I got through college, medical school graduating first in my class, and had a 19 yr long career as a physician with BP. I wasn't diagnosed officially until about 8 yrs ago but looking back I had BP as a teenager and beyond. I certainly was successful but my BP got worse as I got older and medications aren't always effective.

The stress of work ( in addition to 4 kids) eventually was too much and I retired at the age of 47 last year. But,yes, you can be successful. And even though I am unable to work now, I consider the career I had a successful one. While I was working, I don't think people would notice the hypomania, but I would miss work due to depression and depression is hard to hide ( especially when crying during work.)

Now, if I become close to a friend and decide to tell them I have BP they are always shocked. (That is because I hide in my house when I am depressed and don't let anyone know except my husband. ) My friends only see me when I have mild depression or have a stable mood or maybe a little hypomanic.