Job advice- Unf*ck myself- Recruiter or Hiring Manager

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Hi All,

My mother's has a chronic illness and after a mini stroke 2 years ago I decided to move back home to be with her before she passes away. We didn't know how long she had. I left my job, put my stuff in storage, and took a flight home to be with her. My intention was to get a job straight away and spend as much time as I could with her. Well, it didn't turn out that way, By default, I assumed the job of caregiver for her. Not that I necessarily wanted too but my other brothers weren't of much help and I guess this is the type of person that I am.

Flash forward 1.5 years. I've worked a couple temp jobs here and there but I haven't looked for anything permanent as I've been caring for my mom. I have no excuses for not finding a full time job. If I went to a doctor they would probably diagnose me with depression. This has been a really difficult time for me but the one positive thing besides seeing my mother is completing my college degree (almost done).

I need to recover, heal myself and start being a member of life again. But I feel I have f*cked myself and I don't know how to unf*ck myself in terms of my job. The reason why I wrote is to hopefully hear from a Recruiter, Hiring Manager or business professional as to how to fill my resume/CV gap during this time? A friend told me to add caregiver and full time student on my resume but this doesn't seem appropriate. Currently, I have the temp job showing as my present job but this is not true. I'm embarrassed that I haven't worked and feel a bit down on myself that I let life go. I don't know how to fill in the gap and what to write to make up for this time in the competitive job market. I can't shake this feeling that I'm not hire-able anymore.

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@Christyblue,

Caregiver/full-time student is 100% appropriate.

Here's how you handle it.

You took the initiative and worked hard and paid for your own schooling during a difficult time. Being a caregiver showcases versatility. You have to be able to shift gears and handle new things very quickly. It also shows your compassion. You are a person who cares and who doesn't bail when the going gets tough. It also shows an immeasurable amount of responsibility.

You are far, far from a failure.

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@Christyblue,

I would suggest when you send out your resume that you include a cover letter explaining the gap. Many people have gap periods due to a variety of reasons.

You can state that you attending college to complete your degree while being a family care giver for a serious illness. Any reasonable hiring manager would understand.

Also you could utilize your college career placement office - they would be best able to guide you on how to note this on your resume and/or cover letter. You pay for tuition and the placement office at your college is some of what you pay tuition for. There should be no cost to use them (when I was in college I worked parttime at our placement office - the staff there was excellent).

You can also go to a recruiter - call them and explain your situation. Most recruiter work where the hiring company pays for the service not the individuals seeking employment. They are also experienced and benefit by placing people (that is how they earn their pay so they are motivated to place you).

And jespah gives good advice - don't feel down on yourself - you did an awesome thing shows what good character and compassion you have.

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Job advice- Unf*ck myself- Recruiter or Hiring Manager

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