Making decisions about working

You may feel overwhelmed by all the decisions you have to make after a diagnosis of cancer and during treatment. Weighing up whether to keep working, have a break, resign or retire may be difficult.

In this section we discuss the options you have and the factors you may consider when making a decision. Try to avoid feeling rushed. Although things may seem to be happening quickly, there is usually time to make a well-informed decision.

If you are having trouble deciding what is important to you, make a list of reasons for and against. It may help to talk to family, friends or a counsellor to decide what you want. Or call Cancer Council 13 11 20 to see if they can connect you with a person who’s experienced a similar situation. You may also want to seek input from your general practitioner (GP) and cancer specialists.

Learn more about:

Reasons to work

Some people need to keep working for financial reasons, but work can also:

be enjoyable, stimulating and rewarding
give you a chance to socialise and decrease your sense of isolation
help you maintain a sense of identity
develop your skills, creativity and knowledge
keep you busy and get you out of the house
keep you in contact with friends and workmates who can offer regular support
provide a purpose and feeling of accomplishment
provide a routine, which is important to some people.

This information was last reviewed in November 2019. View who reviewed this content.

Kerryann White, Manager, People and Culture, Cancer Council SA; Nicola Martin, Principal, McCabe Curwood, NSW; Jane Auchettl, Coordinator, Education and Training Programs, Cancer Council Victoria; Craig Brewer, Consumer; Alana Cochrane, Human Resources Business Partner, Greater Bank Newcastle, NSW; Shona Gates, Senior Social Worker, North West Cancer Centre, North West Regional Hospital, TAS; Dianne Head, Cancer Nurse Coordinator, Metastatic Breast Cancer, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead, NSW; Alex Kelly, Talent Acquisition Business Partner, Aon, NSW; Prof Bogda Koczwara AM, Senior Staff Specialist, Department of Medical Oncology, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Sharyn McGowan, Occupational Therapist, Bendigo Health, VIC; Jeanne Potts, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Victoria; Michelle Smerdon, Legal and Financial Support Services Manager, Cancer Council NSW. We would also like to than the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.

View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.