WAnting to back to work what are the odds of getting a good job after 10 years on disability?

Question

Ok this i mainly for business owner or manager but any help would be appreciated.

Recently I've been thinking about trying to get back into the work force, but here's the catch for the last 10 years I've been fighting Liver and Pancreatic cancer. The Tumors are now stable and my medications are making the side effect manageable. I know there are some limitations to the type of work I could do but I think I could handle any type of computer related job or customer service, even retail would be ok if they would let me use a power wheelchair since I can't stand for long periods of time any more. I have fairly good upper body strength but since my cancer is still active what are the chances I could get hired? I'd be willing to go back to school to get any certification I'd need. And how do I list my status for the last decade on my resume?

Answer 1

A few things first what did you do it the past is their a way to leverage that for your new job.  check with places that deal with cancer in your area Amer. cancer soc. ect.  They may be the most understanding.  and you could have more of an in as a person with cancer.  Or as a person who works in a hospital as a person who helps people get acclimated and runs a cancer support group  check with vocational rehabilitation in your state to see if you qualify for money to get retrained and what getting a job will do to your benefits I am a career coach for persons with disabilities if you want to get in touch e-mail me [e-mail] and I can give you more information

Answer 2

Go to a staffing agency so they can fit you according to your needs  

Answer 3

Contact your local vocational rehabilitation department.  Vocational rehabilitation is a government funded agency whose sole purpose is helping people with disabilities gain and maintain employment.  They will work with you on establishing realistic career goals and help you with any resources you may need in order to go back to work (i.e. education, transportation, rehab, etc.)

Answer 4

you can not be discriminated against as long as you can perform the essential duties of the job. if you need reasonable accommodation that must be provided for you.

for info about disability discrimination and the protections afforded under ADA:

http://www.eeoc.gov

if you are on social security disability or SSI there are programs to assist you in the transition. you will be able to work and keep your full benefits for 9 months to see if you are able to handle a job again.

for info on SSDI and SSI go to: http://www.ssa.gov

if you are on LTD insurance they all have similar programs to assist you in the transition.

as far as a resume you do not have to mention it but you should in a cover letter. there are incentives for employers to hire those with disabilities so this illness does not need to be an impediment to your work future.  

good luck with your continued battle.................

if you do mention this in a resume you need to do so while showing how it has made you a better potential employee.

i can only imagine what the last 10 years have been like for you but i imagine that you must have great time management skills, are able to adapt and work under pressure, committed to a goal, have good communication skills, great work-ethic, the ability to plan and follow up on the plan etcetera. all qualities that any employer would desire in all their employees.

remember a resume is a highlight film not a documentary.......

and a cover letter can be your best friend.