Guest guest Posted December 15, 2008 Report Share Posted December 15, 2008 We've all got our own approaches to this, but personally I wouldn't dare admit that the time off was due to any health problem. Nobody wants to hire someone who's going to raise the company's insurance premiums, especially not in the current climate. And Lymies are even more radioactive than smokers or diabetics where insurance companies are concerned. I'd simply say that I had a personal issue (I'd leave the oblique impression it was a family issue, without as much as saying so -- perhaps a parent or child who needed me around?) that required my full attention at home, and left my previous job out of fairness to my employer while I dealt with it. (Which makes you look considerate and responsible -- as long as your previous boss is likely to tell a story that backs that up.) I'd further assure the interviewer that the issue was now resolved, which is why I'm now looking for a new job. This conversation is teetering very close to what's acceptable for an employer to ask about your personal affairs, so they're not likely to probe much beyond that. And I certainly wouldn't volunteer any more details on my own. This elision would also explain the job shift. " I realized during my sabbatical that it was an ideal time to make a career course correction. " From there, you can step back onto why you're so excited about the opportunity presented by this job. When I took my last job earlier this year, I did have a more frank conversation with my new employer AFTER the offer was made and accepted. Once the mutual commitment was made, I matter-of-factly explained that I have an MS-class neuroimmune disease (an accurate description, since I didn't have a Lyme diagnosis at the time; and besides, everybody knows somebody with MS and gets what that means) that requires me to manage my energy levels carefully. I told them that this usually doesn't interfere with my ability to work, so I don't like to make an issue out of it with people who aren't likely to be directly affected by it. But my bosses do have a right to know, because once every couple of months, I need to take a day or two to manage my situation. My bosses have been wonderful about this, partly because they're very compassionate people and partly because I work in the non-profit sector, where working conditions tend to be considerably less intense than, say, my old employers in Silicon Valley. If it helps you count your blessings, this job -- which started in January -- gave me the first paychecks I've seen since 1997. Like you, I've had these beasties for a long time -- 24 years, near as I can tell. After all those years away, the only way I could stage a comeback was to go back to college and earn an MS to retrain. I'm still not making a lot of money, but I've got a high-prestige job with amazing co-workers -- which I can do mostly from home and even from bed. It's not all that lucrative, but I've ended up with a front-row seat for the coming political changes, and a historic chance to contribute something to that discussion. I cannot believe I lucked into it. As for breaking into the new field, the best ways I've found to do this are: 1) If there's a professional group, join it -- and get active. Nobody who's already working has time to do the scutwork of planning meetings, joining committees, running the website, or writing newsletters; but it's high-visibility work that's very appreciated and gets your name out there. Job offers will follow quickly if you do it well. 2) If there's a national convention, be sure to get yourself there. Better yet: Contact the organizers several months in advance and ask if they need volunteers. This usually gets you in for free or at a deep discount. And because you're doing things like working tables, running AV, escorting luminaries around, and generally lurking behind the scenes, it's a great way to meet people and be seen. 3) If there's a journal, write an article for it. If there's nobody blogging in that field, start that blog. 4) If there are internships, get one. If working free for a few months will let you show your stuff, then do that. 5) If there are college or professional development classes being offered, keep taking them. The professors can be a tremendous resource. Best of luck. It's a hard dance, trying to be honest on one hand and not terrify them on the other. And learning to accept that this disease will forever alter my career trajectory has been hard, but I've finally come to a point of some peace with that. Sara On Dec 15, 2008, at 9:19 PM, smylze111 wrote: > After an estimated 30+ year stint of undiagnosed Lyme, I finally have > been diagnosed and started treatment. The treatment has been going > very well and I've started looking for a job again. My challenge is > how to explain the absence from work (I've been out for 13 months > because of this disease.) Has anyone run into a similar situation? I'm > also having to change careers. I know I can't go back to working 6-7 > days a week like I did before. So, I've got two biggies 1) length of > unemployment and 2) career field change. > > Any advice? I'm not even getting calls for interviews right now. > Should I try to address it in a cover? I've never had trouble finding > a job before. I know the economic climate is having an impact, but > wow! > > Thanks in advance! I'm sure there are others here who have faced this > challenge before and could offer input. > > Thanks again! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 You say you took some time off to tend to family issues. You don't need to say more. _____ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of smylze111 Sent: Monday, December 15, 2008 11:20 PM Subject: [ ] Work Help After an estimated 30+ year stint of undiagnosed Lyme, I finally have been diagnosed and started treatment. The treatment has been going very well and I've started looking for a job again. My challenge is how to explain the absence from work (I've been out for 13 months because of this disease.) Has anyone run into a similar situation? I'm also having to change careers. I know I can't go back to working 6-7 days a week like I did before. So, I've got two biggies 1) length of unemployment and 2) career field change. Any advice? I'm not even getting calls for interviews right now. Should I try to address it in a cover? I've never had trouble finding a job before. I know the economic climate is having an impact, but wow! Thanks in advance! I'm sure there are others here who have faced this challenge before and could offer input. Thanks again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 16, 2008 Report Share Posted December 16, 2008 I'm glad to hear that your treatment is going well so quickly; may I ask what you are doing that you are responding so well after 30 years of Lyme? I hope too to be absent only for a year; I was just put on a year of disability (to be re-evaluated in 12 months) but kind of got the impression it would be a much longer haul for me; and haven't thought about what I will say when out looking for a job again; I suppose honesty is the best policy but you're right; the job market is grim these days. I have been researching career changes as well; want to make the best of my year off- there are some good books and CD programs out there that help explore new careers (that work around special needs as well). I have been ill for many years and have never worked more than 3 or 4 days a week and earned a very good income in sales. just depends on your desires and skills-good luck! robin ps-stay away from these work at home scams-I can't tell you how many I have gotten taken by- there is one really good one if you are good at writing- email me and i will find it for you > > After an estimated 30+ year stint of undiagnosed Lyme, I finally have > been diagnosed and started treatment. The treatment has been going > very well and I've started looking for a job again. My challenge is > how to explain the absence from work (I've been out for 13 months > because of this disease.) Has anyone run into a similar situation? I'm > also having to change careers. I know I can't go back to working 6-7 > days a week like I did before. So, I've got two biggies 1) length of > unemployment and 2) career field change. > > Any advice? I'm not even getting calls for interviews right now. > Should I try to address it in a cover? I've never had trouble finding > a job before. I know the economic climate is having an impact, but wow! > > Thanks in advance! I'm sure there are others here who have faced this > challenge before and could offer input. > > Thanks again! > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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