Work Tips

Hi there,

This is a big one that we hear about frequently as people transition back to work. Below are some tips/suggestions that we know to be simple and effective to get you thinking about how to manage side effects at work.

First off forget about multitasking. As hard as that may be in our super connected fast paced world, for many people managing fatigue and concentration challenges during or post-treatment successful multitasking is near impossible and very frustrating. Instead, write down a list of priorities and then turn off your email, phone and instant messenger and focus on accomplishing one thing at a time. Make sure to drill big projects down into manageable tasks for that very important feeling of accomplishment that comes with ticking things off your list.

Second, literally write everything down (from meetings to in passing ideas to people you need to follow up with to groceries), so if you forget you’ll always have a record. And keep one notebook with all your "to do" things so they are all in one place and take it everywhere so you are never scrambling without it.

In terms of your actual workspace, ban clutter and clear your desk or work area so that when you are going through tasks one by one there aren't a million distractions and you don't feel overwhelmed by all that still needs to be finished.

Third, rehearse everything from presentations to work updates and even phone calls so that you feel practiced, professional and focused.

Other things to consider, is your job flexible enough to let you ease back into the work world either by starting part-time and ramping up to full time as you get your feet under you again or by telecommuting one or two days a week for a while to eliminate the commute part of your day. Obviously, for some professions (surgeons, teachers, toll booth collectors) telecommuting isn't a feasible option so you have to think through what would be possible given your particular situation. Or, if your side effects are more debilitating do you need to look into availing yourself of any legal rights you may have. To determine what you might be eligible for I recommend you review some of our articles here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Legal-and-Financial and then call the Cancer Legal Resource Center (1-866-THE-CLRC) to discuss your specific situation.

Finally, remember to take a moment for yourself in your day, no matter how busy or how stressful. Try taking a break, with a few deep breaths to refocus or take a walk either around the office or the block.

Hope this helps!

Best,
Rebecca

Rebecca V Nellis
Director of Programs
Cancer and Careers Hi there,

This is a big one that we hear about frequently as people transition back to work. Below are some tips/suggestions that we know to be simple and effective to get you thinking about how to manage side effects at work.

First off forget about multitasking. As hard as that may be in our super connected fast paced world, for many people managing fatigue and concentration challenges during or post-treatment successful multitasking is near impossible and very frustrating. Instead, write down a list of priorities and then turn off your email, phone and instant messenger and focus on accomplishing one thing at a time. Make sure to drill big projects down into manageable tasks for that very important feeling of accomplishment that comes with ticking things off your list.

Second, literally write everything down (from meetings to in passing ideas to people you need to follow up with to groceries), so if you forget you’ll always have a record. And keep one notebook with all your "to do" things so they are all in one place and take it everywhere so you are never scrambling without it.

In terms of your actual workspace, ban clutter and clear your desk or work area so that when you are going through tasks one by one there aren't a million distractions and you don't feel overwhelmed by all that still needs to be finished.

Third, rehearse everything from presentations to work updates and even phone calls so that you feel practiced, professional and focused.

Other things to consider, is your job flexible enough to let you ease back into the work world either by starting part-time and ramping up to full time as you get your feet under you again or by telecommuting one or two days a week for a while to eliminate the commute part of your day. Obviously, for some professions (surgeons, teachers, toll booth collectors) telecommuting isn't a feasible option so you have to think through what would be possible given your particular situation. Or, if your side effects are more debilitating do you need to look into availing yourself of any legal rights you may have. To determine what you might be eligible for I recommend you review some of our articles here: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/Legal-and-Financial and then call the Cancer Legal Resource Center (1-866-THE-CLRC) to discuss your specific situation.

Finally, remember to take a moment for yourself in your day, no matter how busy or how stressful. Try taking a break, with a few deep breaths to refocus or take a walk either around the office or the block.

Hope this helps!

Best,
Rebecca

Rebecca V Nellis
Director of Programs
Cancer and Careers