Finding a Job at a Time Like This

Working feels essential to living a normal life. I enjoy leaving the house and doing something fulfilling with my time. Having something to spend time on that doesn't concern cancer is also nice.

I applied on a whim for my current job and got it pretty quickly. I loved it at first: the location was convenient, the pay was sufficient, and I got along with the people I worked with. That is, until the location where I worked closed, we merged with another location.

After the merge, my job description and pay changed. This has proven to be challenging to manage. Now, I'm in the market for a new job. The job search has been pretty tough, though.

Looking for a new job with stage 4 cancer

I'm trying to focus on things I can do as a disabled person. This is really tricky. The world isn't built for people like me, and that has been made abundantly clear as of late. I'm also focusing on things I'm good at, especially with my background as a hairstylist.

Accommodations required

The accommodations I need to carry out my work are being able to sit and take more frequent breaks. These accommodations sound small, but are helpful for me. I also want flexibility within my schedule, as we are a one-car family. I need to get my kiddo home from school and my wife home from work.

I wish it could be as easy as getting behind the stylist chair again. I have a rod in my right arm, making it impossible to lift my elbow to give haircuts and blow dries properly. The job is hard on the body and can be incredibly taxing. Cancer makes me more tired than the average person, which is difficult. Being on my feet for 6 to 12 hours a day is a lot for this cancer bod!

Hoping for a remote position

Finding any remote work, especially in the area I live in, has also been difficult. There aren't many things I can put my project management degree forward for in Arizona. That was more of a tech dream in Seattle. I was working on my project management degree when I was diagnosed and finished it. That is also a factor because I have no job experience in the project management field, just educational experience.

Job search essentials

So it's back to the job hunt, and I'm not finding much of anything. I am looking primarily in hospitality, as my background is predominantly in the customer service industry. I love working with guests to cultivate a beautifully memorable experience.

Highlight your skills

Keeping a neat resume has been key. Highlighting my skills in all aspects has proven to be a plus in interviews. My strengths are being detail-oriented, quick-thinking, and highly organized. Having over 10 years of experience in customer service doesn't hurt either!

Dress the part

I have an interview outfit that has been nice to have and makes me feel and look good. I have a nice button-up tunic shirt, and pair it with some thicker leggings. The details are in the accessories, and I love making them pop. Bolo ties are my absolute favorite! All of these interviews have been good practice when I hope to find something that sticks.

Stay positive

It is important not to get discouraged. However, it's hard to stay positive when you get frequent rejections from the jobs you're applying to.

Keeping a positive mindset by remembering the skills I can bring to the job has kept me from wondering why I didn't get a job offer. If I keep at it, I will find something that is a great fit for me, my life, and my family.