OncoWork
Do not quit your job if you want and can work
Women with breast cancer often worry that they will have to quit working or that they won’t be able to resume their professional duties during or after treatment. For many patients working during treatment may be beneficial and daily tasks could be exactly what they need to take their mind off their health issues and to provide a stable and seemingly normal routine that is so needed during treatments.
If you feel that you can manage, keep working.
A professional routine, focusing on tasks, entices to stay active and reduces the disease related anxiety. If you are not sure how exhausting your treatment is going to be and whether you will be able to work during that time, ask your physician.
Do not think that this is the end of your professional career. It might be just a chapter in your life. The chances of you returning to work in top shape are pretty high. You might need or want to make a career change. It could be a good idea to talk to a career coach.
What is career coaching?
Career coaching is a tool to consciously shape your career.
It consists of meetings with a professional who can help you plan your return to work or a job change, as well as teach you how to cope with your daily professional tasks.
Coaching will help you view your career from a different angle.
The coach will help you work with what you already have. They will help you discover your professional potential, your strengths and skills. They will also help you set an objective, motivate you to take action, and assist and support you during the process.
How can coaching help?
It:
- Answers to the question: what’s next?
- Helps deciding what career, aligned with your values, to choose or whether to continue the current one
- Allows to plan a career change and consciously manage it
- Determines your expectations and new professional goals
- Strengthens your motivation to change jobs or professions
Did you know that…?
- Around 33% of women after total axillary lymph node removal and nearly 3% of women with only the sentinel node removed experience lymphoedema. Unfortunately, around about five years after surgery the problem is already reported by between 43% and 94% of women.
- The risk of lymphoedema is about 25% higher in married than in single women. Researchers suggests that it might be caused by routine daily chores and looking after children.
