Navigating Cancer’s Impact on Education & Career Paths
How does a cancer diagnosis impact education and career aspirations? In this episode of Life on Pause, seven young adult cancer survivors share their personal experiences of having their lives disrupted by cancer during pivotal academic and professional moments. From reimagining career paths to navigating education with ongoing treatment, their stories highlight resilience, adaptation, and newfound purpose.
Join us as we discuss the challenges of pausing life for treatment, the uncertainty of returning to school and work, and the surprising ways survivorship reshapes ambitions. Whether you’re a student, professional, or caregiver, this candid conversation offers invaluable insights into the intersection of cancer, education, and vocation.
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🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Educational and occupational aspirations of adolescent and young adult cancer survivors: a qualitative analysis:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39105828/
Participants:
USC - Olivia Brown, diagnosed at 25
USC – Jared Lipscomb, diagnosed at 31
USC – Quincy Wallen, diagnosed at 31
USC – Xixi Hu, diagnosed at 34
PSH – Taylor Mahoney, diagnosed at 12
PSH – Bailey Unterkofler, diagnosed at 17
PSH – Shelly Bliss, diagnosed at 9
00:00 - Introduction to Life on Pause
01:25 - How cancer changed our education & career goals
05:40 - The emotional impact of putting life on hold
09:15 - Facing career uncertainty after cancer treatment
12:30 - Redefining identity & ambitions post-cancer
16:45 - How cancer survivors adjust to new career paths
21:10 - Finding resilience & a new sense of purpose
26:35 - The importance of community & support networks
30:50 - Advice for young adults balancing cancer & career
35:15 - Closing thoughts & final words of encouragement