Is it acceptable to declare "bullying" as reason you left previous job?

[Strictlydonedancing]

Very long story short. Left job due to horrendous bullying which management acknowledged but declined to fix. Situation was making me ill, so eventually I resigned.

I'm applying for other jobs. There's always a box on the application form which asks "reason for leaving previous job".

I KNOW it was not my fault and I think I can get a decent referrence out of my previous boss. But, I can't help thinking it sounds a bit pathetic.

It's the truth, though. Bullying was the only reason I left. I really loved my job . Any thoughts?

[CatKisser]

Personally I wouldn't. That's probably wrong but I just wouldn't put that. Trying to think of something Id put instead...

[divingoffthebalcony]

I wouldn't either. I left a job due to low-level bullying and never mentioned it (I just said something like "it was time to move on", which was also sort of true) because I didn't want to be incorrectly labelled as a potential troublemaker.

[Strictlydonedancing]

Thanks. That's kind of what i thought too. It just seems like i'm being made to suffer again, IYKWIM. I'll think of something else to put.

[BingoBonkers]

It's unfair as you should be able to put the real reason why and it's a shame that a prospective employer would jump to conclusions. I'm my eyes it's as though the bullies continue to win. Makes me so angry.

[maggiethemagpie]

I really wouldn't. It may be wrong, but they may well read it and think 'troublemaker'.
Hardly anyone is honest about the REAL reason they left their job, does anyone actually say 'my boss was a right bitch' or 'they stingy bastards refused to give me a payrise for the third year running'? of course not. What I'm trying to say is, there is a protocol in these things, and there are acceptable reasons for saying you've left you're job vs unacceptable.

On an application form, I usually put 'career progression' or something. At interview I usually have some line about how I'd love to work in x industry/bigger size organisation/ adapt excuse to fit company applying for.

I wonder why employers ask this question as they know most people will trot out the socially acceptable, politically correct answer.

[tiawalters]

I wouldn't either and never, ever mention it to an employer. Unfortunately, the work culture is one when even when you're being bullied, it's wrong to complain. I was bullied in a job once and resigned. Never mentioned the experience to other employers, least of all in an interview.
Cannot you say you are looking to work closer to home?