There are any number of reasons why you may be looking for a job at this juncture. Lots of people are in the same situation because of the recession. However, the same fortitude that helps you thrive from what ever condition you may be living with, can be an aid in landing a job.
The Cancer and Careers section Looking for Work is excellent and so I’d recommend starting with this site In addition to their to the excellent recommendations and suggestions, you may want to consider the following:
• If you’ve tried the 9 to 5 and it never really worked for you, maybe it’s time to rethink exactly what it is you want to do, if you can do it in another setting, such as your home, and start creating an environment that gets you closer to your goal.
• Are their things that you like to do and you might be able to charge for? Could you turn them into a job? A colleague, while undergoing chemotherapy, found that baking was a wonderful stress reducer. She would take her cookies and pies to the nurses and staff when she went for chemotherapy and it wasn’t long before some of them started placing orders. As a result she has launched her own baking business from home. At a Parkinson’s Disease conference, I met a met a number of people who started making various arts and crafts projects as a hobby and eventually launched a second career.
• Volunteer. There are many different types of positions out there, including part time and even full time. There are a number of benefits to doing this: many hire from within so if you are already involved, it gives you an edge over other applicants; it can boost your confidence and demonstrate to a perspective employer the type of value you can bring to a situation; you can find out if this is the type of work you enjoy; it can help fill in “gap periods” on your resume; and it gives you a sense of purpose.
• Consider temporary employment agencies, as well as seasonal employment.
• While it may not be the job you want and it might not be something you’d want to do for a long period of time, ask friends, family, neighbors and other community members if they could use your help in some capacity.
• Consider a Job club. A job club is a group of individuals that meet on a regular basis to support each other through the job hunting process. Efforts are strengthened by belonging to a group, rejection is shared, successes celebrated and the search for a job shortened. If there isn’t a job club in your area, consider starting one.
• Some condition specific groups, e.g. American Cancer Society, offer job coaching, employment opportunities or even job clubs. State Independent Living Centers (713-520-0232) offer assistance this area. Pick up the phone and see what’s available.
• Consider a job coach-someone that can help you find a job.
Resources
Freelancer’s Survival Guide
Sick with Success: Working with illness, or episodic disabilities can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. These articles will help you develop strategies that can help you succeed.
The Chronic Illness Career Coach
Women for Hire
Part I: If You Have a Job Resources
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