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Jennifer Garam: Getting cancer had an unexpected benefit

Photo taken from Jennifer Garam/LinkedIn

Apr 28, 2024, 13:23

Jennifer Garam: Getting cancer had an unexpected benefit

Jennifer Garam, Patient Engagement and Communications Consultant, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Getting cancer had an unexpected benefit, it made me less intimidated of authority figures and senior-level executives.

I used to be very intimidated by authority figures. But during treatment, that switch flipped, and I became unafraid in my dealings with higher-ups. My old fear does still arise sometimes, but it’s very rare and I can always talk it down.

The first time I realized this change and saw it in action was during my first contract negotiation for freelance work after completing treatment. Up until that point, contract negotiations had always terrified me. After all, I am just a lone individual with shaky self-esteem, no legal expertise, and a tendency to people please, having to negotiate with a major corporation’s legal team.

But after landing my first assignment post-treatment, instead of quaking in my boots, I emailed the lawyer, I almost died so I need the good contract. After what I have been through, I can’t have bad contracts anymore.

I don’t necessarily recommend this blunt approach for everyone. I would actually known this lawyer for years, which was the only reason I felt comfortable with that extra dose of chutzpah. But what applies to everyone is the spirit of my negotiations. After going through cancer treatment, we don’t have to kowtow to anyone. We really didn’t ever have to, but often it takes a life threatening illness to realize this. We have been through a lot, and we can stand up for and advocate for ourselves. I didn’t survive cancer just to give away all rights to my writing in perpetuity, throughout the Universe, across every medium that currently exists or will ever exist in the future.

I used to get so nervous for job interviews, and terrified if I ever had to talk to a senior level executive in any situation. But what I started thinking about these types of interactions after treatment was, I almost died, did you? Facing your own mortality levels the playing field across humanity. I now have no qualms about direct messaging Chief Executive Officer to pitch them my consulting services, if you are reading this, you may have even received one of these direct messages.

For me, cancer helped me experience my inner strength that I didn’t know I had. That realization has translated to better self-esteem, higher confidence, less intimidation and bolder contract negotiation.”
Jennifer Garam