A mesothelioma diagnosis is life-changing. It impacts every aspect of your life, including your ability to work. But continuing to work while managing your condition can help you maintain a sense of normalcy (and provide much-needed financial stability). But to do it, you must discover a balance between your health needs and career responsibilities.
Here are some practical tips to help you navigate both.
1. Communicate With Your Employer
One of the most important steps you can take is to communicate openly with your employer. Let them know about your mesothelioma diagnosis and how it might affect your work. This isn’t just about transparency – it’s also about accessing support and accommodations that can help you stay productive.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you have the right to reasonable workplace accommodations. These could include flexible hours, the option to work remotely, or adjustments to your workload. Be specific about what you need, and don’t hesitate to involve your healthcare team in these discussions to help outline the accommodations that will benefit you most.
2. Prioritize Your Health First
Your health should always come first. It’s easy to push yourself too hard at work, especially if you’re trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. But mesothelioma can take a physical toll, and you need to listen to your body.
Make time for regular medical appointments, treatments, and rest. If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, you may experience side effects like fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath. These symptoms can impact your ability to perform certain tasks, so give yourself permission to take breaks or adjust your schedule as needed.
3. Explore Remote or Flexible Work Options
Consider transitioning to remote work or adopting a more flexible schedule if your job allows it. Working from home can help you conserve energy, avoid unnecessary stress, and maintain a comfortable environment during treatments.
Flexible hours are another option that can make a big difference. For example, you might start later in the day if morning treatments leave you feeling tired or adjust your schedule to accommodate medical appointments. Talk to your employer about these options, and explain how they can help you remain productive while managing your condition.
4. Be Smart With Your Workload
Mesothelioma can sap your energy, so working smarter, not harder, is essential. Focus on organizing your workload to maximize your productivity during your best hours of the day.
To do this, start by identifying which tasks are most important and tackling them first. You can then use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and project management apps to stay on top of deadlines without feeling overwhelmed. (The less you have to mentally process during this time, the better.)
Delegation is another useful strategy. If possible, delegate non-essential tasks to coworkers or team members. This allows you to conserve energy for critical responsibilities while contributing to the team.
5. Build a Support System at Work
Having a strong support system in the workplace can make all the difference. Share your situation with trusted colleagues or supervisors who can offer encouragement, help cover for you when needed, or simply provide a listening ear.
Building these connections can also reduce the isolation you may feel while managing a chronic illness. Knowing that others understand your situation and are willing to help can lighten the emotional load and make it easier to focus on your work.
If your workplace has an employee assistance program (EAP), take advantage of it. These programs often provide counseling, support groups, and resources to help you navigate personal and professional challenges.
6. Consider Financial and Legal Support
Mesothelioma treatment can be expensive, and balancing medical bills with everyday expenses can add more stress to your life. If working full-time becomes too challenging, explore options for financial support.
- Disability Benefits: If your illness prevents you from working at your usual capacity, you may qualify for short-term or long-term disability benefits through your employer or the Social Security Administration.
- Workers’ Compensation: If your mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure in the workplace, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Legal Support: Many mesothelioma patients pursue legal claims against companies responsible for their asbestos exposure. Settlements or compensation from these claims can help cover medical bills and lost income.
Talk to a legal expert who specializes in mesothelioma cases to understand your options. Having financial security can reduce the pressure to keep working full-time and allow you to focus on your health.
Moving Forward With Your Career
At the end of the day, only you can be the final judge of how much you’re able to work while dealing with your mesothelioma diagnosis. Every person is different – and every case of mesothelioma impacts individuals differently. However, with the techniques and tips discussed in this article, you should at least have an idea of some ways to continue working.
