Pros
Some staff members are kind
Cons
Throughout my cancer journey, I expected compassion, understanding, and basic human decency from my employer — unfortunately, I received the opposite. From the moment I disclosed my diagnosis, there was no genuine effort to accommodate my medical needs, emotional well-being, or recovery process. I wasn’t asking for special treatment — only fairness, flexibility, and empathy. Instead, I was met with micromanagement, scrutiny, and a complete lack of communication or reassurance. I continued showing up, doing my best, and fulfilling my duties despite immense physical and emotional exhaustion. Rather than being acknowledged for my effort or resilience, I often felt like an inconvenience — a burden to be managed instead of a person to be supported. Even after HR was involved and accommodations were approved, the culture of my team remained cold and unwelcoming. There were no check-ins, no “how are you doing,” no sense that anyone cared beyond the minimum paperwork. It’s one thing to preach inclusion and compassion in company values, but it’s another to actually practice them — especially when an employee’s health and life are on the line. What hurt the most was realizing that I was fighting for my health and my career at the same time. No one battling cancer should also have to battle their employer for respect, empathy, or the ability to heal without fear of losing their job. I hope sharing this experience sheds light on what can happen when companies forget the human side of leadership. A supportive work environment doesn’t just impact productivity — it can truly impact someone’s will to keep going. I wouldn’t wish what I went through on anyone, and I sincerely hope this organization takes a long, hard look at how it treats employees navigating medical crises. Compassion costs nothing, but its absence leaves a lasting mark.
