I can't say I've ever lost a job because of my bipolar, except for my very first one at age 18 when I went off on the boss and slammed the office door on my way out after having my *** handed to me for sloppy work. Yeah, bad career move to be sure. But I've quit almost every other job because I got bored and restless, or I couldn't stand the politics anymore, or I was handed more work than I thought I could (or should have to) do.

I'm just glad I got it figured out before I blew this one, too. My current job is far and away the best I've ever had and I SO do not want to screw it up, because I love the place, the residents, the administrator, and the whole set-up. Besides, I know what I'm up against---nobody is hiring nurses who are old, fat, out of shape, and lack a bachelor's degree (I hold an associate of applied science in nursing). Especially nurses with mental health issues, and there always seems to be a way to find these things out during the interview process (yes, they can ask you to take a physical exam in which you have to list your medications, and anyone with a lick of knowledge about meds can take one glance at my list and know that I'm being treated for bipolar disorder).

So, I'm under no illusions about my chances of finding another job, let alone one that's anywhere near as good as this one, which means I have to figure out ways to survive. Sometimes it requires taking a couple of 'mental health' days and making a long weekend out of them, as I'm doing right now. Other days, I just have to drive the 25 miles home, screaming loudly and profanely with the car windows rolled up and the radio blasting to cover my outburst. Thankfully, I'm "out" at work and most people respect the fact that I sometimes don't play well with others when I'm super stressed.