The workplace
Some people choose to continue working as long as possible after diagnosis and during treatment. Being able to work while living with a life threatening illness can be important because it can allow you to:
- maintain an important part of your identity
- keep a sense of order and control in an uncertain environment
- earn income to pay for treatment
- provide for your family.
It is your decision what you tell your employer and work colleagues, but you need to consider that you may need more flexible working arrangements which might allow you to work from home or take time off for medical appointments should this be required.
Your work colleagues will understand that some information about your situation needs to be kept confidential but know that they will be better able to understand your needs if they have some knowledge of the effects of your illness on you.
To provide a supportive work environment, your employer will need to:
- identify your needs and the needs of your colleagues
- identify your constraints and opportunities
- work with you to develop strategies for continuing to work as long as you are able.
It is okay to discuss your personal situation with your manager or employer. Click here (PDF 80Kb) for a page with some tips to help should you decide to have this conversation.
Working with someone with a life threatening illness can be stressful, upsetting and confronting for your work colleagues. Your colleagues may not understand what you are experiencing and may not know what to say to you or how to react to you, particularly if your illness causes a deterioration in your physical appearance. Click here (PDF 80Kb) for a page with some information that may help your work colleagues understand your situation.
When Sally got sick, it really frightened me. I didn’t know what to say, so I thought it was best to leave her alone. I wanted to help but didn’t know how. When I finally got the courage to ask Sally what she needed, she thanked me and agreed to ask me for help if she needed it. She said it was important that she was treated as “normal”.
Terminology can be confusing. This website has used the following terminology:
- terminal illness - an illness which is progressive and has no cure
- life threatening illness - an illness which is very serious - a person may recover, or the illness may become terminal.
Sometimes, in other forums, the terms "life limiting" or "life shortening" are used instead of "terminal".
This website was developed by PCA with funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. PCA is the peak national body representing the interests of people living with a life threatening illness. PCA aims to increase access to services for people living with a life threatening illness and their families and carers. To provide feedback on this website, click here.