- Home
- Cancer Information
- Practical concerns
- Cancer, work and you
- For workers
- Information for working carers
- Will I be able to work?
Will I be able to work?
You will need to weigh up your ability to handle both your caring commitments and your responsibilities at work. See this list of things to consider. Caring can impact on your job in various ways. It may affect your work hours, what you can achieve at work, how much time off you need, your concentration, and your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Factors to consider
Each person’s situation is different. Factors to consider include:
- how sick the person with cancer is
- what your caring and work duties involve
- the amount of help or respite care available
- how supportive your employer is
- your finances and whether you need to earn an income
- your leave entitlements
- whether you can arrange to reduce or change your work hours or move to a different position within your organisation
- the satisfaction you get from working
- whether a break will have a large impact on your career progression or future employability
- what will give you peace of mind
- whether the arrangement is likely to be temporary or long term.
Before making changes to your working arrangements, talk over your thoughts with your employer, family and friends. You can also ask Carers NSW for information and support. Call the Carer Line on 1800 242 636.
More resources
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.
View all publications or call 13 11 20 for free printed copies.
Need to talk?
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a health professional or to someone who has been there, or find a support group or forum
Need legal and financial assistance?
Pro bono services, financial and legal assistance, and no interest loans
Cancer information
What is cancer?
How cancer starts and spreads
Dealing with the diagnosis
Common reactions to a cancer diagnosis and how to find hope
View our publications
Guides and fact sheets for people with cancer, their families and friends