Mental illness and employment Hello everyone.

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Anonymous

01/30/21 at 1:40PM UTC

Mental illness and employment Hello everyone.

I have kind of a unique story (maybe) and would like some honest advice. Don’t sugarcoat it. I know this situation isn’t ideal. I have struggled with medical problems and depression/anxiety for years. It has been debilitating, but I kept going and finally earned my college degree. I have been to three different colleges. One I left due to extreme depression and unsolved medical problems. The second one I left due to sexual assault. The third one, I stayed at and got my degree. There were a few years between my attendance at the second and third university where I worked as a singer/performer. I was successful, but medical problems lead to difficulties with breathing and performing. I moved back home to figure out what was going on with my body. I thought maybe it was the physical effects of ptsd, but it turns out I needed a major surgery. I have to be careful with myself because if I do too much I end up sick. So while pursuing my degree, I focused solely on class work. Graduated with honors. If an employer were to look at my transcript, they would see all the times I left school. I also have a gap in employment (about a year). I was in school at this time, but it still looks bad to not be employed. My past managers have promised to give me glowing reviews as I had great relationships with them. I am a very very hard worker and care immensely about helping others. how do I approach gaps in my education and job history? How do I explain the fact that I am 30 years old and am just now earning a bachelor’s degree?

12 Comments

Robin Hendricks, M.Ed., CEC

263

Ambition Enabler

01/30/21 at 1:53PM UTC

Hi friend. Great news! Employers do not look at your school transcripts! They don't know how many schools you attended or how long it took. Just list the one you earned your degree from. Do not include your graduation date. That's not necessary. Also, although there may be clues to your age in some applications, your resume should not reveal your age. Focus on what you have done, not what you haven't:)

1 Reply

Anonymous

01/30/21 at 8:34PM UTC

Hi! Thanks for the advice. I didn’t think employers would ask for this either. Unfortunately this employer is asking for official university transcripts before even having an interview. It is for an entry level position working for the state. Maybe it is different because it is a government job?

User edited comment on 01/30/21 at 8:45PM UTC

1 Reply

Robin Hendricks, M.Ed., CEC

263

Ambition Enabler

01/30/21 at 8:56PM UTC

Ah, yes, that's why. They ask for everything whether it's relevant or not. The healthiest way to look at this situation is if you want that job, you have to play according to the rules and provide what they ask for in order to be considered. I have state hiring experience. They are simply checking boxes and need a complete file, not judging you based on your journey ? If you don't get this one, there's plenty of other opportunities out there. Don't give up.

Patty

01/30/21 at 2:01PM UTC

I totally agree with Robin. Just put down the last school that you graduated from & they do not need to know about the 2 other schools that you attended. They really only care about your degree. And the gaps in employment I would explain in person or on the phone, don't write down personal reasons on your Resume. And I'd offer your wonderful personal references at the same time you need to discuss the employment gaps to help smooth them over. And be sincere & honest, people will appreciate that. Good luck!

Anonymous

01/30/21 at 2:39PM UTC

If they really pry about any “gaps” which would probably border on being illegal, you had to take time off to care for a loved one (yourself) who was ill, but now much better. And they really shouldn’t be asking!

Anonymous

01/30/21 at 2:44PM UTC

Excellent questions. And I don't think you have anything to worry about. As I presume you are currently looking for entry level/ground floor opportunities, the main thing that matters is your degree, and possibly the jobs you have held in the past (I am assuming these were to support you going to school, and so will the company reviewing your application). The thing that will matter from all of this is the glowing recommendation, so lean on those for references. You are young and just starting out. These days, many are just getting started in their early thirties. I actually started over in my 50s with a mid-life career change. When you are looking for a start in an industry where you have just earned the degree, gaps and their explanations will not come into play as much as if you were mid-career looking for a management or senior position type job. One thing to be aware of, is your mental health issues. As one who also has PTSD, depression and severe anxiety, be aware that your mental health condition is a protected health issue that you do not have to disclose. With something that can require accommodations, however, it gets really tricky. How can you ask for accommodations for something that cannot be readily seen? Being blind and needing a service dog is obvious, or paraplegic and needing a wheelchair and needing access accommodations are obvious, but being in a crowded room and needing to be positioned close to a door and requiring a certain amount of space to keep from getting claustrophobic may require documentation in order to be accommodated. It becomes a double edged sword because disclosing your disabling condition can be detrimental due to the stigma that is attached to mental illness. Not disclosing can be detrimental to your mental health. I wish I had the answer for the obvious question this brings up, but I haven't found it myself. Congratulations on finishing your bachelor's program, and best of luck on your job search.

User edited comment on 01/30/21 at 2:47PM UTC

1 Reply

Anonymous

01/30/21 at 8:45PM UTC

Yes, I agree. It is a fine line. I am a terrible liar and generally not good at hiding things. I would hate to feel like I am pulling the wool over an employers eyes. I don’t require accommodations when it comes to learning, testing and completing tasks. But environment is a big one for me. I can’t learn in a chaotic environment. I am purchasing special earbuds for this, though. They are sound cancelling and can let in noise selectively if needed. Oh my goodness! I love that you mentioned sitting near the door. That is definitely on of my quirks. I can deal with it if not, but it is really uncomfortable! A lot of people with trauma are like this.

User edited comment on 01/30/21 at 8:45PM UTC

Anonymous

01/30/21 at 3:37PM UTC

As others have noted, you don't have to explain nearly as much as you think you do. So what if you earned your BA at 30? List the school which awarded you your degree and that's it. And if gaps are questioned then my goodness, you took a creative performance path and while you were successful and enjoyed it - you realized you did not want to make performing a full time career. However, your stage experience has been invaluable in so many ways.....and cite a few.

Melanie Hutchinson

Experienced Treasury Professional

01/30/21 at 3:39PM UTC

Wow. First of all, you are a warrier. Getting through all those obstacles and succeeding to get your degree says so much about your strength of character, your resilience and your work ethic to me. You need to know that. And leave the date off and just put the last school. Practice how to answer about gaps. There are lots of coaches on LinkedIn who have posted free info on how to successfully navigate that. Just be ready for it and be confident. You are a rockstar! ❤️

Lisa Welker-Finney

BE BOLD! BE BRAVE!

01/30/21 at 4:35PM UTC

Agree with all the comments above. Time to finish is not the issue - it is the breadth, depth and scope of your experiences and what you bring with you for the role. Your mental health is the most important - so when you are evaluating companies and managers do so research on their benefits and corporate culture. Do you feel comfortable? Ask to talk with some members on the team who would be your co-workers to ask about the environment, how long they have been there, what they like about the company. It is important to choose an environment that will less likely be a culture that is harsh and could trigger issues for you, You are brave, tenacious and have high integrity, who wouldn't want you on their team? Take care!

User edited comment on 01/30/21 at 4:36PM UTC

1 Reply

Anonymous

01/30/21 at 8:51PM UTC

Thank you! That is great advice. I am definitely not “cut throat” and am more of a team player. I prefer environments where everyone is supportive of one another instead of in competition. I don’t need competition to motivate me. I will definitely keep the company culture in mind when looking for jobs.

Melanie

563

HR Leader giving my own two cents to help women.

02/01/21 at 10:13AM UTC

I work in HR and can confirm that all you need to do is list where you obtained your degree. The others schools don’t matter. Many people work and go to school or due to finances may take longer. You got it so that’s the most important. The date is not needed on your resume but to verify the degree you will need to put it on the application. If asked during an interview be honest and say you were a full time student and wanted to accelerate completing your studies. Good luck!