How to cover gap on CV due to anxiety

[mbb1]

Hi, does anyone have any advice on how my DS, just turned 18, refers to the 18 month period he has been out of education as a result of severe anxiety? He has good GCSEs but no level 3 qualifications. I've also posted this on the Work board. Thanks

[Lessofallthisunpleasantness]

Travelling? Finding oneself? Art project? Secret service? or he could just put illness and leave it at that.

[Iamnotmad]

Helping to care for a relative with a long term condition?

[sodalite]

I would be honest and explain that he's done what was needed to help himself and has come a long way towards recovery then an employer can be supportive if he ever feels anxious in his job and understand what he's been through.

There's no point lying that will make him more anxious about being found out.

You could always briefly write self development until asked to elaborate.

[CherryPavlova]

If he lies on a job application, he risks losing as soon as it is found out.
Honesty is invariably the best policy - a period of being unwell meant I was unable to complete level 3 studies would suffice. Perhaps add that he is now well =.

[Moondust001]

What is wrong with the truth? Because it usually comes out anyway, and when it does he could very easily be dismissed for lying. I think a more relevant concern might be whether he is "better" and how he is planning on moving forward. There are many options for young people and a lot of support available, but it depends on what he wants to do and whether he can actually manage it.

[firstimemamma]

Just tell the truth. I had severe anxiety and other mental health problems which I battled for 7 years and as a result there are some gaps in my employment history / national insurance contributions. I overcame everything 100% and went on to have a good career. Honesty is the best policy for reasons pp have explained.

[Pieceofpurplesky]

I would just tell them that time was taken out to reassess life and what he wanted to do.

[AriettyHomily]

Why lie? Time taken out of education for health reasons.

[Bluntness100]

I’d also say something like travelling, caring or something. I’d be worried that anxiety severe enough at that young age to render him unable to study or work for 18 months Would put some employers off as they would be concerned about risk and be detrimental to his employment chances.

Does he wish to work or would he consider getting his a levels now he is better?

[GazingAndGrazing]

Just be honest
18m educational break for personal development and well being.

If invited to an interview he can then explain he needed some well deserved time out which on reflection was 100% the right choice as he is now mentally and physically well and looking forward to the future.

[leafeater]

'Education break due to health reasons'

[bogoblin]

I went through something similar though for a longer period and I was always honest and open about it. On my CV I think it said due to ill health and then I would explain why and what had gone on and explain that I had recovered.

I think this is preferable to lying - if a company don't understand why he has time out I doubt he'd want to work for them! I had a period of a 5 year gap and got a job with a fantastic company who understood. Best of luck to him

[mbb1]

Thanks for the replies, some really helpful suggestions. Just to be clear, I didn't mean to imply that he intended to lie. I was asking for advice on the actual wording to be used to to explain/refer to the time out of education.

[tiredanddangerous]

"A period of ill health from which I am now recovered"