury seat of just going to work for a hobby job, and will be working until the last minute, especially to be able to cope with the expense of Sydney.  So instead of feeling defeated and  blaming Cancer, or analyzing my working capacity, this year I decided to make a stand.  I am no longer looking for Cancer to return, or blaming my work place for lack of opportunity, because of Cancer and the set backs with shifting straight after, etc, I am going to study instead.  Find my old guts and determination I had before I had Cancer, find that old self confidence, and continue life as though it didn't happen.  My CV is full of fabulous history, now I need to improve my current skills to progress.   I have new goals and ambitions in place.  I have new directions in mind, and with it a new sense of self pride again, and not the "poor me" or "victim" I found so easy to fell into after that year with off.  Returning to work is one thing, finding drive and determination, now that was another ! May 2017. Triple Negative 5 year survivor Oct.