When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 aged 32, I was working for a small consultancy firm. I had only been there seven months after moving to Sydney from London. Like many working women, I went for my mammogram in my lunch break. When they said they needed to do a core biopsy immediately, I still went back to work bandaged up and didn't tell anyone.
Once I learned that I had breast cancer, I put work on hold to concentrate on restoring my health. My boss said he'd keep my job open for me while I got better, however, I hadn't anticipated that surgery, IVF, chemo and radio would take a year out of my career life.
During my treatment I kept questioning how I got cancer, why me and whether I would really want to return to my old job that I didn't even 100% enjoy. Part of me thought that it would at least get me back into the working environment, at a gradual pace and with colleagues around me who knew of my situation. However, I felt there were more opportunities that I should first explore, rather than falling back to my old routine and commuting to an air conditioned office everyday.
I'd always wanted to start my own business and felt that this was the chance and my 'wake up call' to do just that - after all, you only have one life. I was fortunate to have such a supportive husband (emotionally and financially) and have the space at home to work from.
I officially resigned and set up my own consultancy company just over a year on from my diagnosis. The process of setting up the business; from creating a company name, website and designing business cards, helped give me a sense of focus for the future. My first few jobs also gave me back my confidence. I was wanted and needed by people - other than my doctors!
Another year on, and on reflection, leaving my old job was the best move I made. I now have a happy, healthy balanced lifestyle with freelance work when I want/need it, but still some free time to walk the dog, be a good home keeper, meet friends, enjoy Sydney and, most importantly, have the weekends free to spend with my husband.
--Cordelia
