A tricky question regarding sick

Feline2001

Hi,

I'm currently looking for a new job - as my current job is unworkable. However, I have had large periods of time off sick from it (about 50%) Now, when I started at the beginning of last year after a month or two my endometriosis came back - leading to lots of time off over about 6 months until I finally had a laparoscopy -which has cleared it for now. Under anaesthetic I had an asthma attack - and have had about 3 stays in hospital due to asthma since this.

I also suffer depression, and have had 7 weeks off already this year with it (this is triggered at the moment by work) add to that the fact i've picked up every tummy bug going - and colds (Which are worse for me cos they go straight to the chest - not good with asthma!) and it all adds up to a fair amount of time off.

Now - my question is how do I say this in an interview? For the most part - my asthma / endo are totally under control now - and it is just the depression part that's a problem - which shouldnt be if I am happy in a new job.

Obviously they're going to go to my current employer for a reference - so I need to say something to them before this - but the likelihood is they're going to take one look at me and say "no way" unless I can explain it properly - I just dont know how to go about doing so!

I hope this made sense - and thanks in advance for any help!

floss2

Why not: "I have had a few medical problems over the past 12m, the majority of which are under control but some are related to my current position, which is why I am seeking alternative employment". Then if they ask, you can elaborate a little, but without too much detail (some people may not know or want to know what endometriosis actually is ).

Hope that helps!

Oldernotwiser

Could you not stay in your current job for a little while longer so that when you start jobhunting you'll get a better reference and any prospective employers can see that your ill heath is behind you? Otherwise they've really only your word to go on.

Feline2001

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

Could you not stay in your current job for a little while longer so that when you start jobhunting you'll get a better reference and any prospective employers can see that your ill heath is behind you? Otherwise they've really only your word to go on.

Unfortunately the job I am currently in is making me really unhappy - and my depression worse - leading to time off, so is a catch 22 position! If I thought I could handle it and stay there for longer then yes I would - but I see my sick record increasing if I'm honest!

Feline2001

floss2 wrote: »

Why not: "I have had a few medical problems over the past 12m, the majority of which are under control but some are related to my current position, which is why I am seeking alternative employment". Then if they ask, you can elaborate a little, but without too much detail (some people may not know or want to know what endometriosis actually is ).

Hope that helps!

Thank you - I shall try that tactic!