How do you find work after a long gap in employment?
Question by on_the_move4ever: How do you find work after a long gap in employment?
I haven’t worked since August 2002. I’m on disability. I was approved the first time. I’ve been working very hard in rehab to improve, and I finished 17 months of physical therapy in March, (I’m still doing PT, but on my own now). The doctors still have not cleared me to work yet – they aren’t going to clear me until pain is under control and I’m off narcotics, and I’m still on narcotics and I still don’t have pain under control. But I”m trying. I want to work very bad- especially since my wife died and I”m here all day. But how do you deal with the gap, everyone I spoke with requires recent experience. That won’t be the case for me. Most likely I will have to find something else to do and start over. I just don’t know what that might be. Should I just let the DVR handle dealing with the employers? I don’t know.
Best answer:
Answer by wahini on shore
Since you are disabled, you can be going to school for new job training. I think disability or something could or would (maybe) pay for it. I would think most employers would be understanding of a gap in employment because of a disability.
Add your own answer in the comments!
August 27th, 2010 at 1:30 am
My mom is on disability and is in a “career college” getting education and training so that she can eventually go back to work. Disability is paying for this, because she could not go back to her old career. You might want to check with your local disability office.
Good luck!
August 27th, 2010 at 2:26 am
I would suggest you be honest and up front about the gap. If you send in a resume then include in your cover letter that they will see a gap in employment and give the reason. Then tell that you are really anxious to get back into the workforce and you will be an asset to their company. If you go in somewhere and fill out an application try to include the reason for the gap somewhere on the application. If there’s not a place for comments then under employment history put 8/2002 to present – off work for disability, or something like that.
August 27th, 2010 at 2:34 am
Without knowing your skills and previous experience it is a little difficult to offer concise advise but I will try to help. If you previously worked as a blue collar worker, it may be very difficult to find a similar job if you have had a back injury or something else that may affect your work. Discrimination may be illegal, but during my time working in HR I saw people rejected because of previous injuries they were required to report. You must be honest on an application but be prepared for people who are not. The suggestions concerning job training are good. You will be out of the house while learning something new, maybe even something you have always wanted to do but did not think about before now. As far as recent experience being required, try a temp service for a while. If you are prompt and get good reports from employers, they will continue to use you and you may even fall into a permanent position. It is also a good way to learn new skills because it can be difficult for a temp service to always provide exactly what was requested. If you find that searching on your own is not working, definitely allow others to step in and help. I wish you luck in your search and I hope that the job of your dreams comes your way. Who knows, maybe you are an undiscovered motivational speaker and this will show you your path.