Return To Work Matters interviewed cancer survivor and Cancer Voices Australia executive director John Stubbs about getting back to work after cancer treatment.

In your talk at the People and Work Conference you mentioned the "boost" you got from getting back to work. Can you describe that feeling of returning to employment after a period without working?

There were two issues here. Prior to my transplant I was promised much by some people but they never delivered. There was always the excuse, Are you sure you're ready? Won't this be too much for you? So...

To get back into the workforce I decided to do some voluntary work: local Chamber of Commerce, hospital, and then the Leukaemia Foundation. It was to test my skills, confidence, (very low due to body image) and ability to react to situations. So it was small steps, but it worked and then I was asked to do paid work. That was the catalyst for me and suddenly your worth can be measured. I was one of the pack and not one to be ‘pitied'. Receiving a wage puts you in a definite place/space and others look at and regard you differently.

For how long were you not working as a result of your cancer treatment? What did you miss most about working?

I was on insurance benefits for 12 months prior to my transplant and undergoing treatment, and it took me 12 months to recover – so for two years I had no real work contacts/involvement. We owned a café and catering company and [I missed] the daily interaction with the clients, staff, the buzz of a busy café, the noise and the smells – just the idea of being with food and family was ideal.

Did you feel that, after a period of not working, you had lost any confidence in your ability to work and if so how did you overcome that?

Yes, of course. There is a two-year gap in your CV and so you explain what happened. You get strange looks, concerned statements and the ‘We'll call you later'. I had lost condition, muscle tone and I did not like my eyes. A strange but small thing, but I did not like my photo taken. So, I read a lot, talked with friends, attended ‘back to work sessions' and got some new clothes that better fitted my leaner frame. Humour too remained an integral part of the process.

How important do you think it is in the recovery process (which can encompass the physical and the mental) to return to work?

In our society you are measured by your job, your attitude, your positiveness. So you are asked, What do you do?, and then follows a lengthy process of engagement to explain what has happened. People are not interested and they move on. Having a job, a title, makes a difference and provides a framework for interaction and discussion. It makes other people feel confident too.

What were some of the biggest challenges in getting back into employment?

When going through a cancer experience you have all the systems and support networks in place so if there is an issue or problem, you are ‘yanked' back into the health system. Once you are ‘cured' or over treatment you are on your own. There are no systems, signposts to assist – you are somewhat alone and that is frightening. Dealing with government authorities is demeaning and unless you fit into a ‘box' there is not much they can do.

Hence I have been engaged in the psycho-social aspects for patients, their carers and partners, because they too are affected during the ‘journey'. Assistance is required.

Unlike your hospital and the treatment regime, there is no one-stop shop to assist you. Finding the appropriate information, getting to know a previously unknown world (government bureaucracy, banks, financial costs etc) is trying and exhausting.

What assisted you the most in the return to work process?

Using the positives from my experience; no blame game – what about me!

Being honest. I have good accounting skills, I am a people person, and you can use these qualities. Often charities and foundations are a good start as they understand. Getting the chance to explain your situation face-to-face also helps.

Getting a good, short and ‘different' resume can make a difference.

Could you offer any advice for someone trying to get back into work after not having worked for some time due to an illness?

Unfortunately you will have to lower your goals and expectations. It is doubtful if you could get your old job back as people will be worried about your ability to cope and operate as before. As I said above, volunteer work initially can be of benefit. You can talk and interact with people who have no expectations of you and can lend a sympathetic ear.

Perhaps there is a support group for your particular cancer type and you can offer advice etc. But be careful – they can be very depressing.

Don't try and dwell on the whole cancer experience. Use it as a positive and relate those positives back to daily life situations.

[Click here to check out the Cancer Voices Australia website.]