How Can I Navigate Career Challenges After Cancer and Find a Role That Fits My Skills?

Hi,

My name is Ravi, and I am currently working as a Coordinator. Last year, I was diagnosed with Blood Cancer, which has been treated now. The doctors say that I do not show any signs of it anymore.

My problem is: I am basically from HR (MBA HR - passed in 1999) but never got a chance to serve in HR. I have been in Operations for the past 8 years and have done relatively well for myself. However, ever since I lost my job due to the chemotherapy sessions and other issues related to the treatment, I have tried at many places to get a position that could justify my experience, but to no avail. Everywhere I went, they asked the same questions, "why did you leave your previous organization?" and "why is there a gap in your employment?" When I tell them that I had cancer and that I am currently fit to work, they cite some excuse and never come back. I was last designated as a Senior Project Coordinator (working as a Project Manager) and have a very good track record. In fact, I was also given a letter of recommendation by my US employer (ViaLanguage Inc., USA - I have attached a copy of the same here.)

I am currently employed in the same organization that I was working for before getting diagnosed with cancer. My concern is that since the client I was working for is no longer with my company (ViaLanguage Inc, USA), I have been given a different role, that of a Marketing Services Coordinator. My CEO believes that I can handle this new job well. I have been in this job for a month now. However, I find that I am not justifying the faith reposed in me by my CEO and the company, and in fact, I have been feeling bad about it for some time now.

I want to be an asset to the company, as I have always been. Being in a role that is not my expertise is making me reconsider. I am very strong in Team Building and management, including motivating the team, coordination of various tasks, Time Management, understanding requirements, and Client Interaction, and would like to work in the same area. I am also good at running successful operations and have extensive experience in developing procedures, service standards, and operational policies for business excellence.

I have been associated with big BPOs in the past (Mphasis and WNS) and have good working experience from these organizations. I am a very good and quick learner and adapt to situations very quickly.

However, all this said and done, I know I am not a marketing person and am feeling uneasy in my current profile and role. I do not want to deceive the company, but at the same time, I am not in a position to let go of this job.

Please could you advise me on what to do in such a situation.

Regards,

Ravi

Hello Ravi Gupta,

Don't lose heart. Things will be alright if you pursue a profession other than HR that you find more interesting or, due to your qualifications, believe pursuing a career in HR is just one of the many possibilities life can offer you, or anyone in your place.

Nothing goes to waste. I have seen many people change fields from Accounts to HR, Marketing, Logistics, and other commercial areas just because some jobs in the market offer higher salaries. In India, there is a strong belief that specialization in one subject means limited opportunities in other fields, but this is not the case outside India.

I have recruited many graduates in Africa based on the principle that they would specialize in one field. However, after three years, almost all graduates have changed their jobs and are now working in different fields. Graduating and being educated from a university should make you qualified to do anything in life; that is the strength of a university degree. While this advice may not be as applicable in India, the world outside India has a different perspective and strongly believes that anyone with a BA or equivalent degree from a university must be capable of working in associated fields such as commerce, logistics, HR, accounting, and other administrative roles. In the Middle East, I have observed many people working in various professions and frequently changing fields for better salaries, showcasing their versatile skills on their resumes.

I just want to draw your attention to how things work in life. You may feel isolated from your chosen field, but others see it as a great opportunity for growth and prosperity.

Regards,

Sawant