Hi Clive,

Isn't it interesting how we feel we need to define ourselves in terms of employment? It seems that many people need to identify themselves in terms of what they do for a living. This was certainly true for myself.

I was (am) an RN and have not been employed for 3 years - except for a short stint back in December 2009 where I thought of this brilliant (?) plan to go back to the last hospital I worked at because I did not have 1 year's recent work experience. Anyway, my brilliant plan (while manic) was to go to work in Tucson, AZ and fly back and forth from Los Angeles where I live. I lasted a total of 24 shifts and started unraveling. I ended up making a serious error - got embroiled in a very stressful investigation and I asked if I could resign rather than get terminated. The hospital administrators just wanted the problem "to go away" and they accepted my resignation.

I was mortified by this experience and felt like my life was over. Actually, it was one of the best things to happen to me. I finally accepted that I was bipolar and got very serious about working on recovery and wellness. I was able to come to terms with the fact that there are many things about bedside nursing that I don't like and to stop doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.

My life today consists of working my recovery and relapse prevention plan and seriously looking at those things that I have great passion. Keeping a daily routine, taking good care of my physical and emotional health are very helpful. My plan is to go back to school which is very exciting to me.

Volunteering for an organization who's values are in alignment with your own is a great way to get out in the community, meet people and share your talents with. Here is a great website for volunteering:

http://www.volunteermatch.org/

Keep posting!! Laurie