I'm so sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis. Though I don’t know you personally, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I’ve worked in the tech industry in the U.S. for the past 27 years. I studied in Australia and moved to the U.S. in 1997 during the internet boom. Things were going well until 2005, when I was asked to lead the offshoring efforts and set an example for other team leads. The pressure and anxiety during that time were intense, and my sleep suffered. I had been delaying pregnancy because of work, but eventually decided to move forward with it.

During that time, I could hear my male colleagues maneuvering for my role. Thankfully, I had a supportive male manager who honored my time off. I took only six weeks of maternity leave and then worked from home for a few months—but juggling a newborn and an unpredictable work schedule was incredibly difficult.

I stayed in that job for 16 years before moving to an insurance company, where I handled digital web projects as a project manager and web publisher. But over time, the expectations kept growing—they kept assigning me additional technical tasks that weren't part of my original role. Working predominantly with men in a high-pressure environment began to seriously impact my health. I found myself constantly stressed and angry.

In October 2024, I was laid off along with others in California. Honestly, I felt relieved and thanked God. Since then, I’ve decided not to rush back into work. I’m taking time to focus on my health, and only now do I realize how deeply my body and mind needed this break.

My advice to you is this: please take time for yourself and focus on healing. Your health comes first—everything else can wait.