Where to go from here...

dixie · 07-07-2010, 08:43 PM

Okay, background info on my situation: Two years ago I had a wonderful job, a nice apartment in the city and seemed to be "living the good life". I was also an unmedicated, undiagnosed bipolar individual. In April of 2008, I had a suicide attempt which landed me in the hospital for quite some time. Needless to say, as a result I lost everything...job, home, etc. I know you must be wondering why I'm posting this here instead of the mental illness thread, but I'm getting to that...

I've taken these last two years to find myself, so to speak. I have finally come to terms with this illness and found my serenity and peace within. Unfortunately, two years of soul searching really drains a bank account. I've never had an issue with finding employment, and usually worked 2-3 jobs at a time. Now I am at my wits end at not finding ANY jobs. I've sent my resume to more places than I can name, and have been on a number of dead-end interviews.

And it all seems to come down to this one question: "Why is there a two year gap in your employment record?"

I've tried both "options", i.e. being completely honest and slightly hedging. I began with the honest approach. Those interviewers wrinkled their noses, looked at me like I was a rabid animal, and cut the interviews short. (And yes, some of them were extremely rude and hurtful.) That's when I began hedging. By hedging, I told them I had been dealing with a health issue and taking time with my family. Those interviewers then wanted to go on and on asking me what kind of health issue, if the health issue would resurface, am i dying, yadda yadda yadda. I was extremely uncomfortable with not being fully honest with a potential employer, but (1) I felt that if I told the reason I would get similar reactions to the first few bunches of interviewers, and (2) I truly don't feel that it's their place to know something that personal.

I know that the "two year gap" is the issue at heart. My resume is a proven track record that I can do a job and do it damn well. Unfortunately, these potential employers (especially the ones I was honest with) can't seem to see past "crazy 2 year gap girl" sitting across from them...

So i guess my question to you is, where do I go from here? Am I wrong to feel that an issue like that is not a potential employer's business? Is there a better way to address the issue that would make both myself and a potential employer more comfortable? How do I get past this issue and have a successful interview? What's the best way to move forward?

I'm butting my head against the wall. I really have no idea how to go about answering the "gap" question. Any and all advice that you can give me would be greatly appreciated....

07-07-2010, 08:43 PM	#1
dixie Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: I usually just poke it with a stick. Preferred Pronoun?: Bitch Relationship Status: Intertwined deeply Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: We're all a little mad here. Posts: 6,627 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 10,972 Thanked 21,385 Times in 4,808 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	Where to go from here... Okay, background info on my situation: Two years ago I had a wonderful job, a nice apartment in the city and seemed to be "living the good life". I was also an unmedicated, undiagnosed bipolar individual. In April of 2008, I had a suicide attempt which landed me in the hospital for quite some time. Needless to say, as a result I lost everything...job, home, etc. I know you must be wondering why I'm posting this here instead of the mental illness thread, but I'm getting to that... I've taken these last two years to find myself, so to speak. I have finally come to terms with this illness and found my serenity and peace within. Unfortunately, two years of soul searching really drains a bank account. I've never had an issue with finding employment, and usually worked 2-3 jobs at a time. Now I am at my wits end at not finding ANY jobs. I've sent my resume to more places than I can name, and have been on a number of dead-end interviews. And it all seems to come down to this one question: "Why is there a two year gap in your employment record?" I've tried both "options", i.e. being completely honest and slightly hedging. I began with the honest approach. Those interviewers wrinkled their noses, looked at me like I was a rabid animal, and cut the interviews short. (And yes, some of them were extremely rude and hurtful.) That's when I began hedging. By hedging, I told them I had been dealing with a health issue and taking time with my family. Those interviewers then wanted to go on and on asking me what kind of health issue, if the health issue would resurface, am i dying, yadda yadda yadda. I was extremely uncomfortable with not being fully honest with a potential employer, but (1) I felt that if I told the reason I would get similar reactions to the first few bunches of interviewers, and (2) I truly don't feel that it's their place to know something that personal. I know that the "two year gap" is the issue at heart. My resume is a proven track record that I can do a job and do it damn well. Unfortunately, these potential employers (especially the ones I was honest with) can't seem to see past "crazy 2 year gap girl" sitting across from them... So i guess my question to you is, where do I go from here? Am I wrong to feel that an issue like that is not a potential employer's business? Is there a better way to address the issue that would make both myself and a potential employer more comfortable? How do I get past this issue and have a successful interview? What's the best way to move forward? I'm butting my head against the wall. I really have no idea how to go about answering the "gap" question. Any and all advice that you can give me would be greatly appreciated....