You have been dealt a series of blows in the past 4 years, so I can understand why it is hard to keep your equilibrium. But, I applaud you for your courage in reaching out. It is clear to me that you are determined to help yourself, so the focus of this message is to provide a few possible steps you can take right away to get things moving in the right direction. Give these a try and see if they help yield the results you are seeking.

•First, please make contact with your state One Stop Center for employment services. There is one within driving distance of most population centers in each state. You can find the one nearest you by checking the government listings in your phone book under "employment" or "unemployment services". This is the office within each state that provides unemployment benefits, but more importantly, they provide career counseling, job search assistance and job leads. Make an appointment to see a job counselor right away to learn all the services available to you. You may be eligible for displaced homemaker programs, career counseling and even travel or child care assistance during your work search, depending upon your state's programs.
•Inquire while there about assistance through Vocational Rehabilitation. Because of your cancer situation and your back issues that make it hard for you to continue your profession, it may be that you are eligible for assistance to retrain or to assist you to find alternative work.
•While participating in any of these programs, seek help to sort out the best fit for your skills and training, while allowing for your past injuries on the job. What can you do that will enable you to use your lab skills while not lifting or bending too much? Is it possible for you to return to laboratory work without re-injuring yourself?
•Laboratory workers are in high demand, so also examine how you are presenting your credentials and your circumstances when approaching potential employers. Remember to present your resume with a positive focus, emphasizing how you can offer value to the employer. It is not necessary to bring up your cancer or your back injury unless it will impact your ability to do the job for which you are interviewing. Unless you will need time off for treatment, it is probably best to emphasize instead your skills, your abilities and your work ethic rather than past illness or injury.
•Network, network, network. This means reaching out to those you know to state that you are looking for work. Let folks know what you want to do and what your training prepares you to do. Then, ask if they know of anyone to whom you should be talking to uncover leads. You don't have to ask for a job specifically of everyone to whom you speak, just let people know you are looking and for what. You'll be surprised how willing people are to provide ideas and leads if you don't put them directly on the spot by asking for a job, something that not everyone can offer. But, most, even if they cannot offer you a job, CAN offer you advice or direction.

Best of luck in your challenging situation. I have faith that you'll once again find yourself on a positive path.

Best regards,

Kathy Flora
Career Coach, Cancerandcareers.org