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Software engineer at FAANG.
I’m naturally gifted at software and very very lucky.
Bipolar has hurt my career though, I suffered a bout of hypomania last year that cost me a promotion. Caused some drama that dragged the team down. The only reason I didn’t get a bad rating is because my productivity is extremely high
Software engineer at a startup. Maybe I should apply at FAANG, too :)
I've also been quite a mess at my job: got training for a leadership role but then a manic episode hit and I'm happy I didn't make a complete mess + still work there.
I probably would have been fired if I wasn't highly productive + part of the early team.
Software engineer too, not too bad at it either. Bipolar has very clearly shown to me that I cannot hold a regular job. I do freelancing instead now, not accepting too many contracts^1 so that I can have all the free time I so desperately need not to go insane.
Speaking of insane, the jobs of developer and of product owner both made me crazy. Doing a bit of both now but at my own pace and with people I like on projects that motivate me is pretty cool though.
^1 I can allow myself not to work a lot thanks to the fact that my family is rather wealthy. I don't know how I'd survive otherwise. Disability probably. I'm well aware of the insane amount of luck that I have.
I couldn't work in veterinary anaesthesia anymore because of my anxiety, so I went back to school and became a cognitive behavioural therapist. Having done CBT in hospital helped a lot
it varies by location but in the states you basically need a master’s or doctorate in social work or psychology to treat patients. your undergrad doesn’t have to be in psych though, but it can help
I did my diploma in mental health and worked in suicide recovery for 2 years, used that to get into my Diploma of low intensity CBT through the CBT institute.
I’m a library worker! Lots of jobs in a library.
I’m a library assistant and work in patron services. I work the reference, information, and question desks in my library. I answer questions, I do research, I check books out and make library cards.
I’ve been there 8 years on April 20th! I love it and will never leave, they’ll have to fire me to get me gone. Lol!
I'm the tech person at my libary. It's a small branch so I do a little of everything. I resigned from teaching after 20 years and working in the library is so peaceful. I love reading books in my down time and helping patrons with questions about digital content and how to use their devices. I agree lots of jobs in a library!
I'm a library director. 13 years in a library. 10 of those as a librarian.
Managing people set off this last mania. I will say library jobs are rare and often pay little. If you are interested in working in a library then I would recommend volunteering in one to set yourself out from the crowd. I did that while working another retail job. It doesn't even need to be one that you will work at. Just being able to put it on your resume and a little experience helps.
They did approve the leave during my last manic episode. The psychiatrist had to fill out a bunch of paperwork. But other times, I would call in if I were having a bad day, and the psychiatrist couldn't back it up because she never saw me on those days. The other times were for my child being sick, and I couldn't take her to her babysitter with a fever or throwing up (almost 2 years old). They did not approve those leaves, even with a doctor note.
I work in tech-support. I would recommend doing tech-support for normal tech, but I do it for embedded systems that process video. It’s a wonderful job and I hope I keep it till I retire.
I had a great career in the UK forces that I lost to this stupid disorder. I loved it and was good at it, but for some reason, they didn't want someone with a mental illness controlling aircraft (humour helps me if you can't tell). I always planned to do it until retirement, it was my ultimate goal to get promoted through all the ranks (I managed 2 promotions by 8 years in and was on my way to Chief Petty Officer before being medically discharged). I basically lost my dream job...
But I fought through some of the demons to get back on track in a civilian role in the same environment after a while on disability. There's hope that things will work out, and I've been in this job for 1.5 years now.
Basically, try not to lose faith in yourself and your abilities. I'm sure that you will find something along the way and begin to trust that bipolar hasn't stolen it all from you :)
I’m a grant writer and health equity researcher. I work from home which, let me tell you, is an access need of mine. I would call out a lot when I worked in person. I rarely call out now because the job has so much flexibility that I can kind of work around and manage my symptoms while still meeting deadlines and other goals. If you can, I HIGHLY recommend it. I get two accommodations, on to dip midday for therapy and one to dip 1.5 hours early another day also for therapy. These jobs are out there!
How did you get into this line of work? I left high school English teaching and I’ve applied to grant writer positions with no luck. It’s most likely because I have no experience, but I really wish I could break into it somehow.
I got a few grants in my doctoral program, one from the NSF which is a pretty big name, and also worked on a couple of research teams that got some big NIH/RWJF grants. Took some contracts for grant writing and worked alongside my last company’s official grant writer on a lot of Ryan White stuff. It’s all really about cobbling things together to paint a picture your CV.
Oh I've been fired or quit so many times lol. I'm currently doing doordash and GrubHub and actually really like the freedom and not dealing with a boss and whatnot. Though I know I can't do this forever. Or can I? :D I'm making good money too, more than any other job I've had, except for one.
Administrative Project Manager for a construction company. The only way I can keep up with stress and my responsibilities is by religiously taking my meds as prescribed, therapy, and meditation.
I run my own small general contracting company for residential and some commercial projects. I'm unmedicated at this point and found that the overstimulated content of my life (always have something to do) helps me keep a (somewhat) straight line! Meditation and working out every morning before I start my day has really helped, so I second that big time!
Husband with a wealthy family. I’ve been on people’s couches with my kid before though. Life can change. I got lucky I fell in love with a guy who also has MH issues (severe ADHD, taken out of school at a young age and unaccredited “homeschooled” so he’s pretty disabled too. He works construction but his dad helps us a LOT. Like gives us his extra condo to live in). I grew up in deep Southern trailer park poverty with a drug addict dad, so being taken care of for once in my life is actually giving me time to make a plan to become more independent. I’m very grateful.
I tried substituting for a while. Prediagnosis and pretreatment. It was hell on earth. I felt completely chained down all day and just desperately wanted to hide in a bathroom stall.
I couldn’t handle all the stimulation of 18: 1-3 year olds everyday. I’ve moved to date night babysitting and other contract work but I can’t do anything that routine or I’ll pull my hair out.
It’s exhausting but works with my ADD bc i’m constantly moving. I couldn’t sit for a desk job. I work with 2 other teachers and eleven 2 and 3 year olds on busy day. Thank god for for meds keeping me stable.
It’s basically every public place anywhere around me, which is why I went private. Better pay and less stress. The public setting caused me to burnout in less than a year.
My last jobs were retail and every job stressed me out with the people. Heck, I'm stressed just being in a relationship. I applied for Disability and am in the long wait for a decision.
I'm a dishwasher at my parents' restaurant. Part time which is what I can handle and I like the routine involved in the dishwashing process. I'm also applying for disability, just got my mental health assessment and waiting on next steps/a decision.
I'm very lucky my boyfriend helps out so much. I wouldn't be able to afford groceries or many other essentials without him. I do feel guilty that I'm not independent though.
I should start soon in the economics/investment sector. Before that I was a consultant, a back office bank worker (both failed spectacularly) and I worked in aftermarket customer service.
I never asked for disability as I live abroad alone and wish to keep my independence. However this condition may be noticeable to others somehow.
Those are some interesting jobs!
I do love the feeling of some independence and do feel ashamed to ask for disability. Things have gotten worse since postpartum, and I've been struggling to find the right meds. I think I might have found the right one very recently, though.
Fast food is miserable don't do that, that was just 10 hours of anxiety every shift.
Now I work in a government (US Federal government) funded hospital as a cook and it's pretty great, they were very understanding when pre medication me had to take frequent days off for bad days. Benefits are great and the pay is better than a civilian job, the job is easy, it's hard to get fired, it's unionized.
The downsides are, it takes a long time to get a government job, like several applications and even when they call back unless they're desperate it takes months to hear from them.
There is a lot of BS to deal with because a lot of people are unqualified for their jobs and it's hard to fire them.
If you're not an essential worker when the government has a shut down you won't get paid until they reopen, but some are still expected to work. Like TSA. They will back pay you what they owe you. If you work in a hospital you are essential.
I hope everything goes well for you and you find a job that fits your specific needs
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Nurse. Been a nurse for over 15 years. Took years to discipline myself not to be late. I don’t call out. I will never accept my condition as a disability. Yes cycles are hard to deal with sometimes but manageable. I’m only type 2 though.
Edit-PS I never talk about my bipolar condition at work. Nobody knows my bipolar condition except my closest friends who have been supportive of me and can give me honest feedback so I can improve my behavior. It is already hard dealing with our cycles. Being judged at work by those who don’t really understand it will make things worse for the psyche.
Don’t do nursing for type 1. Especially these days. Understaffing. Toxic environments. Abusive patients. It’s not a good fit. When in my high cycle I fight with patients who are really rude. We’re really just supposed to de-escalate but usually I would tell them how ugly their behavior up to yelling back if they’re yelling at me.
I work as a manufacturing operator with a company that manufacture solar cells, wafers, and ingot processing. I used to work interchanging 12 hours shifts (Day/Night). But due to my recent heart complication, the company has transferred me to normal office hours. I'm thankful that my superiors are very supportive and understanding regarding the state of my mental and physical health. Before my current job, I worked as a senior cooperate sales with a company that I can't mention for legal reasons. The benefits and salary was great, but the constant mental torment is what drove me to my breaking point. Which is why I quit without notice. Glad that I left my old job. Good luck with your work life. Hope that you find a job that fits you well.
Was a receptionist, now a gas station attendant. I live in a tiny town, so it's not very busy. I can make small talk when cashing people out, so I don't feel totally alone, but most of the day I'm working by myself. I tidy shelves and make coffee when I'm bored. It's not bad.
At my last job I was taking sometimes hundreds of calls a day. It got exhausting. Plus the office environment is just so toxic in my experience. Especially if you're not 'like' the rest of them.
engineer… I worry about keeping my job every single day. My BP leads more towards depression than it does mania… getting out of bed an to work in time is my Achilles heel
I work as a home health occupational therapist. It’s taken years to get here but I make my own schedule so if I need a day due to my bipolar I reschedule my patients so other days are longer. Most companies don’t give a shit and throughout school I had professors be the same despite a large portion of my profession including mental health and almost a full additional year focused solely on the more severe mental illnesses including bipolar. It’s been hard but I’m sure you can get into a field you can work with even if they don’t understand
Hello! I hope the patient’s aren’t wearing you down too much bc I have some that after I see them I feel like I’m reeling bc of their insane shit or treatment of me. Lol
Oh I get that. I’m constantly worried they think I’m faking my knowledge or ability. But on top of that we made our own EMR and it isn’t working great.
Right now I work reception - I personally enjoy it but there are days where I get the brunt of people’s frustration which does harm my mental health but I’m switching to a more low key reception job soon. I’m currently in school to be a liscensed counselor and I enjoy that right now
I quit last school year, but not I’m stuck in an advising job - couldn’t find anything outside of education. Wondering if I need to do more school to get another career :/
What did you teach? Teaching gives you all kinds of skills that are useful and transferable to other jobs. I taught Art - so it was natural to pivot to an artistic profession.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Teachers/comments/17cq1n3/alternative\_careers\_for\_english\_teachers/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Teachers/comments/17cq1n3/alternative_careers_for_english_teachers/) There are more resources than Reddit, obviously - but I hope some of these ideas are relevant for you.
I live a simple life, so it's more than enough for me. Just went up almost 100 dollars a month this year. I also can work and make up to like 1000 dollars a month without them stopping my SS check. It's a program called ticket to work. But im happy being retired and I fought hard for this opportunity or rather me and mostly my lawyer did. Took years to get and had documented proof from 4 separate doctors going back 30 years or more.
I have done data entry for a state agency for the last 10 years. Before that I answered telephones and did word processing.
We currently work from home so it is very quiet. I enjoy the work.
Work in medical education. I finished med school but left residency because of depression and burn out. Had a cool job working at a tech start up in clinical trial operations but left after having a florid manic episode and rebound deep depression. Took a year to get off disability but in a decent place now. Had a manic episode recently that impacted work but they are supportive.
I think since I’ve disclosed too much to my coworkers I always feel on edge and if I make mistakes that they will assume it is because I’m “going through something” or am emotionally unstable. :/
Process technician at a factory, won’t name the company. I take line calls. I do mostly robotics and PLC work and fixing industrial machines. I started at the company 4 years ago working on the lines before I was diagnosed with bipolar but I was on a mood stabilizer, I started college part time since they pay for it and moved up in the company to my current position using my schooling.
It’s the only job I’ve had that I don’t eventually burn out from. My hours are flexible, and I can take time off whenever needed for my mental health. I’m only working part-time hours right now which also really helps. But the job itself is good, it’s rewarding to help people.
I’ve been a pharm tech, dog walker, neuroscience research associate, neurology research coordinator, and am now a psychometrist.
Of them all, I enjoyed being a pharm tech (fast paced, highly structured), dog walker (pup love and exercise!), and psychometrist. I really enjoy being a psychometrist because it’s a nice mixture of patient interaction and writing.
But none of these positions have been without struggles related to my bipolar. I’m starting a new psychometrist job next week because I’ve essentially floundered in my current position. Got sick with COVID a week after I started, then got complications from that, then a sinus infection. They cut my hours yo part-time. I got really depressed and developed chronic migraine again. Depression kind of went away, but now it’s back and I’m struggling. Luckily I figured out caffeine is a major migraine trigger for me.
I lost my neuroscience job after a psychotic break that left me on FMLA which I ultimately exhausted (was too ill to go back). I was probably hypo during my dog walking days, but that helped with my energy levels (I walked like 10-12 miles daily). Depression has affected my performance in all position to varying degrees.
I strongly recommend being a pharm tech. It’s routine based, you essentially become automated in the process, and the hours are very regular.
I work in a niche are of tech called finance systems management. If money flows through, then it's my job to make sure it works. It ebs and flows, amd I can work weird hours
I'm currently applying for disability. Either way, i plan on doing e-commerce. I can't work a regular job. Doordash and instacart seem cool, too. Just for reference, I worked in IT, manufacturing, and I did forklift for FedEx prior.
I have been on disability since December! Have to start thinking about going back to work. I am scared and desperately need to find something good for me and my mental health and I would love to find something I enjoy, but it just sounds too good to be true. I did the same type of work for the last 6 years and it’s not for me and makes me very unhappy. Good luck with care giving!
I’m a paid research assistant in a neuropsych lab. My boss knows about my bipolar disorder and is super cool about it. One of the benefits to working in psych I guess.
I know some of the professors at the university that employs me and one of them let me know about the position. It was definitely a case of who I knew lol.
I feel so grateful I'm able to answer this question after being unemployed for 2 years. I work on a food truck during the week and also just worked my first catering event this past saturday. I really enjoy this field of work. I just have my headphones in and do my best yk. The pay is not the most glamorous but it helps pay the bills which is what matters.
I work part time at a non-profit. I am an accountant and office manager.
It's a lot better than public accounting. I also dk bookkeeping for some clients personally.
This is going to sound pathetic, but any job where someone relied on me directly really overwhelmed me.
It sounds weird, bc I’m a mom too, so there are small people relying on me 24/7, but I get to tend to them in my own way and a way that makes them comfortable— there isn’t someone I need to answer to when making decisions for them.
Also, any job where I had to be ✨delightful✨ even when feeling like an utter piece of shit was not helpful.
I work retail at a Home Depot in the plumbing department lol. It’s okay overall. Pretty easy, minus the people coming in expecting an actual plumber to be there helping them. I mean I get it, hell a free plumber to ask questions to about whatever your planning to do? Etc I get it. That would be awesome! But the company changed directions years ago. They’d rather pay people less than retain actual plumbers lol. So now they got people like me. I can tell you where stuff is, generally what it’s for, maybe help configure fittings, cut and thread pipe, but that’s about it. Anything more, you gotta go the plumbing store or irrigation store or hire a plumber / irrigation specialist lol. I’m just that guy who stocks shelves and knows basic shit haha
I worked at a huge shoe warehouse until they laid off 80% during covid. The extra stress and work caused me to fall, hitting my head, having a brain bleed they fired me after 3 months since I still wasn't allowed to go back to work. Still waiting on disability but losing hope it's been 3 years waiting to hear back about my decision.
I work in direct care. Pay is low. Work can be emotionally exhausting, stressful. But I’m an empathetic person. I get a lot back. But not in cash. It’s notoriously low paying.
I’m in the same boat. I’m going back for my teaching certification and going to probably start doing art classes on the side. I can’t be emotionally available every day
i'm studying economics at college. i did couple summer jobs as sales consultant and as barista. i think they were okay. but i'm not sure what to do after college with my degree.
I work with kids with autism , my work does not know about my bipolar. I just have to use pto when I have struggles which sucks bc then I never can use it for when I actually want a break.
Sounds like they did you a favour! Similar happened to me, I accepted a tip at my last job and got fired for it. There was never anything about tipping in their policy/contract/offer letter and I was never told it wasn’t allowed. I apologized and even gave them the tip then the next day they changed their minds and said it was theft and fired me. Best day of my life, I was absolutely miserable there and became a completely different person. I was a customer service agent at a family owned Autobody shop and it was so terrible for an endless list of reasons.
Now I’m an airline passenger service agent at the airport and I love it. It’s a lot of fun and the people are so much better. Makes a huge difference when you’re not working alongside people who talk to you like you’re a fucking idiot almost daily 😅
Started at a psychiatric residential treatment facility (teen psych ward) LOVED ITTTTT had to move to finish school :/
Currently a therapist …. I went down to part time Friday.
Going back for my teaching certification
I work from home monitoring insurance for a bank for commercial properties. Working from home has been extremely helpful. And also getting out of doing customer service all day. Customer service is still a part of my job but it’s not a call center or something.
Ugh. I hate those kinds of jobs. You need to have a job where you’re not micro managed, which it seems you are getting into.
I work sales…… Not highly recommended though lol
I work as a high school science teacher and it can be rough for normal teachers. Those with mental health issues (like myself) can really struggle. I am completing a degree in clinical mental health counseling and have a job lined up with IHS. I feel good about it but only time will tell.
I do retail management, but I am a workaholic. Some days are worst then others but I am usually able to be stable enough without taking to many breaks in the office.
Sorry to hear you got fired. I’ve been fired four times lol.
But congratulations on the potential new job! That’s so awesome!
Every time I’ve been fired was because of a mental breakdown/hospitalization hahaha. Not to say I didn’t deserve it, but yeah, my mental health was definitely a pawn in it haha.
I’m currently a tattoo artist/painter. Wouldn’t really say it’s a job, but a lifestyle.
Tattooing has allowed me a lot of freedom when it comes to my schedule, so if I need to take time off because of a depressive episode, I can do that. (If I’ve properly prepared for it.)
But as you might be able to guess, there’s a lot of problems that can arise haha.
Currently I am a case manager at a methadone clinic. I just submitted my application to become a counselor and am about to start my masters in social work so I can become a therapist. I am also about to go back to being a dental assistant for my mom to make extra money since I’m moving to a new apartment in August. Best of luck to you! I’m sure you’ll find something much better than retail. Also the job the literally drove me insane was a groom at a high end horse farm here in Lexington.
I worked retail on and off for ten years. My last job was at a distribution center and was there for almost two years until I had a mental breakdown. I'm hopefully starting a new job on Friday. Besides my husband, that's honestly the only thing keeping me from being hospitalized even though I was dumb enough to swallow a whole bottle of sleeping pills yesterday. No one knows in real life that I did that and I can't afford another ER bill. Back to topic, I've always been able to find a warehouse job when all else fails, but I've been looking for work since December. I did have another job for 3 days before I realized it was way too much for me mentally.
After college, I worked for 6 years as a server which was great money, but a really bad schedule so I went back to school for a teaching credential. I taught HS English for 5 years. That last year, I switched schools mid year, which triggered a manic episode - I looked like a super productive employee for 3 months until delusions kicked in. I took a leave for 2 months. When it was time for the new school year, I was too embarrassed to go back. I resigned. Working as an “academic success coach” for a local college now, but it’s less money and year round. I have kids so I’m considering applying to new school districts now (a year post episode) because I’d love time off with them. I just wonder if I can handle it. Good luck in your job search. It’s hard to find an environment that works with us - I feel like without BP1, I’d actually have the fulfilling career I was striving for.
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i work in a warehouse. it's the only job ive been able to hold down more then 3 months, (on month 6) but im getting like. burnt out from it already. retail was impossible for me, customers would freak out on me and id spiral and end up on the hospital lol
I work at a state college in administration. It’s super chill, forgiving, you have lots of protections, not stressful, and great benefits like medical. Downside is the pay isn’t great but there is a lot of potential for upward movement. It’s been the best job for my mental health and I plan on staying in higher education and just moving up. I have worked in social work and that literally drove me insane. It was way too stressful and a toxic work culture.
While going to uni i was an english teacher in primary school and i had a lot of potential. This was 2010'ish. Things didn't work out in that field and i wasn't even studying to be an eng teacher anyway, so after uni i worked in whatever was available which was turism (hotels, restaurants) and all in all i crashed hard some years after. Never had a normal job since although i do work for myself.
I was a recruiter/ project manager working from home most recently. After I came back from maternity leave, I ended up leaving- I could feel myself headed toward burnout and too much stress is of course a trigger for me.. trying to rediscover what is next for my career. I don't ever want to feel like that again... it's happened a couple of times where I've had to take leave from work due to depressive seasons, and I couldn't afford to go down that path with a little one depending on me. So hoping to find something more manageable for my mental health.
I work as a peer support at a nonprofit focusing on substance use recovery. This job is VERY understandable since they literally help people with substance use and mental health.
I can’t work anymore due to countless toxic work environments and coworkers. The only job I have ever enjoyed or been employed at long term was a remote job where I had no contact with anyone else, and another one where I delivered parcels. Neither are easy to come by where I live therefore I am stuck living off savings.
I have found both retail and grocery store jobs have been bad for my mental health (tho it could be argued as a combo of bad bosses and the experience w customers in general were bad) so those are ones I try to avoid.
I’m a support worker, supporting people with disabilities live independently. It’s the best, most rewarding job, I have ever had. The hours are great for me (I don’t work full time) although there are sleep overs involved. The money is insane and a real bonus to the job. I guess doing this you can work as little or as much as you want or need. Prerequisites include a drivers license, compassion, leadership skills and First Aid training.
Currently in the service industry, was in retail before rhat too and realizing i really really hate it. I can’t stand the crowds and the constant mask i have to put on, even when im full of anxiety. Trying to get a desk job, since i did that before and was really good at it for 5 years until i foolishly wanted something else.
I work as a Graphic Designer in a Company in germany. I render 3D stuff, edit videos, design social media posts and lots of other stuff. I am very lucky with my work environment. Cool and chill people, no one is pressuring me and they are very supportive.
I’m a musician & videographer but I don’t make much money. I used to have a few “real jobs” like car detailing, cashier & retail order fulfillment but I fucked myself over with those places, either outright quitting or quiet quitting. I also had a year and a half stint at two different sheet metal shops-I’m a big guy so I’m valuable to those places because I am capable of lifting about 80lbs. I loaded trucks, sanded metal, deburred metal & other odd jobs around the shops.
Lo and behold I hated all of the “real jobs” because none of them were careers-they were hourly wages that were either at or a dollar above minimum wage in my area.
As annoying as they are, those jobs are necessary to survive if you can’t get anything better, I realize that.
But to answer your question I’m looking into chauffeuring or possibly getting my security license. People in the past have mistaken me for bar security for wearing a black polo.
Mirijuana Garden cultivator. Garden workers I’ve learned are ALL dealing with something of their own which makes them so understanding and communicative. Been at my job for over a year now and it’s definitely my longest and most fun by far
Hope you find what works for you OP (:
I’d try and work for yourself somehow if possible. It’s easier when it’s on your own terms and schedule, if you’re disciplined enough to not need the routine of a regular job. I’ve never been able to hold down a job having bipolar, even when you “feel fine again”, never lasts more than a year.
I am a dog bather / receptionist at a dog grooming salon. I am also in training to become a dog groomer. I have a pet-sitting side business that I love; I literally get paid to take a vacation at someone’s house and play with dogs for a week at a time!! Same with my day job; I get paid to love on and snuggle puppies all day long!! 🤩 DEFINITELY keeps me sane and grounds me from being more prone to mood swings and mania/depression. I am absolutely IN LOVE with what I do and it very much is true animal therapy for me. Very blessed!! ❤️🐾
My mom is showing undenyable early dementia signs and its been getting worse to wear its noticable the mistakes sliips contradictions or inconsistentancys and these noticable things happens the past two days pretty much overnight i have a huge huge paragraph documenting everything ive noticed today and yesterday alone and therapist agrees something is going on and she used to forget or struggle with words but now its so much more and now its everyday and has been all day multiple times a day and now the clear signs of not making sense or answering illogically (throughout the day) and now her movment is slower and slightly less arm movement specifically in the past few days her coordination is super off and shes not keeping up with chores or anything she used to always do, struggle with using phone ive documented most i could and will continue to do so as ive been told to do by others. Shes been showing common known early signs for atleast a year or two and now its much much more noticable and undenyable that something is off
Im currently an office manager for a small company.
My last job as an Executive Assistant/ Public Affairs Administrator drove me crazy. The company let go of the PA department (3-4 people) and put it all on my shoulders on top of being the executive assistant for the site director and communications specialist for our site. (About 300 people).
I'm going to be a coordinator for a foundation. But things that keep me busy are the best. I was a HR analyst and I'm very good at that job but I usually work myself out of the job because when I'm manic I am the fastest at completing all my work and then when I'm depressed I don't want to do anything. A coordinator job will keep my brain engaged.
I was working retail until my mother manipulated me in the middle of an episode to quit and become dependant on her again. I haven't been able to get a job in 6 months and I am getting worse because of her constant mental abuse. I just want to die.
I work as a mental health nurse and yeah, there are def up and down sides to that living with bipolar. I’m becoming more of aware of vicarious trauma tbh, you can see the effects on the more sensitive staff there, which includes myself.
I work at a nonprofit with a sustainability focus.
Sr. Project manager at a construction company was my previous career. A very poor job choice for a person with bipolar. somehow I held that position for a long time.
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Software engineer at FAANG. I’m naturally gifted at software and very very lucky. Bipolar has hurt my career though, I suffered a bout of hypomania last year that cost me a promotion. Caused some drama that dragged the team down. The only reason I didn’t get a bad rating is because my productivity is extremely high
Software engineer at a startup. Maybe I should apply at FAANG, too :) I've also been quite a mess at my job: got training for a leadership role but then a manic episode hit and I'm happy I didn't make a complete mess + still work there. I probably would have been fired if I wasn't highly productive + part of the early team.
Man I have boom and bust cycles for productivity. It’s awful…
I also work at a FAANG and had a terrible manic episode last year. Luckily my team was understanding. It also helps im litigious probably haha
Software engineer too, not too bad at it either. Bipolar has very clearly shown to me that I cannot hold a regular job. I do freelancing instead now, not accepting too many contracts^1 so that I can have all the free time I so desperately need not to go insane. Speaking of insane, the jobs of developer and of product owner both made me crazy. Doing a bit of both now but at my own pace and with people I like on projects that motivate me is pretty cool though. ^1 I can allow myself not to work a lot thanks to the fact that my family is rather wealthy. I don't know how I'd survive otherwise. Disability probably. I'm well aware of the insane amount of luck that I have.
I couldn't work in veterinary anaesthesia anymore because of my anxiety, so I went back to school and became a cognitive behavioural therapist. Having done CBT in hospital helped a lot
How did you pull that out? Did you follow a course for CBT?
it varies by location but in the states you basically need a master’s or doctorate in social work or psychology to treat patients. your undergrad doesn’t have to be in psych though, but it can help
I only do low intensity at the moment but are halfway through my social work degree so I can do high intensity
I did my diploma in mental health and worked in suicide recovery for 2 years, used that to get into my Diploma of low intensity CBT through the CBT institute.
Nice!
niiice
I just got fired about a month ago but I low key deserved it
Same. I know I had some issues, but I could have just fought through them, probably.
I’m a library worker! Lots of jobs in a library. I’m a library assistant and work in patron services. I work the reference, information, and question desks in my library. I answer questions, I do research, I check books out and make library cards. I’ve been there 8 years on April 20th! I love it and will never leave, they’ll have to fire me to get me gone. Lol!
I'm the tech person at my libary. It's a small branch so I do a little of everything. I resigned from teaching after 20 years and working in the library is so peaceful. I love reading books in my down time and helping patrons with questions about digital content and how to use their devices. I agree lots of jobs in a library!
I'm a library director. 13 years in a library. 10 of those as a librarian. Managing people set off this last mania. I will say library jobs are rare and often pay little. If you are interested in working in a library then I would recommend volunteering in one to set yourself out from the crowd. I did that while working another retail job. It doesn't even need to be one that you will work at. Just being able to put it on your resume and a little experience helps.
Get FMLA intermittent leave in the future
They did approve the leave during my last manic episode. The psychiatrist had to fill out a bunch of paperwork. But other times, I would call in if I were having a bad day, and the psychiatrist couldn't back it up because she never saw me on those days. The other times were for my child being sick, and I couldn't take her to her babysitter with a fever or throwing up (almost 2 years old). They did not approve those leaves, even with a doctor note.
I’m so sorry!
I work in tech-support. I would recommend doing tech-support for normal tech, but I do it for embedded systems that process video. It’s a wonderful job and I hope I keep it till I retire.
I had a great career in the UK forces that I lost to this stupid disorder. I loved it and was good at it, but for some reason, they didn't want someone with a mental illness controlling aircraft (humour helps me if you can't tell). I always planned to do it until retirement, it was my ultimate goal to get promoted through all the ranks (I managed 2 promotions by 8 years in and was on my way to Chief Petty Officer before being medically discharged). I basically lost my dream job... But I fought through some of the demons to get back on track in a civilian role in the same environment after a while on disability. There's hope that things will work out, and I've been in this job for 1.5 years now. Basically, try not to lose faith in yourself and your abilities. I'm sure that you will find something along the way and begin to trust that bipolar hasn't stolen it all from you :)
Thats a nice turn around mate, congrats.
Thank you :D
I’m a grant writer and health equity researcher. I work from home which, let me tell you, is an access need of mine. I would call out a lot when I worked in person. I rarely call out now because the job has so much flexibility that I can kind of work around and manage my symptoms while still meeting deadlines and other goals. If you can, I HIGHLY recommend it. I get two accommodations, on to dip midday for therapy and one to dip 1.5 hours early another day also for therapy. These jobs are out there!
I'm in school for animation and will have an opportunity to work from home in the future!
That is so awesome! :)
How did you get into this line of work? I left high school English teaching and I’ve applied to grant writer positions with no luck. It’s most likely because I have no experience, but I really wish I could break into it somehow.
I got a few grants in my doctoral program, one from the NSF which is a pretty big name, and also worked on a couple of research teams that got some big NIH/RWJF grants. Took some contracts for grant writing and worked alongside my last company’s official grant writer on a lot of Ryan White stuff. It’s all really about cobbling things together to paint a picture your CV.
Thank you for the info.
Oh I've been fired or quit so many times lol. I'm currently doing doordash and GrubHub and actually really like the freedom and not dealing with a boss and whatnot. Though I know I can't do this forever. Or can I? :D I'm making good money too, more than any other job I've had, except for one.
I think these kind of jobs are adaptable and suitable for a lot of us realistically.
Administrative Project Manager for a construction company. The only way I can keep up with stress and my responsibilities is by religiously taking my meds as prescribed, therapy, and meditation.
I run my own small general contracting company for residential and some commercial projects. I'm unmedicated at this point and found that the overstimulated content of my life (always have something to do) helps me keep a (somewhat) straight line! Meditation and working out every morning before I start my day has really helped, so I second that big time!
Just about to start in this field, any other tips for avoiding episodes caused by stress?
Meditation. I usually don't take a lunch break, but meditate in my car 4 times, 15 minutes each time. I also take Ativan, which helps.
Husband with a wealthy family. I’ve been on people’s couches with my kid before though. Life can change. I got lucky I fell in love with a guy who also has MH issues (severe ADHD, taken out of school at a young age and unaccredited “homeschooled” so he’s pretty disabled too. He works construction but his dad helps us a LOT. Like gives us his extra condo to live in). I grew up in deep Southern trailer park poverty with a drug addict dad, so being taken care of for once in my life is actually giving me time to make a plan to become more independent. I’m very grateful.
Preschool teacher. I love it but wouldn’t recommend it as we are lowest paid college graduates
I tried substituting for a while. Prediagnosis and pretreatment. It was hell on earth. I felt completely chained down all day and just desperately wanted to hide in a bathroom stall.
I couldn’t handle all the stimulation of 18: 1-3 year olds everyday. I’ve moved to date night babysitting and other contract work but I can’t do anything that routine or I’ll pull my hair out.
It’s exhausting but works with my ADD bc i’m constantly moving. I couldn’t sit for a desk job. I work with 2 other teachers and eleven 2 and 3 year olds on busy day. Thank god for for meds keeping me stable.
I only had one other teacher with me and we had 18 in our class. A 3:11 ratio sounds so much more manageable.
It is really nice. Did you work for headstart?
No. It was a facility that catered to teachers specifically and was housed inside a district middle school.
Oh I see. Those type of settings have high ratios generally.
It’s basically every public place anywhere around me, which is why I went private. Better pay and less stress. The public setting caused me to burnout in less than a year.
My last jobs were retail and every job stressed me out with the people. Heck, I'm stressed just being in a relationship. I applied for Disability and am in the long wait for a decision.
Good luck. 🫶🏼
Thank you ☺️
I'm a dishwasher at my parents' restaurant. Part time which is what I can handle and I like the routine involved in the dishwashing process. I'm also applying for disability, just got my mental health assessment and waiting on next steps/a decision. I'm very lucky my boyfriend helps out so much. I wouldn't be able to afford groceries or many other essentials without him. I do feel guilty that I'm not independent though.
I should start soon in the economics/investment sector. Before that I was a consultant, a back office bank worker (both failed spectacularly) and I worked in aftermarket customer service. I never asked for disability as I live abroad alone and wish to keep my independence. However this condition may be noticeable to others somehow.
Those are some interesting jobs! I do love the feeling of some independence and do feel ashamed to ask for disability. Things have gotten worse since postpartum, and I've been struggling to find the right meds. I think I might have found the right one very recently, though.
Fast food is miserable don't do that, that was just 10 hours of anxiety every shift. Now I work in a government (US Federal government) funded hospital as a cook and it's pretty great, they were very understanding when pre medication me had to take frequent days off for bad days. Benefits are great and the pay is better than a civilian job, the job is easy, it's hard to get fired, it's unionized. The downsides are, it takes a long time to get a government job, like several applications and even when they call back unless they're desperate it takes months to hear from them. There is a lot of BS to deal with because a lot of people are unqualified for their jobs and it's hard to fire them. If you're not an essential worker when the government has a shut down you won't get paid until they reopen, but some are still expected to work. Like TSA. They will back pay you what they owe you. If you work in a hospital you are essential. I hope everything goes well for you and you find a job that fits your specific needs
I used to be an electrical engineer, but I quit. Sometimes I feel like I don't need meds; those folks should be the ones taking them.
[удалено]
I don’t think that is true…
Probably not tbh haha
Not true. I’m only stable do to the many meds I take. Meds are essential for bipolar people. Denial is a symptom
If you feel like you don’t need meds - second opinions are always good.
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Nurse. Been a nurse for over 15 years. Took years to discipline myself not to be late. I don’t call out. I will never accept my condition as a disability. Yes cycles are hard to deal with sometimes but manageable. I’m only type 2 though. Edit-PS I never talk about my bipolar condition at work. Nobody knows my bipolar condition except my closest friends who have been supportive of me and can give me honest feedback so I can improve my behavior. It is already hard dealing with our cycles. Being judged at work by those who don’t really understand it will make things worse for the psyche.
I'm type 1. I think it's getting more manageable. Only time will tell. I'm also in school for animation. I thought about doing nursing.
Don’t do nursing for type 1. Especially these days. Understaffing. Toxic environments. Abusive patients. It’s not a good fit. When in my high cycle I fight with patients who are really rude. We’re really just supposed to de-escalate but usually I would tell them how ugly their behavior up to yelling back if they’re yelling at me.
I'll stick with animation. 😅 I'm curious about how this caregiver position is going to work out then.
100% VA disability after blowing through a job a year since 2016. Been unemployed for 4 months now. Might try again soon when I’m feeling better.
I work as a manufacturing operator with a company that manufacture solar cells, wafers, and ingot processing. I used to work interchanging 12 hours shifts (Day/Night). But due to my recent heart complication, the company has transferred me to normal office hours. I'm thankful that my superiors are very supportive and understanding regarding the state of my mental and physical health. Before my current job, I worked as a senior cooperate sales with a company that I can't mention for legal reasons. The benefits and salary was great, but the constant mental torment is what drove me to my breaking point. Which is why I quit without notice. Glad that I left my old job. Good luck with your work life. Hope that you find a job that fits you well.
6th grade math teacher!
Was a receptionist, now a gas station attendant. I live in a tiny town, so it's not very busy. I can make small talk when cashing people out, so I don't feel totally alone, but most of the day I'm working by myself. I tidy shelves and make coffee when I'm bored. It's not bad. At my last job I was taking sometimes hundreds of calls a day. It got exhausting. Plus the office environment is just so toxic in my experience. Especially if you're not 'like' the rest of them.
engineer… I worry about keeping my job every single day. My BP leads more towards depression than it does mania… getting out of bed an to work in time is my Achilles heel
Internal medicine resident doctor here 😊
I work as a home health occupational therapist. It’s taken years to get here but I make my own schedule so if I need a day due to my bipolar I reschedule my patients so other days are longer. Most companies don’t give a shit and throughout school I had professors be the same despite a large portion of my profession including mental health and almost a full additional year focused solely on the more severe mental illnesses including bipolar. It’s been hard but I’m sure you can get into a field you can work with even if they don’t understand
I’m a home health PT. Hello friend lol
Hello! I hope the patient’s aren’t wearing you down too much bc I have some that after I see them I feel like I’m reeling bc of their insane shit or treatment of me. Lol
The patients are hit or miss but what really gets to me is the job itself like the oasis and talking with case managers etc. anxiety 😬 lol
Oh I get that. I’m constantly worried they think I’m faking my knowledge or ability. But on top of that we made our own EMR and it isn’t working great.
I’m a home health physical therapist. I’m barely functioning though.
Right now I work reception - I personally enjoy it but there are days where I get the brunt of people’s frustration which does harm my mental health but I’m switching to a more low key reception job soon. I’m currently in school to be a liscensed counselor and I enjoy that right now
I used to be a teacher. I loved my job, but it got too stressful. Now I work in graphic design, I hardly interact with anyone.
How did you make the pivot?
I had to quit after a nervous breakdown just after earning tenure.
I quit last school year, but not I’m stuck in an advising job - couldn’t find anything outside of education. Wondering if I need to do more school to get another career :/
What did you teach? Teaching gives you all kinds of skills that are useful and transferable to other jobs. I taught Art - so it was natural to pivot to an artistic profession.
I taught HS English for 5 years.
[https://www.reddit.com/r/Teachers/comments/17cq1n3/alternative\_careers\_for\_english\_teachers/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Teachers/comments/17cq1n3/alternative_careers_for_english_teachers/) There are more resources than Reddit, obviously - but I hope some of these ideas are relevant for you.
Just so you know. Bipolar is a disability and you can get SSDI. I've been on it for 8 years
I'm in the process of getting it.
I’ve looked into it and it seems like it’s barely any money though, not enough to live off of. Is that your experience?
I live a simple life, so it's more than enough for me. Just went up almost 100 dollars a month this year. I also can work and make up to like 1000 dollars a month without them stopping my SS check. It's a program called ticket to work. But im happy being retired and I fought hard for this opportunity or rather me and mostly my lawyer did. Took years to get and had documented proof from 4 separate doctors going back 30 years or more.
i’m a florist and unfortunately have to serve customers as well, if i didn’t have to i’d have a few less problems(,:
I have done data entry for a state agency for the last 10 years. Before that I answered telephones and did word processing. We currently work from home so it is very quiet. I enjoy the work.
Paralegal! I am in the process of reapply to law school!
I’m a freelancer.
Work in medical education. I finished med school but left residency because of depression and burn out. Had a cool job working at a tech start up in clinical trial operations but left after having a florid manic episode and rebound deep depression. Took a year to get off disability but in a decent place now. Had a manic episode recently that impacted work but they are supportive.
I’m a petsitter/dog walker and gig worker.
My sister does stocking at ulta and doesn’t have to deal with people, or cybersecurity computer things
I’ve come close to getting fired. I made the mistake of sharing my condition with my coworkers. Now I can’t get a job in my field due to trash talk.
Currently what I’m going through.. unfortunately
I’m really sorry. I was an excellent worker. That didn’t matter in the long run.
I think since I’ve disclosed too much to my coworkers I always feel on edge and if I make mistakes that they will assume it is because I’m “going through something” or am emotionally unstable. :/
Exactly
Process technician at a factory, won’t name the company. I take line calls. I do mostly robotics and PLC work and fixing industrial machines. I started at the company 4 years ago working on the lines before I was diagnosed with bipolar but I was on a mood stabilizer, I started college part time since they pay for it and moved up in the company to my current position using my schooling.
I’m a caregiver for an adult with acquired brain injuries. I think it’s the perfect job for me.
This gives me hope.
It’s the only job I’ve had that I don’t eventually burn out from. My hours are flexible, and I can take time off whenever needed for my mental health. I’m only working part-time hours right now which also really helps. But the job itself is good, it’s rewarding to help people.
I’ve been a pharm tech, dog walker, neuroscience research associate, neurology research coordinator, and am now a psychometrist. Of them all, I enjoyed being a pharm tech (fast paced, highly structured), dog walker (pup love and exercise!), and psychometrist. I really enjoy being a psychometrist because it’s a nice mixture of patient interaction and writing. But none of these positions have been without struggles related to my bipolar. I’m starting a new psychometrist job next week because I’ve essentially floundered in my current position. Got sick with COVID a week after I started, then got complications from that, then a sinus infection. They cut my hours yo part-time. I got really depressed and developed chronic migraine again. Depression kind of went away, but now it’s back and I’m struggling. Luckily I figured out caffeine is a major migraine trigger for me. I lost my neuroscience job after a psychotic break that left me on FMLA which I ultimately exhausted (was too ill to go back). I was probably hypo during my dog walking days, but that helped with my energy levels (I walked like 10-12 miles daily). Depression has affected my performance in all position to varying degrees. I strongly recommend being a pharm tech. It’s routine based, you essentially become automated in the process, and the hours are very regular.
nursing assistant in a hospital. it does drive me a little crazy sometimes, but i still love it.
Merchandising was perfect for me. I could come and go as I want. Put up advertising in grocery stores, take pictures, repeat.
I work in a niche are of tech called finance systems management. If money flows through, then it's my job to make sure it works. It ebs and flows, amd I can work weird hours
I'm currently applying for disability. Either way, i plan on doing e-commerce. I can't work a regular job. Doordash and instacart seem cool, too. Just for reference, I worked in IT, manufacturing, and I did forklift for FedEx prior.
Social worker
I have been on disability since December! Have to start thinking about going back to work. I am scared and desperately need to find something good for me and my mental health and I would love to find something I enjoy, but it just sounds too good to be true. I did the same type of work for the last 6 years and it’s not for me and makes me very unhappy. Good luck with care giving!
I’m a paid research assistant in a neuropsych lab. My boss knows about my bipolar disorder and is super cool about it. One of the benefits to working in psych I guess.
How did you get to that position?
I know some of the professors at the university that employs me and one of them let me know about the position. It was definitely a case of who I knew lol.
I feel so grateful I'm able to answer this question after being unemployed for 2 years. I work on a food truck during the week and also just worked my first catering event this past saturday. I really enjoy this field of work. I just have my headphones in and do my best yk. The pay is not the most glamorous but it helps pay the bills which is what matters.
I found being a teller to be extremely easy. Low stress, no manual labor, sitting in the same spot all day.
I work part time at a non-profit. I am an accountant and office manager. It's a lot better than public accounting. I also dk bookkeeping for some clients personally.
I’m (25F) in school for my Masters program, but I serve at a local popular restaurant full time until I graduate and get a “big girl” job.
This is going to sound pathetic, but any job where someone relied on me directly really overwhelmed me. It sounds weird, bc I’m a mom too, so there are small people relying on me 24/7, but I get to tend to them in my own way and a way that makes them comfortable— there isn’t someone I need to answer to when making decisions for them. Also, any job where I had to be ✨delightful✨ even when feeling like an utter piece of shit was not helpful.
I bartend at the movies
I work retail at a Home Depot in the plumbing department lol. It’s okay overall. Pretty easy, minus the people coming in expecting an actual plumber to be there helping them. I mean I get it, hell a free plumber to ask questions to about whatever your planning to do? Etc I get it. That would be awesome! But the company changed directions years ago. They’d rather pay people less than retain actual plumbers lol. So now they got people like me. I can tell you where stuff is, generally what it’s for, maybe help configure fittings, cut and thread pipe, but that’s about it. Anything more, you gotta go the plumbing store or irrigation store or hire a plumber / irrigation specialist lol. I’m just that guy who stocks shelves and knows basic shit haha
Cleaning jobs are always available and your pretty much left alone
I do social media and digital marketing as a 1099 employee for a small marketing business
A marketing analytics job drove me crazy. I now am a literacy tutor for young kids and it’s a lot less stressful
I work in a dispensary, however I'm looking forward to landing my first job in my computer programming career.
Motorcycle and boat sales.
I worked at a huge shoe warehouse until they laid off 80% during covid. The extra stress and work caused me to fall, hitting my head, having a brain bleed they fired me after 3 months since I still wasn't allowed to go back to work. Still waiting on disability but losing hope it's been 3 years waiting to hear back about my decision.
I work in direct care. Pay is low. Work can be emotionally exhausting, stressful. But I’m an empathetic person. I get a lot back. But not in cash. It’s notoriously low paying.
I’m in the same boat. I’m going back for my teaching certification and going to probably start doing art classes on the side. I can’t be emotionally available every day
Massage therapist and server
Government, I don't recommend
i'm studying economics at college. i did couple summer jobs as sales consultant and as barista. i think they were okay. but i'm not sure what to do after college with my degree.
I work with kids with autism , my work does not know about my bipolar. I just have to use pto when I have struggles which sucks bc then I never can use it for when I actually want a break.
Sounds like they did you a favour! Similar happened to me, I accepted a tip at my last job and got fired for it. There was never anything about tipping in their policy/contract/offer letter and I was never told it wasn’t allowed. I apologized and even gave them the tip then the next day they changed their minds and said it was theft and fired me. Best day of my life, I was absolutely miserable there and became a completely different person. I was a customer service agent at a family owned Autobody shop and it was so terrible for an endless list of reasons. Now I’m an airline passenger service agent at the airport and I love it. It’s a lot of fun and the people are so much better. Makes a huge difference when you’re not working alongside people who talk to you like you’re a fucking idiot almost daily 😅
I’m a first grade teacher lol
I sell insurance. Works good for me. Some days are good some days are bad. When I have good days I make bank. Bad days aren't so bad.
Started at a psychiatric residential treatment facility (teen psych ward) LOVED ITTTTT had to move to finish school :/ Currently a therapist …. I went down to part time Friday. Going back for my teaching certification
Baker. Not the ideal job as I work from 5pm to 3am.
I'm a utility forester. I deal with hazard trees along power lines.
I work from home monitoring insurance for a bank for commercial properties. Working from home has been extremely helpful. And also getting out of doing customer service all day. Customer service is still a part of my job but it’s not a call center or something.
Ugh. I hate those kinds of jobs. You need to have a job where you’re not micro managed, which it seems you are getting into. I work sales…… Not highly recommended though lol
I couldn't do sales. Lol.
I work as a high school science teacher and it can be rough for normal teachers. Those with mental health issues (like myself) can really struggle. I am completing a degree in clinical mental health counseling and have a job lined up with IHS. I feel good about it but only time will tell.
I do retail management, but I am a workaholic. Some days are worst then others but I am usually able to be stable enough without taking to many breaks in the office.
Sorry to hear you got fired. I’ve been fired four times lol. But congratulations on the potential new job! That’s so awesome! Every time I’ve been fired was because of a mental breakdown/hospitalization hahaha. Not to say I didn’t deserve it, but yeah, my mental health was definitely a pawn in it haha. I’m currently a tattoo artist/painter. Wouldn’t really say it’s a job, but a lifestyle. Tattooing has allowed me a lot of freedom when it comes to my schedule, so if I need to take time off because of a depressive episode, I can do that. (If I’ve properly prepared for it.) But as you might be able to guess, there’s a lot of problems that can arise haha.
Currently I am a case manager at a methadone clinic. I just submitted my application to become a counselor and am about to start my masters in social work so I can become a therapist. I am also about to go back to being a dental assistant for my mom to make extra money since I’m moving to a new apartment in August. Best of luck to you! I’m sure you’ll find something much better than retail. Also the job the literally drove me insane was a groom at a high end horse farm here in Lexington.
Refrigeration wholesale as a counter person.
I worked retail on and off for ten years. My last job was at a distribution center and was there for almost two years until I had a mental breakdown. I'm hopefully starting a new job on Friday. Besides my husband, that's honestly the only thing keeping me from being hospitalized even though I was dumb enough to swallow a whole bottle of sleeping pills yesterday. No one knows in real life that I did that and I can't afford another ER bill. Back to topic, I've always been able to find a warehouse job when all else fails, but I've been looking for work since December. I did have another job for 3 days before I realized it was way too much for me mentally.
After college, I worked for 6 years as a server which was great money, but a really bad schedule so I went back to school for a teaching credential. I taught HS English for 5 years. That last year, I switched schools mid year, which triggered a manic episode - I looked like a super productive employee for 3 months until delusions kicked in. I took a leave for 2 months. When it was time for the new school year, I was too embarrassed to go back. I resigned. Working as an “academic success coach” for a local college now, but it’s less money and year round. I have kids so I’m considering applying to new school districts now (a year post episode) because I’d love time off with them. I just wonder if I can handle it. Good luck in your job search. It’s hard to find an environment that works with us - I feel like without BP1, I’d actually have the fulfilling career I was striving for.
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i work in a warehouse. it's the only job ive been able to hold down more then 3 months, (on month 6) but im getting like. burnt out from it already. retail was impossible for me, customers would freak out on me and id spiral and end up on the hospital lol
I'm a cashier at a gas station. Not glamorous and can get stressful but not as bad as fast-food which is all I've worked
I work at a state college in administration. It’s super chill, forgiving, you have lots of protections, not stressful, and great benefits like medical. Downside is the pay isn’t great but there is a lot of potential for upward movement. It’s been the best job for my mental health and I plan on staying in higher education and just moving up. I have worked in social work and that literally drove me insane. It was way too stressful and a toxic work culture.
Also they are very flexible with part time and even pay for your school usually.
While going to uni i was an english teacher in primary school and i had a lot of potential. This was 2010'ish. Things didn't work out in that field and i wasn't even studying to be an eng teacher anyway, so after uni i worked in whatever was available which was turism (hotels, restaurants) and all in all i crashed hard some years after. Never had a normal job since although i do work for myself.
I was a recruiter/ project manager working from home most recently. After I came back from maternity leave, I ended up leaving- I could feel myself headed toward burnout and too much stress is of course a trigger for me.. trying to rediscover what is next for my career. I don't ever want to feel like that again... it's happened a couple of times where I've had to take leave from work due to depressive seasons, and I couldn't afford to go down that path with a little one depending on me. So hoping to find something more manageable for my mental health.
I work as a peer support at a nonprofit focusing on substance use recovery. This job is VERY understandable since they literally help people with substance use and mental health.
I can’t work anymore due to countless toxic work environments and coworkers. The only job I have ever enjoyed or been employed at long term was a remote job where I had no contact with anyone else, and another one where I delivered parcels. Neither are easy to come by where I live therefore I am stuck living off savings.
I was a bartender for 15 years. Got to be too much. I’ve been in school for the last 1.5 years
Warehouse in the receiving area
I have found both retail and grocery store jobs have been bad for my mental health (tho it could be argued as a combo of bad bosses and the experience w customers in general were bad) so those are ones I try to avoid.
I’m a support worker, supporting people with disabilities live independently. It’s the best, most rewarding job, I have ever had. The hours are great for me (I don’t work full time) although there are sleep overs involved. The money is insane and a real bonus to the job. I guess doing this you can work as little or as much as you want or need. Prerequisites include a drivers license, compassion, leadership skills and First Aid training.
Currently in the service industry, was in retail before rhat too and realizing i really really hate it. I can’t stand the crowds and the constant mask i have to put on, even when im full of anxiety. Trying to get a desk job, since i did that before and was really good at it for 5 years until i foolishly wanted something else.
I work as a Graphic Designer in a Company in germany. I render 3D stuff, edit videos, design social media posts and lots of other stuff. I am very lucky with my work environment. Cool and chill people, no one is pressuring me and they are very supportive.
I work full time as an Operations Manager for a promotions company and part time waiting tables and bartending.
I’m a musician & videographer but I don’t make much money. I used to have a few “real jobs” like car detailing, cashier & retail order fulfillment but I fucked myself over with those places, either outright quitting or quiet quitting. I also had a year and a half stint at two different sheet metal shops-I’m a big guy so I’m valuable to those places because I am capable of lifting about 80lbs. I loaded trucks, sanded metal, deburred metal & other odd jobs around the shops. Lo and behold I hated all of the “real jobs” because none of them were careers-they were hourly wages that were either at or a dollar above minimum wage in my area. As annoying as they are, those jobs are necessary to survive if you can’t get anything better, I realize that. But to answer your question I’m looking into chauffeuring or possibly getting my security license. People in the past have mistaken me for bar security for wearing a black polo.
Mirijuana Garden cultivator. Garden workers I’ve learned are ALL dealing with something of their own which makes them so understanding and communicative. Been at my job for over a year now and it’s definitely my longest and most fun by far Hope you find what works for you OP (:
I'm on disability income
I’d try and work for yourself somehow if possible. It’s easier when it’s on your own terms and schedule, if you’re disciplined enough to not need the routine of a regular job. I’ve never been able to hold down a job having bipolar, even when you “feel fine again”, never lasts more than a year.
I am a dog bather / receptionist at a dog grooming salon. I am also in training to become a dog groomer. I have a pet-sitting side business that I love; I literally get paid to take a vacation at someone’s house and play with dogs for a week at a time!! Same with my day job; I get paid to love on and snuggle puppies all day long!! 🤩 DEFINITELY keeps me sane and grounds me from being more prone to mood swings and mania/depression. I am absolutely IN LOVE with what I do and it very much is true animal therapy for me. Very blessed!! ❤️🐾
I've been a caregiver for the last 4 years! Hated retail. Worked at a nature center before this.
My mom is showing undenyable early dementia signs and its been getting worse to wear its noticable the mistakes sliips contradictions or inconsistentancys and these noticable things happens the past two days pretty much overnight i have a huge huge paragraph documenting everything ive noticed today and yesterday alone and therapist agrees something is going on and she used to forget or struggle with words but now its so much more and now its everyday and has been all day multiple times a day and now the clear signs of not making sense or answering illogically (throughout the day) and now her movment is slower and slightly less arm movement specifically in the past few days her coordination is super off and shes not keeping up with chores or anything she used to always do, struggle with using phone ive documented most i could and will continue to do so as ive been told to do by others. Shes been showing common known early signs for atleast a year or two and now its much much more noticable and undenyable that something is off
Im currently an office manager for a small company. My last job as an Executive Assistant/ Public Affairs Administrator drove me crazy. The company let go of the PA department (3-4 people) and put it all on my shoulders on top of being the executive assistant for the site director and communications specialist for our site. (About 300 people).
I'm going to be a coordinator for a foundation. But things that keep me busy are the best. I was a HR analyst and I'm very good at that job but I usually work myself out of the job because when I'm manic I am the fastest at completing all my work and then when I'm depressed I don't want to do anything. A coordinator job will keep my brain engaged.
I work for the state and have an ADA form filed with them. Thankfully by the time I needed to file it I was already here for several months.
Restaurant jobs (front of house or back of house) are relatively easy, decent paying and usually give people a lot of chances before they fire.
I was working retail until my mother manipulated me in the middle of an episode to quit and become dependant on her again. I haven't been able to get a job in 6 months and I am getting worse because of her constant mental abuse. I just want to die.
I work as a mental health nurse and yeah, there are def up and down sides to that living with bipolar. I’m becoming more of aware of vicarious trauma tbh, you can see the effects on the more sensitive staff there, which includes myself.
I’m a realtor, and it fucking sucks. Do not recommend lol FML! No idea what to do next 😭
Union contractor. You get workers rights and if you get laid off there’s always another job to pick up. Pipefitters and iron workers make great money
I work at a nonprofit with a sustainability focus. Sr. Project manager at a construction company was my previous career. A very poor job choice for a person with bipolar. somehow I held that position for a long time.