Recruitment query

[Hel64200]

Hi,

I am about to apply to the RAF (health services) and am slightly worried that I have been off with stress (for a month) in my current job in the last 12 months - as I realise this will be viewed on my medical records I fear my application will be binned before I have the chance to explain the situation. Any advice?

Thanks

[aes69]

Forgive my lack of understanding, but you want to join the armed forces, a possible high stress, high tempo organisation, and you've been off your civvi job with stress. Does (did?) your civvi job require regular phys that pushes you so hard you want to puke? Of did it cram your head with useless history on which you'll be given exams in? Or did it accommodate you with some snoring drongo's who can't do anything for themsleves, there-by dropping you in the mire? Or did it require you, as a STO any, to escort fuel tankers up & down a hostile MSR with the bare minimum of trg?

Have a word fella, do you really expect any sympathy or constructive advice from serving squaddies about your stress situation?

[rockapemk1]

Only you know yourself if you are up to the job, if you dont feel up to it or are worried explain your situation unformally to the AFCO and they will be able to best advise you if its worth applying.

[Hel64200]

Cause was I had a viral infection (caught through air con at work the doc thought) after 3 weeks went back to work (admittedly a bit too early as was not 100%) then symptoms got worse and doc signed me off a month with stress (due to work hindering recovery).

There was unusually large amount of work load placed on me but my manager has since admitted there are serious problems in the department and a uniformed officer has now been placed to sort these out. Hence when recruitment initially see my records it will just say 'stress', but if there is chance to explain (would I just admit to it in interview, even if they don't mention fact?) then I would like to have chance.

I am obviously not taking the decision lightly and realise it potentially would be very traumatic. I certainly wasn't looking for sympathy, just guidance on my chances at recruitment.

Any more advice would be appreciated

[aes69]

TJD, you seem to be the font of all knowledge on every topic! But lets face it, if this poor chap has had an unusual amount of work dumped on him and didn't manage too well, doesn't that set alarm bells ringing. I don't know what rank, trade or branch you're in, but I know my work colleagues wouldn't be too impressed with this type of situation in our work place.

And as for your other piece of sterling knowledge of 15-25% of HM forces is off/ or has been off with stress, why? One, because the job places a huge amount of stress on individuals in inhospitable enviroments, and two, people of dubious character or background have been given he wrong ideas by people like you.

So yes fella, ignore the other two posts, because TJD is right, as usual (in his own little head). From previous posts, you have the ear of big-wigs at DISC & you talk to PMA Med at the drop of a hat and they chat openly with you, mmmm really?

[sittingstress]

You'd be suprised who you can ring up if you are fortunate enough to work in the right place.

All depends on the job you do and who you need to consult to do it.

Regards

ss

PS I have had my contact list VASTLY expanded since starting work here 4 years ago. I'm nothing special at all I just need to speak to people who by dint of the knowledge they have happen to have a fair bit of braid (or crowns and pips for army types) on their shoulders.

[Hel64200]

Thanks for the advice rockapemk1 and TJD. I will try this and speak to AFCO.

[rockapemk1]

Good to see that rockapemk1 changed his post -.

Yep, was in butt monkey mode yesterday morning.