Cancer survivor, career gap - wonder if I made biggest mistake?

[Arnav]

I'm a 2025 B.Tech graduate. I got a placement while still in college, but before I could join I was diagnosed with stage‑1 cancer. The chemo and radiation lasted about 4 months, so I lost that opportunity.

After recovering, I hustled on applications and finally cleared a tough three‑round interview for a Product Analyst internship - ₹25k per month with an 8 LPA PPO after six months. I moved to Gurgaon for the role, but the pollution, dust and lack of greenery started affecting my physical and mental health. I kept falling sick, so I decided to return home and focus on recovery.

For the past two months I've been cold‑messaging recruiters daily, asking for referrals and doing interviews. So far I've only got three callbacks. One company rejected me after a 5‑minute HR round saying they only want IIT/NIT candidates (then why shortlist me?). Another froze hiring after three rounds. I'm currently in another interview process and hoping for the best.

The growing gap scares me. I haven't done any internship or full‑time job after graduation, and I'll be 24 soon, still applying for fresher roles.

I keep wondering: did I make a huge mistake leaving Gurgaon? I walked away from a potential 8 LPA role because I wasn't feeling well, or was I just running away?

I'm not looking for sympathy. I know I'm lucky to have beaten cancer. I just wanted to vent and hear from anyone who's faced career setbacks or had to choose between health and work. How did things turn out for you?

[Krishna]

Nothing matters more than your health, bro. A bachelor's degree isn't the end of the road. You're still young enough to navigate the chaos. Take care. Wishing you all the best for your future endeavors.

[Kishore]

13‑year survivor here - intramedullary spinal cord tumour. I had major surgery and two months of radiation.

Now I work remotely with a good package. I was diagnosed during college and went through a rough patch of depression. I skipped campus placements because of that, but my friends and family gave me memorable road trips and support.

Six months later I got a job through off‑campus recruitment. After two years I resigned due to some physical issues, took a break, and got my health back.

After another six months I landed a remote gig with a client of my previous company, paid in USD, and stayed for two years. I then started my own startup, which failed after a year, but I learned a lot.

Another break, then I joined a firm during COVID. I'm now working peacefully, still remote, and feeling good.

Forget the outside noise - keep fighting. We make our own destiny.

[Angel2cute111]

You're one of the strongest people, mate. Keep it up and don't lose hope.

[Arif]

If you can, try applying for jobs outside India.

[Vijay]

I don't have any special advice, but I'm rooting for you. More power to you!

[Tushar]

Plenty of life ahead, bro. Chill - this isn't a race. Even if you waste another year, it's not a big deal. Use the free time wisely; you've beaten cancer, you've got this.

[Shivendra]

Bro, I don't know you, but you're one of the bravest people I know. You'll get your opportunity. Nothing is more important than health.

[Nitin]

Your health comes first. Congrats on beating that nasty cancer, OP.

About the career gap - you can explain the reason during interviews; most interviewers won't mind the gap. If they do, it's probably a less serious company. So don't give up.

[Lavanya]

I also faced health issues after my B.Tech. Here's what I did: I spent six months trying to get a job during the 2012 financial crisis and realized it was a waste of time. So I started preparing for GATE to do a master's. I didn't get a good GATE rank, but I cleared the VIT entrance exam, did a two‑year M.Tech, and later secured a great campus placement.

If you can afford a master's, consider M.Tech or even studying abroad. If not, relax - there will always be a way. Keep applying, and treat every rejection as a new learning experience.

[Parth]

I landed my first role at 26. Keep trying, it'll come.