Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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Explaining the gaps

bookmaven
bookmaven
for those who are now working or have worked after a period of unemployment because of your illness, have you ever had trouble putting together a resume? how do you explain or distract from the gaps?
tommymott
tommymott
I don't worry about how my resume looks too much. Years ago I had a short-term job I was fired from so I don't include that. It was a LONG time ago anyway. Most of my jobs have lasted 5 or 6 years and if there's gaps on between I don't try to explain on paper. If they want to interview me then we'll talk.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Just give the employer the resume and if they initiate and ask you about gaps in emloyment, then tell them that you had to take time off due to a medical illness. (Don't say mental illness) They have no right to ask you what the illness was.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I feel you. A year since my last full time job and 2 years since my last long term, full time, stable job. I quit that one due to it being a hostile work environment and this was right before the markets crashed. Smart, eh? I never mention my two, short term, full time jobs on the resume but sometimes I bring it up at interviews. I just figure that everyone knows the economy and job market are bad. But here in Houston, my field which is healthcare, is thriving. Actually our unemployment rate is not too bad compared to other cities. It's hard to know what to say though. It's a bad market. Good luck.
deleted_user
deleted_user
as an old HR representative;

a.) you can tell them you were SELF EMPLOYED
b.) stay at home mom
c.) going to school!! (you don't have to have a degree...you can just say you were taking classes)
d.) you were traveling.
deleted_user
deleted_user
actually, not an "old" HR rep, but a "previous"

I'm hyper-aware today.
bookmaven
bookmaven
never old! i know no old people...only those aging like fine wine (or at least that's what i like to tell myself)! okay...the curmudgeon down the road...he's old, but that's it.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Good advice linasmom, not that I can work any time soon, but I need to save that info, thx
deleted_user
deleted_user
As soon as I saw "Explaining the gaps" I knew what this would be! It's got to be the most frustrating part of BP. We can't even enjoy a good depression or stint in the loony bin without having to worry about the bloody gaps!
deleted_user
deleted_user
Linamoms suggestions are good, but make sure you have answers to the inevitable follow up questions - like what business were you in, why did you close down, etc, etc. That's where I always get caught. I forget to plan for follow up questions.