On Tuesday I went for an interview for an apprenticeship at a pharmacy down the road. I was in complete doubt that I'd be able to bag myself such an opportunity - a two year apprenticeship that will provide me with both a retail qualification and dispensing qualification.

About half an hour into the interview I was surprised: it was going well. Then he asked me: "I see you have a big gap in your employment, what's that down to?" "Long-term health issues", "May I ask what health issues?" "Bipolar Disorder". That was it, I thought my chance at getting the position had completely disappeared by that point. How could I let that slip out? After everything I've heard and read about discrimination, how did I let myself tell him?

I was there for 3 hours - I was observed doing the job for 2 hours and afterwards, admittedly due to the fact it was the one job I really enjoyed, I didn't think I had much of a chance.

Yesterday (Friday) I got a phone call: I'd got the apprenticeship! He said he was really impressed and found me to be an intelligent person and that he hopes I will agree to go to University in a couple of years to do a degree in pharmacy and perhaps take over from him!

Seems I have a second chance - even with him having the knowledge of me being a bipolar patient. Onwards and upwards!

RB ♥