Should I be honest in interviews reg burnout?

[Kumundu]

I am off at the moment for burnout from big 4; I have resigned and was planning to return and work my notice when current sickness end; however the thought of it started triggering back some of the symptoms like sleep disturbances, digestive issues, headaches.

I am speaking to the drs to extend my sickness; but I am concerned about potential references, on the other hand I am not sure I can face this job for 11 weeks:13 weeks notice but off for 2.

What do I tell recruiters/employers? That I am off for burnout? Looking for more worth life balance? What about references? I may need a personal reference from one of the people I worked with.

I have never left a job like this do the situation is causing me a bit of stress.

I think it depends what kind of job you are looking for next. Have you got a massive mortgage and can't now manage without another a high earning super stressful job? Or are you free to earn less, work less, and stress less? If the latter it'll be easier to be more honest about your reasons for a career change. You can present it in a more positive way than 'burnout'.

If your current employer answers questions about how much sick leave you have had on references, I would say you are seeking work life balancedue to burnout.

I would consider suggesting a consultancy arrangement initially so you can work the hours that work for both of you with them feeling it is less of a risk that you haven't fully recovered yet. Equally any decent agent should be willing to have that conversation for you, as most places will want to grab someone from the big 4, you should find something.

I do find it a bit off putting if someone turns up to interview saying they are looking for a less stressful job. It feels a bit patronising almost!

Burnout is slang for ' I found the work life balance non existent, relentless and affected my home life and relationships.

I took time off after seeking advice from work and my doctor. I love to work hard, am efficient and a great team player. U fortunately I found the big 4 culture didn't work for me. As you must be aware, this os not unusual. ' you can say this in an interview

To anyone in your field, and I am one of them, We Know Already and wont judge.

@Moltenpinkyou don’t know the industry. Everyone knows what stress levels there are in the Big 4 - there are plenty of organisations massively less stressful and the organisations themselves know that.

@Kumunduyou need to look after yourself and take some time out, you are better off being open and honest. Your skillset should make you stand out, have you thought about going into industry rather than staying in Private Practice?

Thank you all,

I just spoke to HR and they said nobody can provide references apart from HR so thar covers one part. HR will provide a general reference.

We can afford to live without my salary for awhile so I may take a few weeks to recover and think what I want next: Definitely more work life, no politics and no corporate.

Can’t wait to close this chapter and start a new one.

Going back for so long will be a torture as I am not fully recovered and all my projects have been taken care of after 3 months off and taking a new one when I am leaving is not realistic. The thought of it fills me with dread.

Thank you. I am definitely not going back to practice. I have plenty of experience in industry before this job so that is what I want to go back to.

Good advice, thank you

@Kumunduthat’s brilliant, you need to absolutely prioritise yourself. Do you need to go back? Or have to go back. Sorry I didn’t interpret your message properly.

Do you mean back to work my notice? I am not fully recovered so speaking to the dr to extend my sickness.

In terms of my job I am really not sure what I would go back for, all my clients have been taking care of and taking new clients or projects is not an option when I am leaving as my heart is not on it anymore. I may just be sitting there looking at the monitor or they may be adhoc things I could help with. 3 months notice would be a torture after being off for 3 months already.

In terms of family finances we can afford without my salary for awhile. I could also afford to work part time, less salary. But was planning on building up my pension and retire in 5 years. If I go part time I wll probably work for another 10 years which is also ok.

Regarding what I want you to do next: Definitely working in industry rather than practice, sme company, no corporate, no politics, happy to manage a small team.