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I graduated in 2010 with highest honors with a Bachelor of Arts in Languages and International Studies. I intended on attending graduate school the next year, but those plans were smashed by the discovery of a large brain tumor in my left frontal lobe. As a result, I've had to undergo brain surgery, chemotherapy twice (2010 and 2012), and radiation (2013). I also had intense family problems the for about two and a half years after my surgery. Not only that, but the possibility of losing my public health insurance, or having to face such high premiums and co-pays as to render working a full-time job counter-productive kept me in a low position: I was a seasonal employee stocking shelves at Target in 2011-2012, and an on-call "Behavioral Specialist" (essentially a PCA) for about a year at a defunct chain of group homes for adults with mental illnesses. I also worked at my family business, which closed around New Year's Day 2011.
The tumor and its treatments caused some neurological deficits, and I became eligible for disability last year upon first appeal. The deficits mainly pertain to my visual memory and processing speed. I have been seeking work since I recovered from radiation, including meeting with a vocational rehabilitation counselor. I have skills in Spanish and Italian, as well as research and analysis in general, but my lack of relevant experience undermines my competitiveness in the marketplace.
Am I now virtually unemployable? Or is there still hope out there? Should I bring this up in interviews to explain my lack of post-college experience? (I did work at my family business doing similar tasks) My VR counselor responded ambivalently upon being asked that question.
Your career is whatever you want to make of it taking into account your physical & mental limitations.
No, don't bring any of this up in an interview. Let your resume speak for itself. If you have major gaps, just keep your answer simple. "I had some personal issues that are now resolved."
Your best bet is to identify the 5-10 largest employers in your area and target them. Look for any positions for which you qualify (and can handle) using all of your transferable skills.
Don't say you're ill, sadly I think it'll turn them off for whatever reason. Say you decided to travel the world after graduating or something, and wanted some time to define yourself.
Sounds like you could do some bi lingual work with a local government agency?
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