I quit my job in Nov. 2023 to care for my mom who had stage 4b lung cancer.

63 Comments

1. BarbaraFebruary 10,2025 at 3:25PM UTC

   Tell the truth. Caregiver is fine. Or if you don’t want just any random person to know your business state personal sabbatical and when one is interested they will ask. It’s rough these days getting a job if you don’t already have one. So do what is best and easiest for you during your job hunt. Any company that has a problem with that gap isn’t necessarily a company you want to work for. Good luck! And condolences on the loss of your Mom.

2. Marie MahonFebruary 10,2025 at 4:21PM UTC

   I recently worked with someone to help rebuild my resume, and she recommended I list my Professional Sabbatical that I took to care for my mom during her end of life care. At first I felt a bit uncomfortable with the idea that I was building "personal" information into my resume but ended up feeling relief once I listed it - on both my resume and LinkedIn with the explanation. This is real life and these things happen - and it is OKAY to prioritize your family during an illness and/or end of life. As the previous poster mentioned - do you really want to work for a company that would hold that against you? Shows you all you need to know about their company culture!

3. AnonymousFebruary 10,2025 at 4:24PM UTC

   First of all, my condolences for losing your mom. I also lost my mother to cancer and was a caregiver. At that time, my employer hired a temp to replace me for about a month. For now, on your resume, put your last job until November 2023. Then above that place November 2023 - February 2024 as a caregiver. Description - just put cared for ill parent. Managed doctor's appointments, etc. Or something like that. Doesn't need to be a lot. Then on your LinkedIn profile set it as seeking work. Not sure of your background, but make sure your resume is viewable on there as well. It will not mark you as unhireable as many people, especially during the Covid years have resumes all over the places with gaps because of their own health, the health of others, or lay offs. Hope you find a wonderful fit as you re-enter the workforce!

4. AnonymousFebruary 10,2025 at 4:49PM UTC

   So sorry for your loss. Tell your story as a caregiver in your resume and don't apologize for doing what you needed to for your Mother when folks try to use it as a negative. You can add that during that time you took some courses online to keep your skills up to date and also decided to take some space in between to be sure you knew where you wanted to work next and to take the time to research where that is for the next long term commitment. Good luck!

5. Mary BurkhardtFebruary 10,2025 at 5:15PM UTC

   I once had a male with some holes in his CV. He did explain that he was caring for his special needs son because his wife made more money (he was a pilot actually but had to leave that job because of his child's separation anxiety). At first I thought it was weird and then I straightened out my view to be less judgemental (childless cat lady here) and he turned out to be one of the best employees ever. He switched jobs later to come work with me again in the same company, different location.

   Give the businesses a chance to be empathetic. The care giving of a parent has an end so it shouldn't be detrimental.

6. Jessica FerlandFebruary 11,2025 at 1:51PM UTC

   I'm so very sorry for your loss! Caregiving, particularly of a person with complex medical needs, like stage 4 cancer, has so many transferrable skills. None that you wanted of course, but I would list it.

7. AnonymousFebruary 11,2025 at 1:57PM UTC

   In a word, yes. I would use "family caregiver" and make sure to include that the situation has resolved so they don't get the impression that you have a spouse or child with a chronic condition that will need ongoing care. As for the timing, I would include the time you used to help settle the estate and grieve/prop up other family members to help close the gap.

8. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachFebruary 11,2025 at 2:00PM UTC

   Caregiver is fine. And honest. Good luck!

9. AnonymousFebruary 11,2025 at 2:19PM UTC

   I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother. Deepest condolences. As someone who went through something similar, I ended up losing my job. I would list caregiver as well. It was your job. I feel it will also weed out uncaring companies that are not receptive or understanding of people in these situations. Much love to you. ??????

10. Antonia CalzettiFebruary 11,2025 at 3:03PM UTC

    Yes, put it on your resume to avoid additional questions when your interviewing. You could use something like "Family Support Provider / Caregiver".

11. GirlBossanova934974February 11,2025 at 3:10PM UTC

    You should be straight forward with your next employer about this resume job gap. I don't think any company with any sort of moral fiber is going to hold it against you. If the company has second thoughts, you should walk away from that company. Caregiver is fine.

12. Mj KernanFebruary 11,2025 at 4:21PM UTC

    Yes, list it as caregiver, I have also updated my linkedIn profile to show caregiver time. This certainly is not viewed as a negative by recruiters as it won't leave them wondering why the gap.

    You don't need to go into much detail, you can state Career break - to care for a sick mom (or can same parent or relative)

13. Mj KernanFebruary 11,2025 at 4:22PM UTC

    Yes, list it as caregiver, I have also updated my linkedIn profile to show caregiver time. This certainly is not viewed as a negative by recruiters as it won't leave them wondering why the gap.

    You don't need to go into much detail, you can state Career break - to care for a sick mom (or can same parent or relative)

14. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 11,2025 at 5:44PM UTC

    I would list it as Family Leave

15. AnonymousFebruary 11,2025 at 11:03PM UTC

    I agree with another response - family leave and during an interview share more for stepping away from business to help care for my mom. That is okay to do.

16. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 7:18AM UTC

    FMLA?

17. Balanced372207February 15,2025 at 11:24PM UTC

    But employers HATE FMLA. My former supervisor, who is an employee rights attorney told me this. In fact, he was my attorney when I fought to legitimately take 12 weeks of FMLA. Never say you used FMLA to take time off.

18. AnonymousFebruary 18,2025 at 11:48AM UTC

    oh I know my last boss tried to dissuade me from taking it after my sister tragically died. But also said I was not fast enough for his liking. My job got "eliminated" lol no if didnt.

    Honestly if the employer is someone you want to work for I dont think they would think twice about it. They do exist, rare find these days

19. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 1:11PM UTC

    If you list say it was for caring for a parent. Do not leave it ambiguous because people will think you stayed home with kids and that adds another layer of bias.

20. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 1:38PM UTC

    Here's the harsh truth, you're resume is being compared against the 100's, if not 1,000s, of resumes the employer receives.

    Now, picture yourself as an employer.

    Would you lean towards candidates who have a career gap, for whatever reason and likely their skills are "rusty," or the many candidates you can choose from that have no career gap?

21. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 1:57PM UTC

    That wasn't her question. She is asking if/how she should explain the gap on her resume. She isn't "rusty" either. 4 months to care for family and then time to deal with personal and family needs in a low-hiring job market isn't that long. I question your knowledge. And your EQ.

22. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 6:37PM UTC

    In today's 'here today, gone tomorrow' being a month out of the workforce makes you rusty.

    Think how technology looked like in September 2024 and how it looks like today.

23. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 2:28PM UTC

    I wonder how this is helpful? Are you having a difficult time answering their question? They are seeking solutions, and you gave them brash negativity. There are many people replying saying it was difficult, but they were in similar situations and was hired. Engage more thoughtfully moving forward please.

24. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 6:36PM UTC

    There is no solution other than to keep applying and hope an employer will hire you.

    An employment gap, for whatever reason, is a red flag to employers. Learn to live with this. There's nothing you can do to mitigate an employment gap when you're up against many candidates who don't have an employment gap.

    Many people, especially here, need a reality check on how the world operates. I'm not here to engage "more thoughtfully," which is just code for "Tell people what they want to hear." I'm here to speak the truth.

    (Sorry that my speaking the truth offended your sensibilities.)

25. Balanced372207February 15,2025 at 11:22PM UTC

    No need to be snarky.....

26. Dominique Troiano DachilleFebruary 12,2025 at 3:53PM UTC

    A career gap doesn't equal losing skills or forgetting how to do your job - I've found citing a career gap as a reason not to interview someone usually boils down to bigotry and discrimination. Cause let's face it, it's very often women and POC that have big gaps in their resume. So I guess we see where your humanity lies.

27. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netFebruary 12,2025 at 6:09PM UTC

    Huh?? there is no bigotry or discrimination. Why was the gap? Carry on all you want but companies want to know why if there is a significant gap. Stay at home mom, that's ok--they just want a reason.

28. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 11:02PM UTC

    That is a really slimey way for you to find out if they have children. Also illegal in most parts of the world to potentially create a bias to discriminate. Absolutely none of you business, why someone has a gap. If you want to know if they have a police record, this will illiminate any governance questions. Wow, how utterly old fashioned of your company, and a great reason to not engage your services. Also, a Recruiter/HR of over a decade here. Do better, and you may actually find better candidates out there to work with.

29. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 6:41PM UTC

    In today's hyper-rapid changing technology world, a few months out of the workforce makes your skills irrelevant.

    For example, how many here are using AI every day and keeping up with its evolution?

    ANSWER: Very few.

    When an employer has 1,000s of applicants to choose from, why would they entertain applicants who have an employment gap over the 100s that don't?

    (I'll wait for your answer.)

30. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netFebruary 12,2025 at 6:04PM UTC

    I will always put forward a candidate with a good resume and good previous experience in what I am looking for. I will not put forward without an explanation if the gap is significant.

31. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 7:54PM UTC

    “Rusty” after 4 months? That’s ridiculous. Unless you’re in some super advanced tech space, there’s no way you’re considered rusty after a few months.

    That being said, yes I put family caregiver on my resume & volunteer work to show I’m doing something during my time after being laid off.

    There is unfortunately bias against people who are unemployed and the longer the gap the more bias there seems to be.

32. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 10:55PM UTC

    As a Recruiter, i call BS on this! I cannot tell you the amount of people i have worked with who have held positions, but not advanced their skills! Doing the same thing for many years, is also "rusty" without professional developement. It should be all about the experience and skills. And if it's not, then the company are not progressive enough themselves! By virtue of that, you are saying that (for eg) Daniel Day Lewis is no longer one of the best actors of his generation, or would not get hired, because he has a gap in his career? I don't think so!

33. AnonymousFebruary 13,2025 at 2:57PM UTC

    Thank you; you are totally correct. I've heard it phrased, "There is a difference between having one year of experience ten times and having 10 years of experience."

34. AnonymousFebruary 14,2025 at 3:52PM UTC

    Thanks for proving my point.

    "have held positions, but not advanced their skills"

    If this is the case for those who are employed, then imagine just how rusty someone who's not working skills are.

35. Balanced372207February 15,2025 at 11:15PM UTC

    Just because one is not physically working in an office does not mean skills are "rusty". I would argue quite the opposite. Caregiving requires many skills to be used, so therefore the caregiver would be FAR from being rusty.

36. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 2:10PM UTC

    My sincere condolences to you. I took a two year career break because I was burned out. On my resume, I listed this gap as Career break, and understood that my resume was not the most preferred one in the pile. I got a job offer to start in March 2025, the offer came from a renowned company and I had to move across country for the job. It was hard to get this job but I will do it again if I have to. Take time to grieve and be patient with yourself. This is your time to heal and rest.

37. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netFebruary 12,2025 at 2:13PM UTC

    put" caring for my terminally ill mother during the last stages of her life."

38. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 2:22PM UTC

    Yes

39. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 3:02PM UTC

    I took time away to take care of my dad during his recovery. I found it difficult to job search with the gap. An acquaintance recommended adding in a line above my last role stating Father's Caregiver with two bullet points regarding what I handled during that time. I add that section before my last role or at the end of my experience depending on the role I'm applying for and location. Good luck with your search and I'm sorry for your loss.

40. kay JackFebruary 12,2025 at 3:05PM UTC

    You absolutely should reference your time off as caring for a relative . That is a valid reason for not working for an extended time .

41. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 3:21PM UTC

    It’s unfortunate that in 2025 employers are still asking for explanations for gaps in employment so that they can judge whether the reason — in their view — warranted the time off. The reasons may also provide information that shouldn’t legally be considered in determining candidate qualifications (ie, candidate’s health status, or that of a parent or child, marital status, etc).

    That said, it’s probably AI and not a human screening out based on “gaps”.

    As the data shows, the majority of jobs are still found via networking and connections. If you’ve not prioritized that strategy, I’d highly recommend it.

    All the best!

42. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netFebruary 12,2025 at 5:58PM UTC

    Like it or not, companies will always want an explanation for gaps in employment. They want to know who they are hiring and I don't blame them.

43. AnonymousFebruary 18,2025 at 11:40AM UTC

    Not sure about this, I got laid off had 3 interviews in 1 month and no one even questioned my 4 month gap

44. AnonymousFebruary 16,2025 at 3:19PM UTC

    I am a Paralegal with ABA Certification, 16 years experience complex consumer and commercial litigation, Bankruptcy, Insolvency, collections etc. I am also a part time Law School Student. The Law School/Career services asked for my updated CV for their files/statistics etc. I am currently employed, full time. Apparently, my CV was posted to a job board and it’s in a match search engines. That said, there are now a number of law firms and companies contacting me for interviews. They continually comment about my solid work experience and no gaps in my resume. I’ve been 8 years at my first firm and another eight at my current firm. This seems so unusual to me. Considering that my current employer is nearing retirement age I am entertaining some interviews, but not all. Gaps or no gaps in employment should not make a difference if a candidate is qualified. Things happen that are out of one’s control, ie: illness, family needs, unexpected layoffs, etc. focusing on gaps, or lack of gaps, in someone’s CV should not be the priority, or am I wrong ?

45. AnonymousFebruary 12,2025 at 4:11PM UTC

    I have been able to discuss during an interview and I could see the nodding with understanding. I needed time off for me and am unapologetic about it. I volunteered during that time and kept the volunteer roles in the resume. I don't know if this helps you but know that you are more than a few lines on a piece of paper.

46. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netFebruary 12,2025 at 6:11PM UTC

    I would not ignore your resume. You may take a salary cut and I do not know what your work background is but I would certainly cut you a break.

47. Sharon BrumleyFebruary 12,2025 at 6:14PM UTC

    It has not been that long - barely a year - that your mom has passed. You took family medical leave to take care of your mom. That is the truth and no one will fault you for that....my heartfelt condolences to you - I have been there and it is so tough to resume normal life afterwards. Know there are prayers going up for you and my best in your job search. It will happen.

48. AnonymousFebruary 15,2025 at 11:12PM UTC

    I agree with everything you said except "no one will fault you for that." Employers do fault people for that....they did to my daughter, and to another of her coworkers who took LEGITIMATE FMLA time to care for ill fathers.

49. AnonymousFebruary 25,2025 at 7:52AM UTC

    She said that she quit her job. She didn't take FML

50. rgstaffing@bellsouth.netFebruary 12,2025 at 6:15PM UTC

    This is not difficult. if you are caring for an ill parent put that. I personally look very kindly on someone who does that It tells me something about them. OMG put the truth so that the interviewer is not left scratching their head.

51. Darenda CarterFebruary 13,2025 at 2:12AM UTC

    Sorry about your mom. I to quit my job & took care of her for 3 years until she moved in with her brother so when I went back out in the working world I put caregiver on my resume

52. Anné LeonardFebruary 13,2025 at 6:36AM UTC

    So sorry about your mom!

    I would fill in that gap with "Full-time caregiver for terminally ill parent" and the dates.

    List qualities and skills you developed during that time.

    Take care of yourself!

53. Explorer539760February 13,2025 at 2:16PM UTC

    Great suggestion Anne!

54. Ellen Smith FaganFebruary 13,2025 at 1:31PM UTC

    be PROUD of your top-notch character! PROUD of your LOVE for family! The whole world needs YOU !!!

    If you like, google the skillset for terminal client caregiver and make a UNIQUE PAGE that tells YOUR story of those days! You are Wonder Woman! Attach it to your resume with a mild statement that says you would not be interested in working for any firm that failed to RESPECT your temporaty lane-change, since it is part of what makes a decent life-quality for ALL of us.

    God bless you!

55. AnonymousFebruary 13,2025 at 2:09PM UTC

    This speaks to character, loyalty, and the ability to get done things that are unpleasant, but need doing.

56. Kristin VitekFebruary 13,2025 at 3:36PM UTC

    It's a sad world where we put family first, but feel it's a detriment to our career. You are my SHERO! I went through something similar with my family and stepped away from my career. Absolutely put caregiver on your resume and LI.

57. AnonymousFebruary 13,2025 at 7:35PM UTC

    My sincerest condolences. That had to be very difficult. I did something similar and plan to briefly explain it in my cover letter. There is no shame in taking time off to care for a loved one. There is so much honor in doing so. There is also a lot of skill, determination and resilience that comes with this experience as you juggle many things at once along with their care. I found that I was managing budgets, schedules and care all at once. Our time was purposeful. Best of luck.

58. AnonymousFebruary 14,2025 at 3:49PM UTC

    Show the memo which says, "Life's fair."

59. AnonymousFebruary 15,2025 at 3:38PM UTC

    Unfortunately the world we live in does not value the time we take to care for loved ones.

    Early in my career, when I took some time off to start a family, I was asked to explain the gap in my resume, too. I found out that when I listed being a stay at home mom, I was overlooked, so I became creative.

    I explained the gap in my resume by filling it with the daily jobs that I did as a personal assistant to a businessman and his family:

    Correspondence

    Event planner

    Financial advisor

    Personal shopping

    Billing and receiving

    Executive office administrator

    Interior decorator, etc.

    I was asked on several occasions if I would like a position with the person interviewing me!

60. AnonymousFebruary 15,2025 at 11:09PM UTC

    My daughter was in a similar situation in 2020, caring for her father before he passed. I would advise you to fill the gap with "caregiver", with the understanding that many places have extremely unsympathetic HR folks who might not care for that answer. But its the truth.

61. AnonymousFebruary 16,2025 at 4:48AM UTC

    You can be honest about it and mention the time period as caregiver. Some people may respect you for that and think of it as a noble cause.

62. Rosa GoesFebruary 18,2025 at 5:04PM UTC

    My condolences for the loss of your mom. I had a similar situation and I put "leave of absence " as the employer. For the line below that I put "full time care coordinator for a family member's illness " as the duty/role. My dad is at a facility so I'm not exactly a caretaker. But you can replace coordinator with caretaker. I did it this way because I didn't want to share too much info on the resume since I was applying to many jobs. Even during the interviews, I kept it short and to the point. The main thing to emphasize is that you are ready to go back to work. You will find a job sooner than you think. Wishing you good luck!!

63. AnonymousFebruary 22,2025 at 5:02PM UTC

    "when a situation presents itself with the option to be fair."

    An employer's 1st priority is to be FAIR to their business and current employees, which means hiring the best candidate. Therefore, if, say, 200 candidates apply for an employer's job—a conservative estimate—then the best candidates will be those without an employment gap, right?

    Employers don't owe job seekers anything, including "fairness."