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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by D minor on August 26, 2006, at 18:56:40
Hey All,
Bipolar disorder has cost me two jobs. Now there's a career fair comming up, and I'm curious as to how other people have delt with the whole, mental illness thing. Should I just tell potential employers up front in the begining? Should I just mention that it was and "illness" that caused me to drop school? Or should I just not say anything about it and hope they won't notice the large gaps in my resume?What has your experience been?
dm
Posted by Dixie_gal on August 30, 2006, at 20:48:03
In reply to To tell, or not to tell? That is my question., posted by D minor on August 26, 2006, at 18:56:40
Hello DM,
I just want to wish you much luck!!!!
Posted by Poet on September 5, 2006, at 9:26:56
In reply to To tell, or not to tell? That is my question., posted by D minor on August 26, 2006, at 18:56:40
Hi D Minor,
I have a nine month gap on my resume. My explanation is *a personal situation that I do not expect to occur again.* If pressed I say that I was taking care of a family member.
I'm afraid if I say anything close to mental illness that they won't want to talk to me further. I spent those nine months in a major depression, it's not like I was on vacation, but I don't think most people would get it.
Good luck at the career fair.
Poet
Posted by finelinebob on September 7, 2006, at 22:53:09
In reply to Re: To tell, or not to tell? That is my question., posted by Poet on September 5, 2006, at 9:26:56
> I have a nine month gap on my resume. My explanation is *a personal situation that I do not expect to occur again.* If pressed I say that I was taking care of a family member.
Good answer.
Lol. Playing some online games, one of the worst insults some immature little snot -- whatever their true age or size -- could toss at you was that you were a "non-factor". Right after that would come "I bet you're 40, unemployed and living in your parents' basement".
So when I'd see things escalating to that level, I'd cut them off and say that about me first. And they'd say, "d00d, ur joking, right?" and I'd say "yeah, I'm 42".
But I did spend several years taking care of my elderly parents who are in rather poor health.
And if you think you're gonna feel guilty about saying something like that, just think about how mean spirited it would be for them to think poorly of you because of who you are ... and as penance for your guilt, call your parents or someone else you're close to and haven't talked to in a while and tell them how much you appreciate them.
And if you get the job, send that person a thank you gift
;^)
flb
Posted by canadagirl on September 19, 2006, at 11:05:31
In reply to To tell, or not to tell? That is my question., posted by D minor on August 26, 2006, at 18:56:40
There is also a way to do your resume that does not "highlight" the gaps. Maybe a career counsellor could help with that and help with the explanations around the gaps. You can usually find career help through your unemployment office, or through human services agenices in your city. Focus on your strengths. I would NOT mention the mental illness at all.
This is the end of the thread.
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