I'm 45, bipolar 1, and work at a state university as a grants officer. (*Smelling salts to revive the people who just spontaneously fell asleep*) I was working part time following a mental health crisis in 2010, but I've recently taken on full time work again and am handling it OK. I do have problems focusing, and my cognitive speed isn't great, so speaking extemporaneously at meetings is always stressful. I think that for the most part my job works well for me because I have a lot of freedom, so that if I'm having a rough day and literally get nothing done, the only person who'll give me a hard time about it is me. The dean I work for has absolute trust in the people she hires to get their jobs done in their own way and on their own schedule.

She is aware of my illness since I was hospitalized for a week in 2010; the circumstances were shared with her (with my approval). So I have no fear or urgency to hide on that front. If I'm having a difficult time I remove myself from the office until I get things under control and she understands abrupt exits and needs to occasionally work from home. She encourages taking "mental health" days as sick time, not just for me but for all.

So, I would recommend jobs with a good balance of structure and autonomy (I wouldn't want to work without a schedule at all, because I need some structure to maintain stability, which is why I think I personally am a particularly poor candidate for SSI). So, hmm, maybe keep an eye out for jobs that send you out in the field to work with far-flung clients, or jobs with blended office and telecommuting possibilities. Jobs where you're on your own honor to get things done and you don't have to stress about toeing a strict behavioral line. Awesome bosses are always a bonus.

Good luck!