Update: Well I made it to the 2nd rounds but today I got my rejection email. I thought it had went so well!
Bummer Since I applied for this last job I've been approached by several other recruiters. Have an interview with a staffing agency recruiter Weds. Uggggh. Was hoping to just nail this interview and get the job so as to not be thrown into the mix in San Francisco via the staffing agency. Stressful enough as a regular person let alone someone who has speech issues.

Well- it will make for interesting times! Who knows if they will even put me out on jobs. Now that I know it is illegal - I am not saying anything about the details of my speech issues. I'm just going to play on and see how I do!

Wish me luck! Sure am gonna need it. Maybe it won't be so bad. I am scared though.

KATE

That is a bummer, Kate! My son went through so much of this same thing, many times before things turned around for him! Just making it to the second round means you were very well considered and far ahead of many, many others! It could just be the economy and the way things are going with your particular area of expertise, as well as all the new graduates in your field entering into the pool of competition at this time. The fact that several new recruiters are contacting you is a good sign. It was so stressful for my son, too! but he just kept cranking out the resumes, staying in touch with the recruiters, doing phone and in-person interviews, networking with friends and friends of friends, Twitter, FaceBook, meeting in person with his Twitter people and former colleagues. BTW - he also removed anything on FB and Twitter that could be considered objectionable to recruiters or possible employers. Getting together with friends who were also networking and making it a "job" of keeping active each day in the job search really seemed to help lower the stress level for him. He did temporary and contract jobs in his field (software developer) for a while, too before getting the job he has now and he is making good money and very happy. Kate - not getting the job you were hoping for only means there is something much better just around the corner, so don't lose your focus and positive attitude! Keep networking and spreading the word about your unique talents! Sending positive vibes your way!

Kate,

Someone will get past your issues and see the real you and you will be happier in that job. I guarantee it.

It looks like you have other irons in the fire, girl! The right opportunity will present itself and you are already prepared for it. Keep going. The only time when you have a 100% chance of failure is if you don't get out there and take a shot.

Experiences give us experience. I'm glad you got out there and went not only one round, but you passed and you made it to the second round. Rest assured, not everyone made it to round 2. There are always things we can add to our tool-box from whatever it is we experience.

Do not be afraid to compete. You have done something the competition may never have had to even think about--you fought a life-threatening disease and you beat it! You are strong and you have a great life perspective to bring to any endeavor. You are positive and you aren't letting it define you. I'm sure you can find ways to cast a light on it so it is seen as less of a liability and more of an achievement should anyone ever bring it up. Spin can make a huge difference.

Kate,you have overcome a bigger challenge than finding a job. Keep at it. You'll find what you are looking for. And, your employer will be lucky to have someone with your depth and spirit. I'll wish you good luck anyway because it can only help. But, girl, you already have what it takes to be successful.

xoxox
Sandy

Kate, I'm incredibly sorry to hear about this. The fact that I admire you to no end for getting out there as you have is small comfort I know, even to the extent that I'm sure everyone else here at the forum feels the same way.

You'll go on to bigger and better things. David is right.

Sorry to hear you didnt get the job. It took alot of strength to get out there and go thru the interviews. If nothing else, it was practice for the next one which could be an even better opportunity. Im still rooting for you!!!! Go get 'em Kate!!!!

you guys seriously are the BEST! I was feeling so blue. Sandy- you pumped me up. THANK YOU!!!!

Yesterday I went into another design staffing agency. They were all over me! Felt great. Of course they are trying to slot me in to some spots that don't sound good BUT its nice to be wanted a little bit.
Got contacted by 2 other recruiters too. So its gonna happen soon.

Little worried about previous job though. Did not leave on the best terms due to the discriminatory behavior that happened with me.
Basically I stood up for myself and got completely sabotaged by my managers... but this agency doesn't seem that concerned. Maybe because I went through them before?

Well wish me luck. I had another PHONE interview yesterday. I am getting so much better but its tedious!

Thanks for all the good vibes and thoughts.

KATE

Kate! You are most welcome! It completely made my day to hear that what I wrote helped!!! So, THANK YOU! Please keep us posted on what happens next! You have your tool box all ready to go, you've got talent and skills, and people are in your corner who believe in you (and not just your friends here, but professionally as well.) Go get 'em Kate!! You'll knock their socks off!!!

You have so much to be confident about! But, you know where to go if you ever need a little boost--here on the forum or you can PM me whenever you want.

Like I said before, I'll wish you luck...but, Kate, you're going to be successful anyway!

Love ya!
Sandy
xoxox

Well it has been an interesting few months. I got rejected from many jobs but continued to press on. I went on 4 in person interviews and even had 5 phone interviews!!!!! I couldn't believe it. After all that last week I accepted a new full time position with a great company. Who hoo!!!! New Insurance and other Benefits. I'm SO thrilled and excited and revieved!!!!

SO much better than my last company. Great team- so much more diverse - male female- lots of different ages and backgrounds.

Thank you so much all of you for giving me a boost when I felt so down and out.

You never know who you are going to meet. Many people in this world have been through trying times and people have more heart empathy and undertanding than you think they will.

So don't let this cancer define who you are. It doesn't have to hold you back. I am lucky I do visual design for a career but I think that everyone could find ways to participate in life after this cancer.


Also here is an article that was just written about me.

http://www.ucsfhealth.org/patients/brown_kate/index.html

Thank you everyone again for being my rock. These forums are amazing.

LOVE, KATE

YOU, are amazing, Kate! So happy everything is going so well for you! And what a beautiful article, too.