Topic: Returning to the Workforce: How to Explain the Lost Years?
canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
I'm up to 80% capacity, so I'm re-entering the workforce in the ways in which I can.
I'm resuming my career, and am wondering how people address the gap in their career?
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
People have gaps in their careers for all different reasons. Staying home to raise the children, education, caring for ill family members etc. I wouldn't worry too much about it.
Posts: 1748 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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posted
Tell them you were busy doing other stuff. You don't have to tell them what the other stuff was!
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
I work for myself so it is not a big deal but I have had to explain gaps in my resume when getting on insurance panels,for liability insurance and with colleagues.
I was honest but general. I basically said that I had a medical condition that required me to take time away from my career. I made it known that I am "cleared" to return to work let it go at that. No one asked for specifics. Best wishes to you!
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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aklnwlf
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5960
posted
Canbrave-I basically told the truth. Had a motor vehicle accident resulting in 3 surgeries and a bout of Lyme disease which took 2 1/2 years of treatment.
Also tossed in a couple of short term jobs that I worked during that time.
Some interviews it made a difference but I just moved on to the next and was still able to find employment.
-------------------- Do not take this as medical advice. This comment is based on opinion and personal experience only.
Alaska Lone Wolf Posts: 6138 | From Columbus, GA | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
I am in a position to make hiring decisions. I do ask about lapses, especially long ones, on a resume.
I don't think I'd tell them you were sick. You could say your family situation during that time allowed you the freedom to stay home and not work, but things have changed and you need to go back to work. It's not a lie, you were able to stay home - for a reason.
Be careful, if you have to go through a background investigation, it will be discovered that you were too sick to work and had to stay home though. NEVER lie on a resume or in an interview - that's the worse thing one can do.
Posts: 250 | From East Coast | Registered: Jan 2013
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Dogsandcats
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28544
posted
Agreeing with jjourneys - in California = maybe elsewhere - they just are able to ask "are you able to perform the basic functions of the job" And as long as you answer "yes", they should not ask much more. If they get too nosey, just smile and repeat the same answer and talk about the boredom of watching daytime tv at home......LOL
Find the job you want - not the job you think you should take. In other words, find one you think you would like best and enjoy. To take one for the high pay yet stressful or a long commute may add too much stress just reentering into the workplace.
great news you are up to 80%!
Good luck!!
-------------------- God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.
Billy Graham Posts: 1967 | From California | Registered: Oct 2010
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canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
Thanks so much guys! I am self-employed, and after I have a few new projects under my belt, no one will bother asking questions.
I think jjourneys is on the right track.
I was out with a new prospective employer (contract) yesterday, and when asked why I hadn't produced major new work in ten years, I said that I was working on another project (true), and spoke with him about it, and some of the occasional work I've done, and just didn't mention it was VERY occasional...I was left with an uneasy feeling, not having just said, "I have a disease not unlike MS, and it forced me to modify my life...now I'm back in the workforce, working at a modified capacity...?"
Most of my colleagues know that I was sick, and are very supportive. So, I don't know...my instincts tell me to try to keep it quiet with new prospective employers...
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
" my personal life required me to cut back on my work load for awhile "
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
I wouldn't mention anything about illness at work.
God forbid you got injured at the new job, need to file a workers comp case, and then they try to pin the pain on "pre-existing conditions" like post-Lyme to skirt liability.
Something like this happened to me. Don't mention anything about prior illness at work.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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posted
Also - you may add your self-employment to your resume - that way you won't have such a large gap in employment.
If you were self-employed, you were in the work force!
This is especially true if you self-employment has anything to do with the current job you are applying for. There's always something: bookkeeping, working with customers/clients, work ethics etc that you can use from your self employment.
I like hiring people that were self employed, they know what it's like to be the boss and the worker - they are generally self motivated and energetic!
Good luck!
Posts: 250 | From East Coast | Registered: Jan 2013
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posted
You can assay you were on a sabbatical
Posts: 532 | From Texas | Registered: Oct 2004
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canbravelyme
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9785
posted
Thanks, guys; lots for me to consider
Best,
-------------------- For medical advice related to Lyme disease, please see an ILADS physician. Posts: 1494 | From Getting there... | Registered: Aug 2006
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