Hi,

It's not my experience, but a very good friend of mine with a similar diagnosis was out of the work market for about 15 years. He has been successfully working for seven months. It was definitely a process for him to get to that point, sort of like quitting smoking where it sometimes takes a few tries before it sticks. He's working as a cashier, not his dream job, but a great 'just for now' job that's letting him get used to work again without a lot of pressure.

A relative with a similarly serious diagnosis was out of work for about five years. His first job after that was as a factory floor worker. Ten years later, he has a professional job with very bright prospects.

I stepped off the professional career track for about four years and have stepped back on with a part time contract gig doing the same type of work. I am still adjusting to not being able to call all of my time my own and would not want a full time position anywhere. Work sure takes care of isolation problem, but I kind of miss that!

Good luck with your plans.