First steps back & the elephant in the room question...

I think/hope that I may finally be approaching a point where my brain can handle the thought of rejoining the workforce without immediately dissolving into a soupy, bubbling mess...

But how to handle the question that is inevitably going to be tabled, should I get as far as an interview? Namely, what the heck were you doing for the x years break in your 'career' (whilst your brain was fine tuning the process of dissolving into the earlier mentioned soupy, bubbling mess)?

Every fiber of my being is screaming 'reveal as little as possible', but I simply don't see any way of avoiding it? I know that there are laws ostensibly designed to protect those affected by MI, but I've also been around long enough to have seen plenty of examples where such protections are simply skirted around & personal information revealed is used against you, rather than to enhance your productivity...

The last time I revised my resume, I discovered that there are other ways to set up a resume that don't highlight dates of employment-basically focus on skills, ethos and strengths. Another way to address it ahead of time is in the Cover Letter.

And in an interview focus on time out of the career force was something that was resolved and won't be an issue going forward while focusing on that you had done at your last place of employment.

Lots of people have had breaks in employment in this day and age. Unemployment, caregiving for elderly parents, starting families, dealing with personal or family health issues. Etc.

Of course it's a nerve wracking topic at the same time downplaying it as much as possible during an interview will give the impression that it's behind you.

"I took time off to be with my children." "I took time off to travel." "I was ill but now I have recovered and I'm looking forward to getting back to work." "I was caring for an ill family member (they don't have to know that it was yourself)."

Hi Marvin
Best of luck! Keep us posted on your results. I think you can reveal just a little of your personal info. When I go to interview, and they want me to tell them about myself, I say that I’ve been caring for my children and just as they got old enough to care for themselves, I had to care for my parent. My interviewers have been really understanding and relatable in responses. My job market is entry level type jobs.
I usually try to follow up with an excitement about getting back out in the workplace again.
Sandy

Thanks. It's taken me a while to be able to convince myself that I was up for the challenge, so I have to manage my own expectations & be prepared for the possibility of a difficult interviewer.

This video has some great info