CV Gaps

[zom247]

I retired last September due to ill health and had a couple of operations, as a result I am now back to good health and ready to return to work. To that end, what should I put down on my CV for the past year? Do I state I retired due to ill health but I'm better now?

Whilst I was off I did several DIY projects in the house and also completed my CompTIA Security+. Apart from that the year has flown by (although I have completed several games ).

 

[zom247]

CompTIA Security+ is a good start - I'd probably generalise a bit and put start year of last job to present as a heading and stick that job then CompTIA Security+ as entries for that period rather than be too specific. Specific jobs aside employers aren't really interested in seeing a massive list of jobs and exact dates from and to if you have a long employment history.

CompTIA was just something to do cos I was bored. Not looking to get back into IT though, just want something to do that gets me out of the house and gives me a bit of pocket money.

 

[zom247]

Lie and say you went travelling

No parents to sponge off so would be a lie

 

[zom247]

you didn't really retire if you're still looking for full time work... well unless you've got the amigafan definition where quitting to become a full time student in your 30s somehow = 'early retirement'

but I don't see an issue with mentioning that you took time off for health grounds and have now recovered + that you used some of the time constructively for work related study

I'm not looking for full time work, I'm lucky that I can get by on my army pension so money is not the driving force here. I'm only 50 and I mostly miss the interaction with people at work, being off's ok for a while but then it gets a bit boring. Only so much Jeremy Kyle you can watch

I've always been honest with employers in the past about my illness but never had such a big gap away from work before.