posted
I was self-employed, closed my business down in Oct. 2010. I was a therapist and couldn't continue working with unpredictable symptoms.
Worked part time for a college until December 2010. I am now interviewing for jobs. I wonder the best way to explain my lack of working.
Is it best to be honest and tell all? Is it better to down play the illness? I still have some symptoms but must go back to work.I am confident that I can work, just concerned about what to say in an interview.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. In some ways, I am only better due to all of you who share in these flash discussions - sp thank you!
Posts: 93 | From arizona | Registered: Oct 2010
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desertwind
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25256
posted
Well, I am a Psychologist and had to take a sabbatical from my private practice due to lyme and another medical condition which required major surgery.
I had refered all my clients out to collegues and they are still in tx with them. That was a very difficult thing to do....
Anyway, I too am ready to return to work but not to a private practice setting - too stressful right now.
I had a couple of interviews for clinical positions in hospitals and private settings and have been upfront about my illness and medical condition.
They want to know why I had not worked for 2 years and I tell them - I have nothing to hide. I go on to explain how going through a major illness and surgery has only added to my skill set as a clinician (since I work primarily in mind/body medicine and the medical psychology field).
It happens..people get sick and have to stop working and then people get better and return to the work force. I vote for being upfront and honest.
Posts: 1671 | From Tick Infested New Jersey | Registered: Apr 2010
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quote:Originally posted by desertwind: They want to know why I had not worked for 2 years and I tell them - I have nothing to hide. I go on to explain how going through a major illness and surgery has only added to my skill set as a clinician (since I work primarily in mind/body medicine and the medical psychology field).
- VERY true! Good luck to both of you!
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96220 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Dogsandcats
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28544
posted
Back in the day, long before Lyme was a four letter word to me-I was in HR. People would come in to interview and show a big gap in employment. I would ask about the gap and if it was and illness some would state just that. Some would go into long stories. Don't do that. Just state it was a medical issue that has been resolved. Under HIPPA, employers can't delve into your medical history when hiring you, but they can ask if you are able to perform the basic job functions. So that would be the way I answer questions that go too far - ask what the basic job functions are and assure the person that you are capable of doing the tasks associated with the job.
Be confident, you still have skills and if anything-after going thru Lyme- you are a better candidate!
-------------------- 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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