Aimee,

Wow!  You have had some
tough times.  I sense your anger and
frustration having to face the challenges and the obstacles you have had to overcome.
Let me start my helping you deal with the employment gap.

1.    On your resume,
after your last position, here’s an example of how to list what you have done
in the recent time frame.

2011-2013
 -Caregiver
– Family leave to care for a sick family member.  Prosvided transportation, hands-on care and
support during a serious health crisis.

2.     
In an interview
or telephone conversation, don’t elaborate. 
Let them assume it might be a parent rather than a child.  

If
they ask why are you available
now?  Indicate that the crisis is over
and you are NOW available and eager for full time work.

3.     
Tell us a bit
about your skills and experience.  What
did you do as a career?  Perhaps, we can
suggest opportunities for part time roles to get you back into the workforce
and to improve your finances.

4.     
What sources of
financial assistance have you explored?

·        
If you are now
available for FT employment, you may be able to collect unemployment
compensation.

·        
There are
foundations and cancer organizations that provide financial assistance and
support during difficult times.  

·        
Ask the Social
worker at your hospital for a list of resources.  Discuss your needs as well as your
frustrations.  They have a great deal of
experience working with patient family members who deal with the financial and
emotional impact of family illness.

·        
Have you
considered participating in a support group? 
Some group members can be very helpful in sharing resources they
discovered.  I’m a cancer patient and
although I am often not in need of assistance, I attend to help others and share
what I have learned that may help them.

 I have extensive experience
interviewing and hiring staff.  I would not
be put off by your employment gap if there is a brief explanation. I would be
very aware and cautious if I sensed anger and emotions that are raw and might
interfere with relationships and performance on the job. It might be a good
idea for you to work with someone one-on-one to role play an interview so that
you can be comfortable projecting a positive image.

Aimee, I hope that some of this is of help to you.  Provide us with more information about the type of job you are seeking and we can probably offer more guidance.

Margot