Job search after thyroid cancer and medical problems?

Question

I'm a 25 year old female. In the past year I've had a lot of medical problems that have made me an unreliable worker. It all started when I was diagnosed with adult onset asthma. It took a while to diagnose because we thought it was bronchitis at first. Later I ended up have medical problems from carbon monoxide poisoning. Then I was discovered to have thyroid cancer. I had surgery to have my thyroid removed and I had radioactive iodine treatment. I still have some cancer left in some lymph nodes but my doctors are taking a wait and see approach since thyroid cancer is slow growing with very low mortality.  

Long story short, I used to work as a substitute para professional in schools. I had to stop substituting because my doctor appoints made me an unreliable substitute plus I needed time to recover. I also worked part time at a fast food place. We got a new manager who (among many other problems) decided to force me to quit because he didn't want to deal with someone who has to go to the doctor all the time. Other problems with this manager were that he made racist, sexist, and homophobic comments. Also, he was not properly trained in how to be a manager and didn't know how to do his job. He was sort of thrown hap hazardously into the position. Anyway, once he realized my health problems and thyroid cancer diagnosis will be a long standing problem, he dramatically cut my hours to force me to leave. I was going to just give my two weeks notice and quit, but was treated so badly that I quit without notice.

How should I go about getting a new job? My surgery scar is on my neck in a very visible place (above neck line of shirts) so I would probably have to explain it some how. I have been covering it with a skin colored silicon patch to try to make it less noticeable but even complete strangers ask me about it. How do I explain the scar? Cancer tends to make employers not want to hire a person after all..... Also, since I still have some cancer in my body I might have to have more treatment in the future. I do I handle that?

Also, even though I would get a bad review from the manager I walked away from, the manager before him would give me a great review, so I plan on using him as a reference instead.

I am also trying to go back to school to be a science teacher so I need a job that is flexible with a class schedule.

Long story short, how do you get a job when you have a visible cancer scar and had to leave you last job because of complicating situations due to health problems? I really need money. I'm not married and support myself. I need money for medical bills.

? · Accepted Answer

Potential employers cannot ask about your health, and you don't have to tell them anything.  If anyone notices your scar, it's not a big deal.  Everyone has a history!  Take it one day at a time and don't worry that you might need more treatment in the future.

april · Answer

That sounds more like a story you're trying to create than the story of your life. I know 3 that's had thyroid cancer and shortly after treatment, back to work. Dr's appts for thyroid cancer isn't so time consuming as to intrude upon your work life. The scar isn't even obvious after it heals, so there's no explaining to do, unless, of course, you point it out to every Tom, Dick and Harry you walk by. The other info you've put in this rant has nothing to do with cancer or your lack of a job.
If I was able to work, my boss would take me back this second.

Oh and my niece, who had thyroid cancer and is an emt, went back to work and is also taking classes...

Use this to get a new job: degree in astronomy-physics and a minor in math from a private liberal arts college...

kristi · Answer

Your medical history should not effect your employment search. Employers are not allowed to ask about that, or if you were a reliable employee. You should be just fine even using your past employers as a reference. But call them first to get an idea of how they feel. The only thing that an employer can ask about your condition is are you able to lift this or that much, can you perform this requirement.

frigge · Answer

Actually I can see how that would paintings, most effective along a well nutrition although. Cancer is a regularly developing monster. Drastically reducing your meals consumption would result in cells which can be consistently traumatic extra assets to die. It's infrequently a medication however it would support.

? · Answer

We often see hypothyroid symptoms totally reversed when commits to a plan that supports balance through nutrition and daily self-care. Learn here https://tr.im/eWjGE

Consume foods naturally high in B vitamins, such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and iodine (fish, seaweed, vegetables and root vegetables).
Exercise daily, at least 30–60 minutes per day, 4–5 times a week.
Practice deep breathing and other techniques that trigger the “relaxation response” – such as meditation and guided visualization.

Tony · Answer

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Job search after thyroid cancer and medical problems?

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