Career Chat // Finding a job after a long time out of the workplace // Friday 21 Oct. 12 pm AEDT

Hi @Renstar, this is a really timely topic as it came up in this thread earlier this week. Just tagging @Former-Member so that she knows it's here. If you're around LI1, feel free to ask Renstar about your particular circumstances.

Hi @Former-Member thank you so much for that - Look forward to hearing from @Former-Member 😊

Hi @Former-Member thank you so much for that - Look forward to hearing from @Former-Member

More here about volunteering...

In the article 'Volunteering as a Strategy to Fill Gaps in My Resume! Findings from a study on jobless individuals in four states in Australia'

The following issues were looked at ...

 Transitions to work — getting back into the workforce: what are perceived barriers to re-entering the workforce either full-time or part- time?

In the past huge gaps between work gigs has been a barrier as well as age ...PTSD also. What are your barriers?

 Access to social and community services: availability, effectiveness of these services and their assistance in getting back into the workforce.

In terms of access to social and community services ... organisation such as SANE and MIND are a available- do you think these work other useful for you???

 Access to information and information services: ability and level of access to these services.

What services are available to you that you feel are helpful in your search for work? DES services May all may not be doing what they're supposed to?

 Issues of self-image — either positive or negative.

Personally I have found that self-image is an enormous barrier and that is why I run wellness programs for people looking for work ... it's important to get a solid grounding before venturing out into the workforce and by that I mean dealing with your own mental health related strengths and weaknesses and having a suitable toolbox of strategies ...

In terms of barriers... What are they for you?

Here are some suggestions from around the web ...

- Major Depression is a valid disability, like MS or blindness. All you have to say is that you have had an extended illness. You are not required to say anything more.

- Find a temp job, and continue looking for full time work. This will build your resume while you look. It's always easier to find a job if you have one no matter how bad.

- Why not just be honest and say "medical leave (recovered)."

- If they ask you what, you're under no obligation. You can just respond with "I'd rather not say." There are tons of diseases that people don't want to talk about.

- Just say you took a sabbatical. They are used to unwind and to do some soul searching. Perfectly acceptable by any business and even encouraged in some countries. These can be taken at anytime for any reason. You can say you tried to become an artist or whatever really. Don't confuse this with a "gap year" though.

- This is my first time having to ever re-enter the workforce. I'd always had a job since I was 16 and not knowing what is acceptable plus being ashamed of my depression had been hard to manage but this makes me feel much less anxious about explaining away my little sabbatical. Next step is feeling confident enough in myself to feel like I can actually perform a job- I'm hoping this comes with some more time and work in therapy.

- I think a discrete "freelancing while taking care of a medical issue" is going to be my plan. Neither is a lie since I actually have done a small amount of freelancing and I've been taking care of a very big issue 🙂

... do you agree or disagree with any of these? 😊

Hi @Former-Member thanks for stopping by ..

That was a great question!

... first in terms of studying I think it's a good idea to study as well as volunteer, give as much as you can without putting too much pressure on yourself.

my clients who volunteer feel it's an excellent way to stay grounded in the real world, as you say, whilst doing their study to increase ultimate chances of gaining employment.

So glad to hear you're getting into volunteering!!! 😃 What type will depend on your interests ... Or maybe make it related to your TAFE course...

Also ... What do you think of some of the suggestions (above) for those gaps in resumes and talking about your mental illness gaps in the interview ?

Some more suggestions...

what do you think of these? ...😊 These are all quotes from around the web ( not necessarily my opinion but I would be interested to get your opinion on them ...)

- I was always able to cover it up with "freelance work".

- I wouldn't do this, for the simple reason that it might start a web of lies: E.g., what if they ask who I worked for, what sort of projects, what I learned from them, etc.? I'd either have to make stuff up or evade the question, and both sound like trouble

- Re-enter smoothly. I started as a PEER Support Specialist (part-time). It means revealing I had a psych diagnosis and not cancer (if they cared enough to check) but it was a good first part-time job / reference to get me back in the employment pool.

- Something like: Caregiver for family member (now recovered)

- You are under no obligation to provide any detailed information

- Depending on your field, you could even add that you did some kind of freelance work, if during your bout of depression you did manage to learn/do some related things. This is a good one remember to rehearse the story before going like the detective in reservoir dogs.

- never offer up unflattering information.

- "Caregiver for family member" had been listed to cover a few months'... It's not really lying as you are a family member after all ..."

- This excuse certainly is a good one. I know my unemployment gap has come up in nearly every interview, and this explanation satisfies and discourages further discussion. Also be sure to mention it briefly in your cover letter, and portray it in a positive light. The gap may still cost you an opportunity here or there, but if you use this right it will ease their fears.

- First step might be taking on a volunteer role. They are usually more accepting, it is a friendlier way to get back into work, and it looks good on your resume/CV.