01: Financial and back-to-work hurdles with Ilene Shiller, Program Manager at Wellspring

Carolyn welcomes Ilene Shiller from Wellspring on to the pod to discuss the relationship between cancer, work and finances.

What financial cost considerations are often unaccounted for? What and how do we bring up the C word when job seeking? Ever since your diagnosis, have you experienced shifts in your professional interests?

From shifts in professional interests, what to say to hiring managers, feeling a lack of motivation, and what to do when everyone else seems to be levelling up in their careers while you've been fighting for your life - we address questions submitted from 4 individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and hang out with us for this conversation.

Being diagnosed, living with and living after cancer can be overwhelming, as it is. Part of the overwhelm includes the significant financial health implications. In fact, up to 40% of cancer patients in Canada report experiencing financial distress*.

Those who submitted questions for this episode were diagnosed with cancer under the age of 40 years old. Compared to non-cancer cancer peers, young adults who have been impacted by cancer (an under-researched, often mis-understood and vulnerable sub-segment within cancer population) are 1.4X more likely to have outstanding credit card debts**.

Learn about Wellspring and their programs at ⁠wellspring.ca⁠

What did you connect with or enjoy most from this conversation? Drop us a comment!

Rate us and Follow/Subscribe to Candidly with Carolyn for more.

Have a question for a future episode? Email us at [e-mail]

(00:28)-Welcome to our conversation!

(02:00)-Catch up with Ilene and intro to episode

(02:35)-The Financial Impact of Cancer

(07:42)-Uncovering Hidden Costs That Cancer Patients Face

(11:59)-Seeking Support. Resources for Financial and Career Recovery

(15:34)-Question from Jillian

(17:34)-Living the Life of Work

(21:31)-Feeling Behind in Life

(22:50)-Question from Jake

(23:44)-Career Gaps and Job Seeking

(25:00)-Swivelling conversations away from cancer

(28:00)-Question from Kelly

(29:00)-Disclosing cancer

(31:39)-When bringing up the C word might be beneficial

(34:55)-Question from Jamie

(35:33)-Big questions that come after trauma

(37:41)-Shifts in identity

(40:40)-Getting back that motivation mojo

___________________

The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the podcast author, or individuals participating in the podcast - and do not represent the opinions of podcast partners. While what is shared in these conversations is for consideration, this podcast should not be in place of official professional medical advice, mental health advice, mental health counselling or therapy, or as imparting any health care recommendations at all. While those on the podcast might have lived and professional experiences with cancer, it is important to seek support from health professionals who can take the time to assess and analyze your specific circumstance.

*Fitch MI, Longo CJ. Emerging understanding about the impact of financial toxicity related to cancer: Canadian perspectives.

**YAC Prime Study