I work in an evioroment which involves staggered shifts. Work has been good for the last 4 months in letting me work a pretty regular shift. But they are looking at me changing to a later regular shift. I.e 10 till 1800 where I have been working a 0600 1400 0800 1600. I still suffer with fatigue and looking for away to say I’m not capable. Because come 1900 hours work or not I’m getting ready for going to,bed. Had chemo radiotherapy finished treatment July 17 went back to work Aug 2017. Tried working shifts but found it very difficult. Anyone got any ideas suggestions has how to come to some compromise. All help will be grateful.
Hi Ceebee
So glad that you have completed your treatment with such a positive outlook and to be honest you seem to have returned to work swiflty and well compared to some. I have my own retail business so it made it easier to adjust as I only had to appease my husband! But in a former life I was a hospital manager and your case was quite the norm. You might like to read the attached article as it is completely clear that once we have been treated for cancer we are classed as ‘disabled’ forever and as such are entitled to certain support and adjustments. Any employer who tries to see the situation differently is liable to be running the gauntlet of the law and would be foolish. It also cites organisations that might offer you more professional advice and support so that when you do speak to the relevant departments at work you are well armed with info and in some cases with someone to support you in meetings. I know from my managerial perspective we would always review a case such as yours (and mine) but not with a view to force you to do what you don’t feel you can but to support you into a more regular work pattern of your colleagues.
theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/09/work-after-cancer-options-employers
I do hope you can resolve the issue as what I hear is someone who wishes to contribute to the workplace but recognises that things have changed and needs support to still be the valuable employee.
Warmest wishes
K
Hi,
I was interested to read the article. I returned to work a couple of weeks ago, having surgery in September and October, and completing radiotherapy mid December. I work as a Sister on a very busy acute paediatric unit. I did attempt to return to work between surgery and radiotherapy but Occ Health said not to. One of the reasons for this (that I am struggling with now) is that it is policy at the NHS trust where I work to use annual leave for a phased return. I feel that I’m trying to do the right thing in moving forward and resume ‘normality’, but I’m exhausted, my breast which was moderately painful is now very painful, and next week I’ll be back to my normal hours as my leave is used up! The only saving grace is that I work part-time or this would be impossible. I usually work a 12.5 hour shift but there is just no way I’m ready yet. My manager has been very supportive and I can work shorter shifts for as long as I need. This is great, but then I have to do more shifts
and therefore more trips to and from work (40 min drive each way). It’s always crazily busy too, you can’t take things easy. I have lovely, supportive colleagues thank goodness. Add the demands of family life into the equation (2 children, 13 and 11) and it’s becoming a little stressful. On the days I work, I’ve learned very quickly that that’s all I can do that day (don"t pop to Tesco on the way home then put the Hoover round and do the washing, I learned the hard way!) I really feel as though I need a clone right now as I’m struggling to make everything work. I’m sure it will get easier in time. I hope.
Ceebee, I hope you sort something re your shifts. Best wishes xx
Ceebee you went back to work very early, don’t overdo it. I’ve also replied to your other similar thread.
Hufflepuff I can totally empathise with you!!
I work part time but my other ‘job’ sees me up before hubby each day to do the morning prepare for school duties (12 & 15 year olds plus a menagerie of furrry friends) then the usual family taxi post school, laundry, tidying, cooking etc that I’m still on the go at 9pm! Like most hubby gets himself sorted, goes to work, comes home to dinner and a miraculously filled fridge, clean clothes etc!
Hope everyone can reach an amicable and affordable agreement with work x
riversidedawn,
That sounds EXACTLY the same as life in my house!! I empathise with you too! I’m working my full hours now, but as shorter shifts. It’s a lot easier than it was to start with but I do get very tired. My husband often asks me why I’m so tired!!
Best wishes xx
Men!