Resources for Unsteady Bipolar Workers (Job Placement Ideas)
I didn't see this type of thread listed, but it certainly should be.
Hi, I'm Aleczander and I'm a Bipolar. Not the most novel issue out there but definitely something deserving of aid. It's a vicious disease and isn't always manageable. For people who can't weather the ups and downs, holding a job can be virtually impossible. If any users on 7 Cups have knowledge of resources for Bipolar-friendly employment (and keeping the jobs themselves), it would be appreciated.
I've definitely had my fair share of difficulty here. What I found to be helpful is a job where you can make (or somewhat make) your own schedule. I have been having a MUCH easier time once my medication was managed the right way, so if you are not seeing a psychiatrist/therapist I would do that as well. Also, remember there is something to be said for the Reasonable Accommodation Act- so if you have a job where it is POSSIBLE for you to be flexible (even if not ideal) you should still have the opportunity to work!
@Movingforward37
I'm looking for flexibility, of course. Especially remote work, of which would be ideal. No one will have me, though. I don't know why. My resume looks fine. And I'm a good worker. I'm just... an inconsistent work. Not a pretty quality to have. Choosing my hours would be for the best with remote options. I just can't find the right place... I forgot about that act, yes. It can be helpful, but it's just so discouraging when no one will give me the time of day.
Thank your for your contribution.
Well, I suppose this thread will be left open for future people that might want to contribute ideas and resource links.
I was told recently that the only person that would hire an inconsistent worker would be yourself. Apparently in the Bipolar community a lot of us become ETSYers or have their own startups, because of the work flexibility.
@MrAleczander
What a compelling point to bring up. I think what you're getting at is really important because it is exceptionally difficult for those of us who have bipolar to be accommodated in the workplace.
I'm going to take a think on this, and do some research. I know in some places it is mandated that there is a "duty to accommodate" for certain "disabilities", but I wonder what else is done/can be done.
I know for me, one of my jobs allowed me to work from home as much as I needed to, but I had to tell them about my situation and that can be daunting.
Id like to say thank you for stating the difficulty of maintaining employment when your bi polar. I can honestly say working has been one of the biggest struggles for me. The ups and downs, cause issues too great to discuss in a short sentence. Keeping employment hasnt been an issue for me (luckally) but keeping a good working atmosphere between me and my co-workers and boss(es) is a different story altogether. Thank you for understanding.
I too find this a problem. I tend to work contract or self employed but what really sucks is when you do there are no health benefits. So no prescription coverage. No getting unemployment when you are off work. BUT running my own schedule is a necessity. I can not keep a regular schedule. I find work I can get help from my family in tends to last longer. I managed a Farmers market for four years and I was lucky enough to have a hubby and kids who helped when I needed it. But again - low paying contract work. Hang in there and all I can say is the cliche think outside the box. What can you create for yourself?
Hi!
I managed to work with scolarship - I'm working in the academic area in research. My bosses/advisors im my master degree has been helping me since the first years of college. I guess that the academic/research area is a good area.
Since its a master degree associated with a company, sometimes when i work from home some co workers think i'm on vacation and other mean stuff. But I try to not care, because I dont answer to them. And sometimes when I am in charge of a group, usually they are pretty mean and dont respect me (maybe because I'm young and pink-haired).
yes, low pay. Yes extremely stressfull and the emotional cost is very high. Also, I dont have weekends, holydays or whatsoever. Since no one controls my work hours, I do my own time.
But it is what I love, and what I always wanted: I'll be a professor some day :)
sorry for the poor english, not my main language, and Im typing on a phone... :P
Yes working can be very hard when you are bi-polar. I often get down on myself and I have had to many jobs to name in the past 13 years since I was dxed with bi-polar. I often feel that I'm just being lazy plus not having money sucks. It's hard to balance life with mental illness of any kind... My mother was a medical transcriptionist for several years and she was able to work from home for most of the last 10 years or so of her job. I don't know if anyone would be looking for this kind of work but I know it is one area where you can possibly work from home. I think you have to have a degree of some sort now to work at most places. I just started a new job a couple months ago and it has been very hard I have already missed a few days and I'm not getting many hours but I hope that I can hang in there and show the people that I work with that I can be a good worker. I hope all workes out for all of you. And please do what you cab to take care of yourself. :)