Just a little about myself I'm 37, been on Social Security for 9 years now for biploar, depression. Employed here and there. My employment history hasn't been the best because of my illness. After getting my illness a little more under control with meds and therapy. I decided that I didn't want to spend the rest of my life on social security. I just enrolled in a community college for a program that helps people find social services and financial help ( I know hard this journey can be). The problem I'm having is finding a part-time job in the new town I moved to. I injured my back a couple of years ago and after trying PT and other pain managment techniques the doctor pretty much told me that having a job with physical demands is out of the question for me

My work history isn't the best because of my illness, so when I go out for a interview the employer is curious as to what I was doing during that time.I don't know what to say. Do I try to be somewhat honest and say that I have a illness? Do I say that I had back problems? Both of which are things potential employers don't want to hear.Someone once told me to be vague how do I do that? Other than doing a little volunteer work I haven't been working for the last two years because I couldn't find a paying job because of my back.(It's also a really small town, which doesn't help either).

I had a interview for a job last week that would not bother my back and was kind of the same as to what I'm going to go to school for. It was even a non-profit that helps people down on their luck. I thought the interview went good but I got the rejection letter the next day. I know that my work history is a factor for these rejections (at least it doesn't help). Or maybe they are expecting somebody younger. I'm planning on doing some volunteer work in the new city so hopefully that helps. I think I'm doing better in life managing my illness, planning for school, trying to be a help to society instead of a burden. I've been to career counselors that gave advice on interviews, resumes etc but nothing seemed to help. I know my situation is a little "unique" but I can't seem to find a way to address this problem. Any ideas? Thanks

Hopefully I didn't babble on to much