What to write on my resume?

[The_Possum]

Hi everyone

I wasn't sure where to post this so I hope people will see this, read it and hopefully provide some advice.

I've taken approx 14months off work predominantly due to mental health issues.

There's now a job I'm really interested in and although I'm feeling anxious about it, my family, psych and GP are encouraging me to make a new resume and apply. I don't even know if I'd get an interview or the role but in any case they think it would be good for me just to bite the bullet and take the first step.

So I'm going to do it. But how best to approach this and explain the gap on my otherwise 12 year continuous history?

Any suggestions appreciated?

[The_Possum]

Wish I had something positive to say to you and about this but unfortunately I can't.

Resume was all ready to go but never submitted it.

Now in a BP depression and on a med change.

And so the circle repeats. Life of a bipolar. So useless and a waste of time.

Good luck though, if you're feeling great, strike while the irons hot.

Take care x

[Quercus]

Hi Possum,

I appreciate you writing back. Nevermind another opportunity will come your way and this time your resume is ready to submit while you feel good.

I'm with you there. Felt ready the last few days and now scared to change again. Unsure of what I want. Worried I'll make the wrong decision. It is very frustrating.

Take care of yourself ok

[The_Possum]

Thanks for your kind words.

I think the worry is one of the hardest aspects to be honest.

It's that whole unknown element that I grapple with. Will they like me? Can I do this job? What if I flake it? What if I have an episode? Etc etc

I know I've built it up into this big thing larger than life itself. It's become an ever consuming monster of a thing.

Which it's not. And I'm aware of it. Try to reassure my restless mind that?

I need to recentre my Chi and meditate a lot more.

Pretty useless plan when you're stuck in a depression which I'm sick of looking at my pathetic existance feeling sorry for myself.

So tired of this. I just need the energy to stop all this. But I'm tired and lazy.

[Quercus]

Hi Possum,

Someone told me once that it's not being lazy it's the MI sabotaging you.

My husband told me that I'm making it too big to cope with too. He said start of very very small. Think of what you want out of your life. What gives your life meaning? Then think about jobs that help you achieve that.

For me what makes my life meaningful is family and caring for others. I work to earn money to be able to have new experiences with my family. Helping others makes me feel good about myself and worthwhile.

So then the most vital factors I need in a job are...

Flexible hours in relation to childcare and eventually school holidays.

To be doing something that helps other people in a way I find rewarding.

All good in theory but now I'm working on jobs that fit that. Am looking into the training for an Education Assistant. I think I'd enjoy that. And funnily enough I actually think I'd be good at it.

How about giving that a try? What gives your life meaning? What kind of jobs fit well within what's important to you?

Maybe useless advice but I'm still hopeful for you Possum.