to apply for jobs when off sick?

[200degrees]

My husband passed away 12 days ago so I am taking bereavement leave at work. I also have a fit note for bereavement which lasts for a month. I don’t know if I’ll return to work sooner just yet as it’s all very fresh. I have been off for a week.

If I apply for jobs whilst off, would it been seen that I’m well enough to search for jobs but suspiciously not well enough to be at work? Would my employer give an unsatisfactory reference or would the new employer be sceptical if they found out? I read online that employers would look dimly at people going for interviews.

I don’t like where I work, especially the people. I could do with a better paying job too under the circumstances.

I don’t feel emotionally ready to be around people and return to work just yet especially not my colleagues as it’s a toxic environment. My job involves working in a public building and liaising with the public in high volumes all day. So it’s not that I’m doing the same work at home or expending the same energy it would take to be at work.

Sorry for your loss

Normally I’d say go for it but if you don’t feel ready to return to work is job hunting a good idea? It’s a brutal and should destroying process

Sorry for your loss.
If it helps take your mind off things then there’s no harm applying for jobs. It might take a while to get an interview anyway so you might be back at work by then.

Awwww, I'm really sorry about your husband!

Absolutely NO reason why you should not apply for new jobs. Maybe don't tell your current employer just yet!

I’m so sorry about your husband x

I think you are free to apply for jobs, your current employer would never find out and it’s none of the prospective employers business whether you are off sick or not, nor would they ever find out either unless you told them, and why would you!

First of all, I'm so sorry about your husband xx

You have been signed off for bereavement, not illness. You can do anything that distracts you or feels like a positive step, whether that's going away for a few days, applying for jobs or simply watching endless hours of telly. There is no right or wrong way to be in this situation. Whatever feels right for you, do it.

I think it's actually quite common for people to want to change jobs after losing a spouse. Fresh starts, not having to explain to people all the time what's happened, realising that life is too short to hate your job, etc.

Thank you all for your kind words xx

I didn’t take into account rejection, but it can’t make me feel worse than I do now (I hope!)

I’m sorting his affairs out and arranged the funeral. Having something else to focus on might help me channel my emotions and to be honest, give me something to look forward to. Also could do with the higher income without him x

The thing is, I’m applying for internal promotions so that’s how my employer might find out. But I don’t think the hiring process would be quick enough for them to ask for references before I return

OP, you can do whatever you like but do you have the emotional energy and focus to apply for multiple jobs, prep for interviews and do interviews currently?

I'd give yourself more time to grieve really otherwise you might find yourself crash and burn later on.