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Sick leave

Hi

So I want to change jobs, I've been bored of mine for a while and want to do something where I can't wait to get to work. The problem is I've had quite a lot of sick leave. I was off for 7 weeks (with a few days back in the middle when I thought I was well enough to come back) with a serious mental health problem. I've then since had 3 days off with a sinus infection.

How much will the sick leave affect my ability to get a new job? I'm a chartered accountant and vert experienced. Prior to this my only sick leave was two weeks for an operation

Thanks

Kate

Comments

  • ceh209
    ceh209 Posts: 876 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper
    This is my concern too, I'm also a chartered accountant with mental health problems as well as IBS.

    I've been having interviews and haven't mentioned my illnesses at all, and they haven't asked.

    I also spoke to my appraisal manager who said she thinks a reference from my firm will only show employment dates and any disciplinaries, not sick leave. I haven't confirmed this with HR though, as I haven't had a job offer yet.

    So for me it hopefully shouldn't make any difference. What I have done is prepared myself to talk about it positively if it ever does come up, talking about how I'm much more aware of my state of mind and how pressure is affecting me, and how by changing jobs I think that will have a further positive impact etc

    HTH x
    Excuse any mis-spelt replies, there's probably a cat sat on the keyboard
  • Thanks :) I'm trying to be positive. Half the problem is I don't know what I want to do. I'm just certain I don't want to be an accountant anymore!
  • maskerade wrote: »
    Thanks :) I'm trying to be positive. Half the problem is I don't know what I want to do. I'm just certain I don't want to be an accountant anymore!

    What do you enjoy doing (work, life, anywhere) and do you need to earn at a certain level to maintain your standard of living?
  • I wouldn't expect to much trouble in getting a new job tbh, 7 weeks in many years is nothing.
    Don't trust a forum for advice. Get proper paid advice. Any advice given should always be checked
  • I enjoy problem solving, making things more efficient and talking to people. My current job is very process driven and tends to be just sitting in a corner producing reports. I don't need to earn much as my fiance is well paid, I'd like to aim at £22-24k though
  • maskerade wrote: »
    I enjoy problem solving, making things more efficient and talking to people. My current job is very process driven and tends to be just sitting in a corner producing reports. I don't need to earn much as my fiance is well paid, I'd like to aim at £22-24k though

    How long past qualification are you? Are you in practice still?

    Really, accountancy should open up opportunities to do what you enjoy (bolded bit of quote).
  • Hi

    No I left practice to go into industry four years ago. I think I'm going to have to speak to a recruitment consultant. I'm currently a management accountant but I just don't enjoy it. I spend too much time bogged down in detail when what I really want is to be out talking to people and getting stuck in to some business improvement
  • AP007
    AP007 Posts: 7,109 Forumite
    maskerade wrote: »
    Hi

    No I left practice to go into industry four years ago. I think I'm going to have to speak to a recruitment consultant. I'm currently a management accountant but I just don't enjoy it. I spend too much time bogged down in detail when what I really want is to be out talking to people and getting stuck in to some business improvement
    What about looking at roles in Operations (operations managers)
    etc?
    We’ve had to remove your signature. Please check the Forum Rules if you’re unsure why it’s been removed and, if still unsure, email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • I know my enjoyment was transformed when I took a project role (I'm Chartered too). Could there be such possibilities with your current employer? Enthusiasm counts for a lot so if you can demonstrate you really want to do something it can go a long way to convincing people it is a good idea.
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