How to handle being let go for personal reasons?

by Anonymous
(Somewhere)

In 2000, I traveled the country for my husband's job until 2004, when we were going to settle in Denver, but then decided to move back to New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina hit. Had to move to another metropolitan city on the Gulf.

While employed at a prestigious firm, my husband would harass me to the point it was making my job performance suffer and hence I was let go because "it was in the best interest of the firm not to get involved".

I went on to another firm and the same thing happened. At both firms, I only worked there for about 1 year each and then went to a staffing firm that didn't do much for me.

How do I address why I had to be let go, without getting into details and stress that I am looking for longevity in my next position? Thank you for your consideration.

Desperate in the Gulf

ANSWER: You don't say if you have resolved the issues with your husband, but if not, then I suspect this will continue to haunt you and getting counseling (or resolving the situation in another way) is probably the best first step before applying for jobs.

But in relation to what you've asked me, I always advocate honesty. And if prospective employers should check your references, the info is likely to come up. So I think trying to hide it is not going to serve you. That doesn't mean you have to spill your guts.

But I do think you need to deal with the info in a proactive way. Maybe in your cover letter, you can say something like, "Although family issues forced me to cut my last 2 jobs short, these are now resolved and I am ready to commit myself 100% to future employers and jobs." Questions may come at an interview, but you do have the right to say you're not comfortable discussing personal issues in detail, but that you can guarantee they no longer will interfere. I wouldn't volunteer that you were fired, though they may find out. And if they ask, don't lie.

Hope this helps... good luck!