Go back to work now, or later?

[cytoglycerine]

Hello, friends!


This is a job-search dilemma thread, however I just need to give a little bit of side info to put the dilemma into context...This is a long post, I apologize, but if you do read it and comment, it would mean a lot to me


As most of you know, I am currently battling thyroid cancer, but today I got really great news from my endocrinologist. I had my entire thyroid, along with the tumor, removed in late January, and I had my appointment today to get the final pathology reports. It turns out that my cancer was completely contained within the original tumor, and there is no evidence of any spread to any nerves, lymph nodes, or anywhere else in my body...In short, they "got it all" during surgery...Hooray!!! ;D So now all I have to do is one round of radioactive iodine therapy (just to kill any remaining thyroid cells that may have been left behind during surgery), which has been scheduled for the end of March, and then I should be all better...Okay that's half of the story, and now for the other half...


I am currently unemployed. This is the result of a long chain of planned events, which I will sum up quickly...I worked at a company for over 6 years, and left there in Dec 2009 to pursue a different line of work...I got the new job with a 6 month contract (Jan-Jul 2010), and was offered a promotion to a permanent position at the end of the contract, however, the job just wasn't for me, and I decided to go back to College to finish my long-lost diploma from years past. So the contract expired in Jul 2010, and I went back to school full-time in September 2010. I had originally planned on not working while going to school, then jumping back into the job market in Jan 2011 (I only needed to do one semester to complete my diploma), but obviously the cancer had different plans for me...So I've just been not working now while going thru surgery, and waiting on radiation, etc....


Okay now that I've set the scene (if you're still with me and haven't turned your attention elsewhere, thanks for your perseverance!!), here is the dilemma...Should I try to find a job right now, or wait until after the radiation is done? I've compiled a short list of pro's and con's, and I'd like it if you guys could give me your opinions as neutral 3rd parties.



PROS (Reasons to get a job now)


1. I truly, truly miss the routine of work...Sitting around at home all day has gotten old. I'm very eager to get back to work.


2. I've already been out of the job market for 6 months, and I think that's bad enough. I'd rather try to find a job with only a 6 month gap on my resume rather than an 8 or 9 month gap, even though the gap is completely explainable.


3. Hubby makes good money, but it's not quite enough to support us both indefinitely without major lifestyle changes. We saved up a ton of money for me to go back to school and stop working, and we've still got more than half of it available to us...But the idea of drawing from savings every month wigs me out (and always has).


4. There is a drug available that would render Con #1 below a moot point...But the drug costs $1500 (I have no drug coverage, would have to pay for it out of pocket), and I would have to make the decision no later than March 1st.



CONS (Reasons to wait until after radiation to get a job)


1. I have to stop taking my thyroid medication 3 wks before the radiation, and can't start taking it again until 2 wks after...During this time, I may be very very tired, and not even have enough energy to get out of bed, let alone get to work.


2. To do the radiation therapy, I have to remain quarantined in the hospital for 3 days. Since I already have the date, I know all three days are weekdays...So I would have to tell this to any prospective employer at the time of a job offer (or possibly before??) because I wouldn't want to just spring it on them at the last minute...I worry that tipping my hand about my "medical issues" early in the interview process would really hurt my chances at employment, especially if the interviewer doesn't understand how NOT fatal my condition is. They might not want to hire me just because they think I might drop dead next week.


3. Although drawing from savings every month DOES freak me out, at the current withdrawal rate, I have enough savings specifically set aside for this bout of unemployment to last for another year. If I make major cutbacks, I can squeeze out another 18-24 months. If hubby picks up extra shifts, it could theoretically last 36 months. We're not immediately starving for cash by any stretch of the imagination.



For those still with me, thank you again!! I honestly can't decide right now what's best for me, but I am leaning towards "look for a job now"...I really want to go back to work because of how bored I am. My husband thinks I should wait until after the radiation, but I think maybe he's just being protective of me...And I also think he enjoys eating all the cupcakes I bake for him while I'm bored lol!


What do you guys think? What would you do if you were in my position?


Thanks in advance for your comments

[Deleted]

Congratulations!

How long does it take typically take you to go through the interview process once you've been called in? I'm just wondering because it seems like it takes weeks for DH and our friends - multiple interviews, offers, counteroffers, and then a start date.

[whoisjohngalt]

So, here is the thing - I read your post until your pros/cons list, either bc I am too lazy or bc wanted to give you my "raw" thoughts.

In "my" experience, people are not very understanding when a newbie shows up and then takes time off, or have altered schedule or whatever else and I am guessing going through radiation, you would not be able to do regular 9-5. For that reason alone, I would wait until you are done. Another reason I would wait is bc for at least now, it sounds like you can just sit home and relax and I think after what you've gone through, you need it and DESERVE IT. (I rarely think people deserve anything )

So, if you can afford it, I would wait.

Lena

[cytoglycerine]

Feb 9, 2011 16:41:36 GMT -5 @anne81 said:

Congratulations!

How long does it take typically take you to go through the interview process once you've been called in? I'm just wondering because it seems like it takes weeks for DH and our friends - multiple interviews, offers, counteroffers, and then a start date.

Thanks!


It's always been pretty quick for me...It's never been more than 2 weeks from the time I get the first phone call, to the time I'm offered the position, and usually it's less than 2 weeks. My last job was only 2.5 business days between the first call and the offer. I plan on looking for a similar job in the same industry, so I anticipate the process to be pretty quick once I get that magical first phone call.

[thyme4change]

I would also vote for waiting. You don't want to start a job as "the new girl with cancer."

However, I don't know what your expected job search timing is. If you are heavily connected and can make a couple phone calls and people will jump to get you - then you can wait. But, if you have to begin the process from a cold start, you may as well start looking, because the average time to get a job isn't what is was 5 years ago. I didn't see the date you are having radiation, but if it is in March, that doesn't give you much time. You could easily be interviewing and what not. You could just tell your future employer that due to personal reasons you won't be able to start until {{blank}} date.

[cytoglycerine]

Feb 9, 2011 16:43:32 GMT -5 whoisjohngalt said:

In "my" experience, people are not very understanding when a newbie shows up and then takes time off, or have altered schedule or whatever else and I am guessing going through radiation, you would not be able to do regular 9-5.

This is basically what I put for my Cons #1 & #2 combined.

Feb 9, 2011 16:43:32 GMT -5 whoisjohngalt said:

Another reason I would wait is bc for at least now, it sounds like you can just sit home and relax and I think after what you've gone through, you need it and DESERVE IT. (I rarely think people deserve anything )

So, if you can afford it, I would wait.

Pro #1 that I put down was that I REALLY want to go back to work. I'm so bored from just sitting at home relaxing lol!! I've been doing it for 2 months now!


So basically it's a battle between my going stir crazy and wanting to get out, and my fear of being shunned by employers/coworkers who don't want to accommodate my issues.

[Deleted]

So basically it's a battle between my going stir crazy and wanting to get out, and my fear of being shunned by employers/coworkers who don't want to accommodate my issues.

Read more: notmsnmoney.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=finance&action=display&thread=3151#ixzz1DV9iwIaD

Is there anything you can do to update your skills in your field? Read journals, learn a new program, join a networking or business group.

[cytoglycerine]

Feb 9, 2011 16:51:42 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

I would also vote for waiting. You don't want to start a job as "the new girl with cancer."

However, I don't know what your expected job search timing is. If you are heavily connected and can make a couple phone calls and people will jump to get you - then you can wait. But, if you have to begin the process from a cold start, you may as well start looking, because the average time to get a job isn't what is was 5 years ago. I didn't see the date you are having radiation, but if it is in March, that doesn't give you much time. You could easily be interviewing and what not. You could just tell your future employer that due to personal reasons you won't be able to start until {{blank}} date.

Yeah that's what my husband said - the thing about being "the new girl with cancer". I don't think I much like that idea either, although it all would depend on how others react to it.


I've always had a really quick turnaround in getting a new job when I've put the proper effort into it. Most recently (December 2009), I found a job after only about 6 weeks of semi-serious effort. I don't live in the USA (I live in Canada) and my city's job market didn't get reamed anywhere near as badly as our American counterparts. It may very well take 5 months for me to find a job, which would be fine, because then all the cancer stuff will be ancient history...I'm more worried it's only going to take 5 days, and then the cancer stuff would be very relevant. I admit that is very optimistic thinking, that seems to be how things always go for me.

[cytoglycerine]

Feb 9, 2011 16:59:57 GMT -5 @anne81 said:

So basically it's a battle between my going stir crazy and wanting to get out, and my fear of being shunned by employers/coworkers who don't want to accommodate my issues.

Read more: notmsnmoney.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=finance&action=display&thread=3151#ixzz1DV9iwIaD

Is there anything you can do to update your skills in your field? Read journals, learn a new program, join a networking or business group.

I'm planning on starting a post-graduate certificate program on a part-time basis in May. I wanted to start it in January, but the courses only run in the summer and fall semesters, not in the winter.

[whoisjohngalt]

I guess I should have read your entire post. Sorry!!!

I would still wait, though. First impressions/reputations are very hard to break. I don't know what your profession is, but you are a pretty good writer, start a blog or something, just for pure amusement. Or volunteer or something. Or may be do some things that you won't be able to once you start working again.

Or if you REALLY want to get a job now, either tell them that you'll start later or find out if you can start PT.

I think I am out of ideas now.

Lena

[sil]

Cyto - that's wonderful news!

Not sure from your post, did you finish your degree? If not, I'd guess I would make that goal #2 (focusing on your continued recovery is obviously goal #1)

If you are done with school , how about dipping your toe back in the work pool before making a cannonball? You could work part time to alleviate the boredom, fill in part of the resume gap, and add some cash to the kitty, while also taking some time to focus on your rest and recovery. Better yet, how about interning or even volunteering part time in a career area that has always interested you but that you never could interrupt your regular job in order to explore?

[cytoglycerine]

Feb 9, 2011 17:09:53 GMT -5 whoisjohngalt said:

I guess I should have read your entire post. Sorry!!!

I would still wait, though. First impressions/reputations are very hard to break. I don't know what your profession is, but you are a pretty good writer, start a blog or something, just for pure amusement. Or volunteer or something. Or may be do some things that you won't be able to once you start working again.

Or if you REALLY want to get a job now, either tell them that you'll start later or find out if you can start PT.

I think I am out of ideas now.

Lena

Hahah no worries! I knew people would probably skim through it because it's so long!


Thanks for the ego boost! Would you believe I'm actually an accountant by profession? My psychology professor told me I'm the most creative accountant he's ever met! LOL! I enjoy writing when I have something interesting to say, but I'm not so sure I could come up with enough to fill up a blog...And to be honest, I don't even really know how blogs work, or where to get one!!


I've given serious thought to trying to find one of those "part-time leading to full time" jobs, you know where it's part time for 3 or 6 or 12 months or whatever, then it becomes a full time job after that. I think that would maybe be a good way to get back into the working world "one step at a time" instead of just jumping back in full force.

[thyme4change]

My psychology professor told me I'm the most creative accountant he's ever met!

I guess he never met any of the Enron or Worldcom guys.

[cytoglycerine]

Feb 9, 2011 17:10:18 GMT -5 sil said:

Cyto - that's wonderful news!

Not sure from your post, did you finish your degree? If not, I'd guess I would make that goal #2 (focusing on your continued recovery is obviously goal #1)

If you are done with school , how about dipping your toe back in the work pool before making a cannonball? You could work part time to alleviate the boredom, fill in part of the resume gap, and add some cash to the kitty, while also taking some time to focus on your rest and recovery. Better yet, how about interning or even volunteering part time in a career area that has always interested you but that you never could interrupt your regular job in order to explore?

Hmm you're right, I wasn't very clear on the College thing, was I?? But yes, I did finish...I received the cancer diagnosis two weeks before my last exam (that made exam time REAL fun but I made it thru - and got straight A-pluses!!).


I like the part-time idea...There just aren't as many of them as there are full time jobs. In some ways, it may actually be harder for me to find a part-time job (in my field) than a full time one! lol...But definitely an avenue I'm going to explore.

[cytoglycerine]

Feb 9, 2011 17:26:57 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

My psychology professor told me I'm the most creative accountant he's ever met!

I guess he never met any of the Enron or Worldcom guys.

[Peace77]

Have you considered doing any temp work?

You can take short assignments and don't have to give any explanations why you don't want to take more. Just say no thanks.

If you do get a job before your treatment is complete, you don't have to explain the reason for your absence. Just explain when you accept the job that you have previous plans for those 3 days.

My DH did that once when he had already paid to attend a conference and then was hired at a new job.

[Jake 48]

Congratulations on successful surgery, I would wait till the radiation part is done and your feeling 100% before going back to looking for full time work. you stated you planned for this financially, so if I understand you correctly it is the boredom. I think temp work with short assignments would be the way to go to save your sanity and DH's waistline, kudos for him being so protective and supportive and karma for you

[Deleted]

First congrats.

Second, if my wife was in your shoes and we could afford it (seems like you can) I would say wait. Take classes if you can or do other things to keep your skills up to date but don't rush back to work.

Your health is the #1 priority. Heck even if we couldn't afford it, I would give up alot to make sure she could focus on her health and getting better.

[cytoglycerine]

Feb 9, 2011 21:00:20 GMT -5 Jake 48 said:

Congratulations on successful surgery, I would wait till the radiation part is done and your feeling 100% before going back to looking for full time work. you stated you planned for this financially, so if I understand you correctly it is the boredom. I think temp work with short assignments would be the way to go to save your sanity and DH's waistline, kudos for him being so protective and supportive and karma for you

Thanks for the karma!!


And yes, the boredom is by far my #1 reason for wanting to get back to work. The money situation worries me too (mostly just because I'm practically obsessive compulsive when it comes to saving lol) but it definitely is not my main motivation.

Feb 9, 2011 21:07:45 GMT -5 TheHaitian said:

First congrats.

Second, if my wife was in your shoes and we could afford it (seems like you can) I would say wait. Take classes if you can or do other things to keep your skills up to date but don't rush back to work.

Your health is the #1 priority. Heck even if we couldn't afford it, I would give up alot to make sure she could focus on her health and getting better.

Aww, that's really sweet My husband has pretty much told me the same thing - He's here to take care of me, and to stop worrying so much about everything, and just get better.

[Colleenz]

I would wait until the treatment is done for all the reasons mentioned. To cure the boredome you could volunteer in the mean time. The food pantries here are always looking for another set of hands to help sort and pack boxes. Congratulations on the wonderful medical news.

[Deleted]

"He's here to take care of me, and to stop worrying so much about everything, and just get better. "

Exactly. Enjoy it while you can. The temp work sounds like an idea and another is to do some volunteer work. I don't know if you can do any in your field but that is how I was able to actually change fields (and later make more money . Helping out with your trade organization is another way to volunteer and network at the same time.

Congratulations and good luck!

[kittycat]

definitely wait until after the recovery and never tell anyone at your new job about your cancer. not even your new best friend. they will get rid of you in a snap if they find out. anyway, without the medicine you will be too tired to do anything.

[cytoglycerine]

Feb 12, 2011 17:11:49 GMT -5 kittycat said:

definitely wait until after the recovery and never tell anyone at your new job about your cancer. not even your new best friend. they will get rid of you in a snap if they find out. anyway, without the medicine you will be too tired to do anything.

Sorry Kitty, just saw your response now...Just wondering why you think they would fire me right away if they knew I had cancer in the past?

[Frugal Nurse]

I would wait. Most people don't realize how hard the recovery from cancer treatment is. It is better to do your radiation and not have a work schedule nagging at you, than to be worried about losing your job. I also know that cancer patients do tend to get stir-crazy and anxious to get back to a normal life, so have you thought about doing volunteer work while you're off? That way you are being productive with your time, but if you aren't feeling well enough to fulfill your commitment, you aren't going to be worried about getting fired.

[bean29]

Hi Cytoglycerine,

Glad to hear your surgery went well. I had the same surgery several years ago. When I had the radiation therapy, I was not confined to the hospital. I was able to spend my days at home. I do not remember not taking the synthroid, but I am sure it was the same. I know I had an interview on about day 4 after my radiation treatment. It was ok'd by my Dr's.

I would say that normally interviewing doesn't result in an immediate job offer, but my current job did ask me to start almost immediately. I would have preferred to wait a few weeks too.

Since I was at home, I did a few phone interviews while I was "under house arrest". I just indicated I had a conflict until x day. It was only a few days I was not allowed to go out of the house. I did not indicate to anyone that I had cancer or was in any way not healthy. I was afraid that they would screen me out. In the US employers are worried about the burden your poor health might add to their health insurance costs. It might not be as big a concern in Canada as they have insurance paid for by the tax base. Now that I am employed I don't hide it from anyone as I don't feel it interferes with my work at all.

[cytoglycerine]

Bean - thanks for the reply. I think I remember you telling me about you being in the same boat at some point in the past...Maybe back when we were at MSN, and I first told everyone about the cancer?


As for the employment/health care thing, I thought maybe that's what the other poster was getting at...But you're right, it's not really an issue where I live. Most companies offer health benefits (drugs/vision/dental) to their employees, while basic health care is provided by the govt, but as far as I know, with employer coverage, you can't be denied coverage or even charged extra for pre-existing conditions. At my last job with benefits, there were only three options, with 3 corresponding static prices - You could cover yourself, cover your family (you, your spouse and all your children), or go without coverage (obviously no cost). They didn't even ask you about pre-existing conditions on the sign-up form. Just name, employee info, and what type of coverage you want.