I just found out about a job i would be good fit at my old coworkers company as well a place my old boss is the CEO.

Anonymous

December 19,2023 at 7:58PM UTC

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I just found out about a job i would be good fit at my old coworkers company as well a place my old boss is the CEO. They are likely very interested in hiring me on to replace a director that was recently let go. I know many people in the past from my previous role at the company so I think I have a good chance at getting the job. Sadly just yesterday I also found out that I was diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast cancer. This will require some treatment/surgery in January and likely sometime off for a couple of weeks and then I expect work for home for several weeks after that. The role would be remote so after the initial couple of weeks off I would be able to other than no travel be able to do the role. Thoughts on being open and disclosing this to the company and people I know during the potential interviews or is it ok to wait until I am sure it is totally a good fit and close to be offered the role.

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AnonymousDecember 19,2023 at 8:27PM UTC
I would wait until the offer stage.
Kim PfeifferDecember 20,2023 at 7:09PM UTC
I wouldn't.
AnonymousDecember 19,2023 at 8:41PM UTC
Stage 1 BC means it was caught early (I was 2b) and unless it is triple negative or they think you need a mastectomy, bouncing back may be easier than you expect. Take a deep breath and please research alternative treatments as well, b/c the cancer 'industry' will push you aggressively, with guilt trips and fear, into treatments you may not need and/or are quite toxic to your body and cause cancer to return, when there are alternatives that do not make them money.
If you are able to work from home, then you may be still be able to jump into the role during your recovery. I did have a single mastectomy/reconstruction and both times I was able to start working from home within days as I had accounting deadlines as a business manager without backup. I did, however, decline any further 'treatment' such as chemo and hormone blocking drugs, against recommendation and went 'healthy' and so far so good 3 years later. I looked at Chris Beat Cancer first for guidance.
AnonymousDecember 19,2023 at 9:14PM UTC
I wouldn't say anything at all.
Go for the job. You may not even be offered the role or even start until after your couple of weeks off from surgery. Companies seem to be taking a very long time to bring someone on these days, especially since it is the holidays. For you, that's an advantage!
AnonymousDecember 19,2023 at 9:51PM UTC
I was diagnosed with the same stage of breast cancer right before starting a job long ago.
Went to my first mammogram: surprise!!!! That was 2016, actually 12/23 I had tumor surgery. 7 years! Wow--
Anyway, Just be honest. Thru know you so you aren't a stranger. You want the role. I had radiation on my lunch hour every day for a month- i simply fit it in.
Not like you asked for this!!! Timing is a pain, isn't it? I'd say it's perfect timing (well, considering....) because starting out can be a bit slow. They know you and your abilities. Working helped me but do get RR.
You got this!!! Congrats on job and sending good health to you!!!
JJDecember 19,2023 at 11:01PM UTC
I am sorry and I wish you great health in 2024.
Annetta MosesDecember 20,2023 at 2:48AM UTC
Apply and see if you get an offer. If you get an offer, disclose and negotiate for the time and work situation you need to deal with your health condition.
Paulla Fetzek, MSEdDecember 20,2023 at 2:12PM UTC
I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and I'm sending you healing wishes.
I've never had cancer and cannot imagine what you're facing. But, I do have other medical issues and I've always been up front with my work about them.
I believe it's going to come down to how you personally feel about revealing the information or not. You don't have to discuss it in an interview.
In fact, in most states you could wait until you're about to start whatever treatment first before you say something. Waiting until you feel you're a right fit sounds like a great idea. The other aspects of this position are already familiar to you and should make your next battles a bit easier I hope.
AnonymousDecember 20,2023 at 4:30PM UTC
Firstly glad you caught it early. There is life after getting that terrible news, as a survivor who worked through something similar I know. Go through the interview process and when and if hired then you can decide how to communicate your situation and the need for some accommodations to take time for doctor visits as needed. It is not necessary to disclose this now and I would not suggest even doing so after getting hired unless you have to take ample time away. Sit down with your medical experts and preplan on calendar all the things you will need to tackle and make those the ultimate priority for yourself even if there are work conflicts.
Kim PfeifferDecember 20,2023 at 4:56PM UTC
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
AnonymousDecember 21,2023 at 1:33PM UTC
First off, my thoughts are with you concerning your diagnosis. I pray this is just a detour and you are back to your normal day to day in no time.
In saying that, I feel that how urgent is this position for the other company? Do they need someone to immediately step in and hit the ground running. If they do, is it going to be too much stress on you dealing with doctors appointments AND trying to learn a new position. Even if it is a similar job, a new company will always have different ways of doing things.
If it is determined that you will need extended time off, until you have been at your job a year, you will not be eligible for FMLA. Just keep that in mind before.
If this is your old boss and old coworker, I feel like you have a history with them and could be honest about it. I would just hate for you to get in there an them expect more out of you than you can give.
Regardless of the treatment, the mental toll that this can have on you is tough. Adding a new position will could make it worse.