Hi imi,

I have always had the utmost respect for anyone in any career who works night shift.

I can't ever imagine, with my bipolar, that I'd be able to do night shifts. But remember this is just me personally and I'm sure others can. Thing is, adjustments to my sleep routine cause havoc with my mood swings.
You did the best thing you could have done at the time by putting others needs before your own and I appla you for this.

If this is something you are wishing to pursue in the future I'm sure your pdoc will be able to have strategies for you. There is no way you're the only bipolar person wishing to regain the workforce with the potential of night shifts.

And always have a story to tell as to why you left the work force and why you are looking to re-enter - without having to disclose your diagnosis during a potential interview (I realise there may be mandatory disclosure after selection process, maybe?). But your pdoc will be able to help you with hints. By rule of thumb I'd recommend not disclosing but I guess it also hinges on what you're signing into a contract. I've personally been advised by my mental health professional to state anything but bipolar on paperwork if I'm employed again. I could say something like when I'm under due stress my mood can fluctuate. Or something like that.

My story to tell if I ever got employed again? I took a break from teaching to explore other career options and was wanting to start my own business. Which isn't a lie. But in my case I was dismissed/ fired in September. But .... I'm not going to say that one!

I think that there are more people than you realize who leave and reenter the workforce after a break.

Ps: I never forget my temporary pdoc in hospital telling me he knowingly employed someone who was fired from his last job. So I'd like to think there's some hope for me. Maybe.