My old life intrudes into my newAbout 12 years ago, I had some big problems in my life which manifested as, and resulted in, some emotional issues. I was a bit off the wall, attempted suicide, etc. My employer at the time found out about it because I left my house one night and when I didn't return, my wife called the police, who went looking for me. One of the places they visited was my employer. This was a long time ago (it feels like a lifetime ago) and I am terribly embarassed about that stage of my life. I have done nothing like that since that time, and my life has been stable for over 10 years. This week, I had (what I think was) a great interview with a temp-to-hire agency. It all went swimmingly until the end, when one of the recruiters mentioned that she knew a guy I used to work with about 12 years ago. That's right - he knew me when I was a mental basket case. This recruiter said he couldn't wait to talk to my old co-worker to mention that he had me that day. I am terrified. What if this guy tells the recruiter that I am a complete freak with mental problems? The placement agency is a large and respectable one in my region - one of the top agencies. I am worried that: 1. this agency will drop me like a hot potato (not telling me that they are doing so, of course, just by not placing me anywhere), and: 2. word will spread around in my field that I am poor risk to hire or something. Has anyone here gone through anything like this or does anyone have any advice or input? Thanks. I would look at ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973--depression can count as a disability. And I believe that if a place chooses not to hire you, solely on the basis of emotional issues whether it was yesterday or 12 years ago, that is discrimination. I dont' know if this would be something reasonable to do, but you could call the mutual acquaintance and let him/her know that you're applying at such and such position, as a heads up, because the interviewer mentioned that he/she wanted to talk to your old colleague. Also, if the emotional history comes up during a follow-up interview, you are under no obligation to answer that, because that would be an illegal, potentially discriminatory question. Employers are not allowed to ask about disabilities, etc, because that could be construed as discrimination. Now, if you choose to do so, you could put a positive spin on it, such as, 12 years ago, I was going through a very rough, emotional time, and I eventually received professional help, and I have been in pretty good shape since that time, and have taken care of my mental state of being, etc. I would suggest looking at the ADA or RA (there's probably stuff online) but here is something from a book (I've been taking Law and Special Education this semester!) "If a person's disability is self-identified or apparent, employers still may not make inquiries (to the applicant or to persons who know the applicant) about the existence, nature, or extent of an applicant's disability, the ability to perform major life activities, workers' compensation history, or current use of legal drugs (unless the applicant tested positive for use of illegal drugs, and then only to the extent necessary to ensure accurate testing." Hope this helps. You are not alone. Many people have issues in their lives. That is part of being a human being. Some people face divorce, marital issues, deaths in the family, financial problems, foreclosure issues and horrendous debt. I understand that no human is perfect and do not prejudge any of my candidates. I look at their work histories as well as their background. Be confident and forthcoming and you should be fine.
Thanks to you both for your reassurances. I really thought I had put all of that behind me, but things pop up at strange times, don't they. Geez, this is embarassing. And I posted all of that personal info on a board full of strangers.
I wish you luck. I faced severe debt, foreclosure and terrible credit. I was at the lowest of lows. I told all of my interviewers, "I went to the school of Hard Knocks. I have experienced the lowest of lows so now it is my turn to experience the highest of highs". If you cleaned up your personal demons and you now have an excellent track record, I am positive most employers will overlook that one error in your past. And I posted all of that personal info on a board full of strangers. That's the great thing. We don't know you personally so we won't be looking at you funny :)
Tess
Do you know where this former co-worker is? If so, call him up and explain where you are in your life (healthy, looking for work), explain that you spoke to one of his friends and ask that if he should call that he keep any personal issues that you had in the past out of the conversation.
How ironic to read this today, as I have been called about a job I applied for recently with a company I worked for 30 years ago. I was a teenager at that time, unhappily married, a new mom, dad just died tragically and as a result I had some emotional issues. After a few years of service I left the company via an emotional disability leave of absence (allowing me to keep medical bennies for the family), and returned to college and finished my 4-year degree. I subsequently had a long and successful career with a similar company, and now find myself needing almost a decade more of work after accepting an early retirement offer with the second company in order to be closer to family. I'm wondering how long the first company keeps these records...this is a large well-known entity, so I'm sure they have resources to maintain records indefinitely. Part of me doesn't even want to try for this, but it's one of only a couple of good employers in this area. I just feel sick thinking about it. Reading your answers to the original poster has helped some, but not completely, since I'm dealing with the very same company. The only upside to all this for me is that most of my previous managers and co-workers are retired or dead :-) So to the OP, I can totally empathize...it's strange how life comes full circle sometimes.
I don't think you have anything to be worried about now. That was a long time ago and you are a different person today. If anything, you look good because you overcame a real problem! And talking to the one who knew you back then will highlight just how much you've changed--in a good way! | |
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Career Tips
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