Cancer & Career

[Foxybingo32]

Been at my job 10 years and another restructure is coming, and i have been in existing role for 5 years. Got diagnosed with breast cancer stage 1, and operated feb 2025, clear as of jan this year. Its aggressive and rare, but it was caught very early.

Been offered a bigger role at new company, new challenge, bit more money but change of scenery etc.

Partner says stay at job because of sickness benefits just incase.

I say, if i can get redudancy and a new job now is the time to go (im nearing 45) as it will only get harder the older i get and the longer i stay. Since having the all clear, i very much feel live once!

No children, average mortgage.

I could stay another 2/3/4 years....cancer may or may not come back. I cant stay in this role a life time?

Can you guys give advice?

AIBU to consider leaving?

I can see both sides.

He just wants to make sure you have the best benefits available if the cancer returns. I'm sure it's coming from a place of concern.

You on the other hand, sound like you are fed up with the impact cancer had on your life and don't want it to restrict you and further. It's completely understandable.

It sounds like you want a new role. It may not be this job but yes you want a change.

Is the gap in benefits very wide? How can it be minimised or mitigated?

I'm a firm believer than you can't life your life on "what if's" but instead you plan for if the worst does happen just in case.

New role. Assuming you have the all clear and are being monitored this is a clean break time as well.
Sounds a great opportunity

Which benefits will you lose and will you be able to get them in the new job after a bit of time? I also had breast cancer last year at the same age, so I say go for what makes you happy now (as long as you will still have medical care etc. in case you need it).

Presumably benefits kick in after probation which is only 6 months ?
id make the move while you’re in remission!

Although I guess if you got sick within 2 years the company could make a pretend reason to get rid of you and you couldn’t do much about it.

hmmmm

id still go for it! Life’s too short to wish you had tried something and didn’t

Go for new job.

I had breast cancer last year and it really made me focus on making the most of it while I can. I’d snap up a new role if it was on offer.

I've had a years treatment for cancer then all clear. I would check the sickness policy of the new company if you have access to it or can find out without asking, some jobs have excellent sickness cover from straightaway and some are poor. I would ultimately go for what you prefer - you only live once. Though I do think ideally you need enough time to exercise as that reduces reoccurrence chances.

Go for it if it’s whet you would like to do

I appreciate your husband is coming from a place of concern but life is too short for regrets - I am older than you and had Stage 2 bc in 2023 - it has really made me focus on what I would like to do /go in the time (hopefully 165 + years 😂) I have left rather than keep on working so I am thinking of retiring early