Reasonable gap in work history?
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Anonymous
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I may be over-thinking things (I tend to do that) but I want to see what other nannies and boss-parents think of a long-term relationship being the reason for a long gap in work history.
I've been a nanny since I was 18 and worked for 6 years between only two different families. I have very good work ethic and one great reference from this history (lost touch with the first family). I met my now ex near the end of my second position and when it ended I didn't seek a new job. We decided to travel around and just enjoy ourselves, I started college, and there was simply no need for me to work for over 3 years. I don't regret it, it was a very exciting period in my life and I grew a lot, but it did end and now I'm on the job hunt again. Would it be understandable to state my relationship as the reason for my long working gap? I feel a little funny even mentioning something so personal in a job interview, and nannying isn't like other careers (in that positions end due to work conditions like the kids growing up and we aren't expected to remain at the same job for 10 years in most cases)... but if I don't bring it up, there's really no other reason for me to have not been working. If it is acceptable, how would you mention it to your potential employer? I just feel awkward about it. |
Anonymous
| I don't see why you need to talk about the relationship. You travelled and had other life experiences, nothing wrong with that. |
Anonymous
Agree. Don't allow random strangers (or potential employers) to tell you what you should have done with your personal life. Healthy boundaries are a good thing. |
Anonymous
Agree. I'd mention the travel and time at college. If you were involved in any college/community groups, did any volunteer work, or even any casual babysitting during this time I'd put that on your resume as well just as a way of showing that you were keeping busy. |
Anonymous
| Most parents are so desparate for decent help, that I can't imagine it'd be an issue. |
Anonymous
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MB here. If you mentioned in an interview that your gap was because of a relationship, I would worry about your judgment. However, if you said you traveled and did something else, I wouldn't have a problem with the gap.
It's all about the perception. Thia why it is good advice to leave the personal details out of it. Honestly, I'd have a bigger problem with your having only one recommendation and it's being out of date. |
Anonymous
| I'd say that the gap was for traveling and college. IF they ask who you traveled with as part of the conversation, I might say a friend, I might say a boyfriend. But I would NOT say the gap in work was because of a boyfriend. |
Anonymous
| Do not talk about your boyfriend. I wouldn't hire someone who had only 1 out of date reference and a huge gap on her CV. I would wonder why she didn't work PT while in school? At least occassional babysitting or during summer break. |
Anonymous
Not everyone needs/wants to earn a paycheck all the time. |
Anonymous
she should expect to be paid on the low end then. Not having a job for 3 years was a choice. what was her degree in? |
Anonymous
| 3 years is not reasonable.... |
Anonymous
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Gaps in terms of months is generally accepted and understandable. When they start creeping towards years you probably have some problems as in "why won't anyone hire this girl" kinds of problems.
There really is no exact norm or science here on when an unemployment gap is too long. In the end it is all in the gut of the family and having 2 references is super important. |
Anonymous
Of course it is. If OP was young (early 20's) it's totally reasonable to travel and not be settled. Honestly, anyone who thinks otherwise is way too rigid and stuffy and not someone you'd want to work for |
Anonymous
OP is in her mid-20's |
Anonymous
| she's 27 |