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Original poster

Am I about to do something really bad????

12 replies

woosmummy · 26/11/2005 14:31

I would like a bit of perspective on this --

I've decided to give up my full time job in the midlands as an OT and move back to the west country to live with my parents.

Basically after a year in which i've had a baby i didn't expect, chucked my ex out and tried to continue working 37hr week in NHS hospital, I have been signed off work for three weeks with "stress", as I just cant cope with this all anymore

I will have to look for a job down there so I'm gonna end up with a gap on my CV, and i'm pretty certain it is going to take ages to get an OT job. I'm prepared to take any job and am prepared to go back to care assistant type work just to get some much needed funds, but what would any employer think about this?

I'm at the point where to be a great mummy still I need some support and a LIFE again. Maybe I just need to relax and know I gave it a good go but that I cant do it all, especially with no partner or family up here.

OP posts:
puff · 26/11/2005 14:37

I think it will be fine. I know a few people who had to move and couldn't find an "equivalent" job immediately, so took the best they could find at the time, and later got back on track, or did something "allied" at a similar or even better level. I don't think employers view this negatively, especially in a field where jobs aren't plentiful.

Kittypickle · 26/11/2005 14:41

I think it will be fine too. But do you really think it will take ages to get an OT job ? I know my local hospital are short of them (we are on the south coast) and when I lived in Bristol the various OT departments seemed to be advertising very frequently and often for p/t posts. Good luck with it.

HRHWickedwaterwitch · 26/11/2005 14:54

I had a 4 year gap as a sahm on my cv and have worked since. I'm sure you'll be fine.

bosscat · 26/11/2005 15:17

I've had a 2 year gap and I've struggled to find part time work but not full. I stuck it out though and have now secured a part time till next september when I've agreed to go full when my eldest starts school. It sounds like you are doing an amazing job to me, you will find something.

baka · 30/11/2005 04:29

wherabouts in the west country? OT's are rarer than hen's teeth in my area (at least paediatric ones are)

bobbybob · 30/11/2005 05:13

A gap in the CV cannot be more important than your own mental health. Moving is a legitimate reason for a gap anyway.

Original poster
woosmummy · 30/11/2005 21:18

Thats exactly why i'm doing it! But it has taken a while to feel comfortable doing something for me!

I know i'm so fortunate that my parents are going to support me and aren't putting pressure on me to rush into work until i'm ready. I feel incrediably spoilt but i truly couldn't imagine doing this without them and I know it would have go much worse without them... an since beecoming a mum (albeit an unnxpetd one) I understand just what you would do to protect your children from the perils of real life.

OP posts:
ThePrisoner · 01/12/2005 00:22

Surely it's acceptable to have a "gap" on your CV if you've chosen to be a SAHM? (No-one needs to know about the stress bit!).

annobal · 02/12/2005 19:31

After 2 years on maternity leave (ds1 and 2 close together!!) I've just quit (an hour ago). It was the hardest decision but the best decision I've made in a long time...Still have same fears but feel like a weight has been lifted - am now going in search of a bottle of champers (but may have to settle for that cooking sherry...)

Original poster
woosmummy · 04/12/2005 09:31

It's becoming to feel like a relief!!! The more I hear other people doping similar things I feel more confident that i've done the right thing for me.

The hardest thing has been that I 'm dealing with splitting up with my partner at the same time and I wan't to prove that i didn't need anyone else!! silly I know, but the more people in my family and his that told me I couldn't do it on my own the more determined I was...This time last year I had just found out I was pregnant, never imagined that I was gonna me a mum this year nevermind a single mum of a bonkers 9month old baby!!

OP posts:
ScummyMummy · 04/12/2005 09:35

Sounds fine. Kids are usually an acceptable way of explaining cv gaps, ime. Hope the move works out for you.

moondog · 04/12/2005 10:40

Don't think you'll have a prob finding a job as and when you want one. As a therapist (one of the other two-the very in demand one!!) I have taken a three year break and noone has batted an eyelid at my desire to take it a bit easier and be more available to my family.
I know they always desperate for ots anywaY

It'll be fine.

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