Demoted at work after cancer (good=bad)

[Jules_68]

Hi, I have just begun back at work recently part time and due to restructure have been demoted with duties......its hard to get my head around. I once coordinated 2 contractors and liaised and trained 150 staff......now Im scanning documents into a photocopier. I get it that Im not full time yet and as such cannot deliver these duties/projects.....I understand this. Also with restructure while i was away, a new senior position was created (identical to all the duties I did but higher pay) and I wasnt given the change to apply.....a contractor got the job who is now full time permanent. Do you think this is discrimination? or a blessing in disguise = less stress. Im trying to take the emotion out and look at this objectively also....this is hard to do however worthwhile when gathering facts. I understand that this is a common thing for patients with cancer who return to work, does anyone else have a similar story?

[Jules_68]

I just realised nobody can take away my value as a person......only I can do that or allow it to happen. I should be more grateful that I have a position to return too.....at least I can work and do not have terminal cancer....there are worst things in life.

[Mignon]

Hi Jules, maybe this is a blessing in disguise. Maybe you can direct your energies into less stressful things than the job you once had and enjoy the simpler things of life. fair enough to feel a bit ripped off though. Cheers Mignon

[Jules_68]

Thanks for your food for thought x

[SILLY]

I had only been doing relief teaching for the last 12 years of my working life. I worked one day last year and on line daid that I wasn;t available for woek for health reasons until further notice. That was early lasy year .At the end of the year I found some money from Educ. Qld. in my bank account. I rang to ask about it and was told it was termination pay. I had decided after my surgery that I would not teach again because of my appearance but I didn't want them to oust me because I had not worked enough. In your case you would probably have liked the chance to make the decision or have a part in that decision which altered your job so dramatically. I don't know if it's good or bad for you but maybe Mignon is right. If you decide you like the new arrangement that's great. If not, it was not your decision so you don't have to blame yourself for a wrong decision.

[#6]

I really like that you came to conclusions and resolutions yourself! :) And I completely agree with you, Jules, that there are worse things in life, and many of the cancer patients are left without a job after dealing with cancer. And it is such a great opportunity for you to devote your spare time in various hobbies and activities you really enjoy! Take care and be happy 🙂

[#7]

Hi All, Those interested in the current discussion may find the Edited Summary of Making it Work: Employment and Cancer - a Cancer Connections Live Chat Event held on July 13th, 2010 - of interest: www.cancervic.org.au/Makingitwork Cancer Connections Live Chat Event Edited Summaries all feature guest speaker, participant and staff responses to original questions submitted by participants, as well as a record of discussions between speakers and participants around specific questions and comments made during the Live Chat Event. A range of related links to information, resources and organisations are also made available at the end of the summary document. Edited Summaries of Live Chat Events are always made publically available for download after each event and are a valuable source of information for both interested consumers and health professionals. Kind regards, Felix Cancer Connections Coordinator

[Jules_68]

Hi Felix, I have already today actually looked into the legislation of this position being advertised and filled while away on leave. Apparently as it stands at my place of employment, with position being a promotion in direct field "they" are not obliged to contact me and advise of position vacant however it is against their "best practice standards", which would be a tap on the wrist and "dont do that again". If the position was at level, then I would have a case of discrimination. So life gives you lemons Felix, you make lemonade or if your truly inspired there maybe lemon butter.... Thank you for running this by a professional in the legal field. Julesx

[Jules_68]

I had my staff/contractors, instructed by "BOSS" teach me how to scan docs into photocopier today......I tried not to let my "EGO" get in the way, however I felt a little embarrassed for me and them. I dont know if embarrassed is the right word but it did not feel nice. Anyway have decided I am searching for another job........they have just had redundancy sweep through which were voluntary and now there is to be another sweep but this time you will get a tap on the shoulder and shown the door......I cant help but think that I will be in this sweep so being proactive about Jobs. Thanks everyone for your food for thought. Julesx

[SILLY]

Good luck with your job hunting,Jules, and have a happy Christmas .

[Jules_68]

G'day Silly, Thanks my dear and happy christmas to you and your family also. Bring on 2012 hey....love Jules xox

[Nina]

Hi, I just read your demotion story and my heart went out to you. Cancer can have such a ripple effect. I had to give up my job completely, I was in hospital 17 times last year and now I'm going though post chemo fatigue, I'm really concerned about finding a good job again, at the level I was at. I too, like you have been in middle management.( sounds like a similar level) I haven't got the answers but it's going though my mind, should I take this as an opportunity to study again. I read about your decision to look for another job, I think that's great, don't let others make a decision on your behalf, about the direction of your career. Be brave, you have probably had a big fight for your life, take control! Nina