These are all very interesting posts.
I feel like I do see a correlation between keeping a steady job and strong desire to work [secondarily: Work being something that's fulfilling and helpful to keeping the disorder in check]. Although I'm willing to bet that's the case with people who don't have bipolar.
I also feel like maybe the rapid cycling bipolar makes it more difficult to remain in a steady job. Of course, everybody is suffering terribly in many ways, but I'm getting the sense the instability of rapid cycling makes it more difficult to stay on any kind of steady track.
Additional anxiety problems on top of the bipolar seems to get people in more of a rut.
Also, I feel like the younger generation is struggling a bit more as well, given the hard economic times and the added pressure of having to navigate the world.
And of course, coping with that strange social dynamic between coworkers, which is stressful in general.

These are all really helpful stories.
I'm glad so many people were willing to be open and share their story with me!
[More the merrier, of course.]
I think I have a better understanding of bipolar people in the workforce, so thanks

Apparently my boytoy stopped taking his meds. So. Infer. I really hope he see's someone, because I get the sense he's in so deep he won't take me seriously. Especially if I don't drop everything for him. Which I simply can't do. I'm not the therapist he needs to see, anyway. Besides, I made plans long ago for the weekend, I have work at 5am everyday so I can't talk late, and I have a two hour long yoga class tonight. He's just going to have to manage...[Especially since he won't be exclusive with me because of the distance, anyway. ]

Doh.