I would not take on a service who’s business it is to constantly send you into new situations.
At least not yet. You volunteered and did swimmingly. Good for you!
Perhaps your part time idea to begin is a wise choice. Choose something you would like to try out. Degree or not, whatever grabs your attention.
If you don’t care for it, move on. The realms of part time work is fluid. It’s not 40 hours. Employers don’t expect as much as full time positions might require. That’s why it is fun to sample.
In teaching this job search and skills area, here is what I researched about disclosure of information. It is no one’s business. Example: if someone has, say, a heart condition (random pick) and they were to disclose this information initially in the interview, the person hiring doesn’t hear what you are saying. Even if the doctor cleared this individual for any kind of work, the thing that the manager hears is- How does this effect MY business? Then thoughts of heart-related problems, that in the manager’s mind means illness, tardiness, and a possible claim that the job caused the problem! No manager wants to open up a Workman’s Comp. case against them. End of interview.
Your achievements in your life belong to you. You do not have to disclose any medical information, unless it directly influences assigned job duties. ( i.e.- occasional driving for materials, someone with an illness that is contingent upon a doctor’s ok to be driving, that directly effects a given job task. They can ask questions in such situations.)
For a position that you wish to interview for, there would have to be a hellava lot for them to legally asking you about it. Also, the hiring person may, out of ignorance of your life experiences, equate that with negative job performance concerns.
When hiring for part time positions, it would stun you with some who apply and what they expect of the employment on their own terms.
When you are hired, your past is just that. The past. Have a thought about telling coworkers about your experiences and wins. Gossip is Everywhere , and he who knows the most…gossips. Then, any which way you fullfill your tasks, they will always blame anything they perceive as a sign or disposition of your achievements becomes blamed upon that , instead of being new and learning, or your car battery died, you will be in a little late.
There are so many other things to talk about in life, on breaks, in an interview.
You ‘took some time off for yourself’. Stop. Don’t feel the need to fill dead air pauses. It is a smart tactic in interviewing. Nerves or oversharing people feel the need to fill those points of time.
Just stop.
End of answer and inquiry. It is something that is highlighted for those looking for any job, for any position.
Play up your initiative in volunteering, tasks and skills, working with people, planning and carrying out – implimenting decisions and work situations. You Enjoyed the Challenges- And the Successful Outcomes With your students/ clients.
Please do not ever say that you are a ‘people-person’. Take that sentence Out of your language skills. It is a strike, not a boon to your interview.
How wonderful and exciting for you! Congratulations- you’ve earned it, plus. What a strong person you are. Many are not. I feel excited at all the different opportunities ahead for you. Part Time work doesn’t have to be a drudge. Aside from your degree, what else would be interesting? If it strikes you while out someplace, ask if they are hiring, or might you fill out an application for ‘when they might be doing so’ (give it to manager only, ask when you might come back and when might they be there? If no management is available.)
Tricks towards finding what you want to do.
Questions on this aspect of the search, just contact, PM if you wish.
Congrats on the achievements, good luck on the next phase, and a big hug for luck. ;)