I've pretty much been working nonstop since I was 16. My diagnosis didn't come until my mid 20s which will explain all the job hopping around that time. But once I stabilized around 2009, my job stability has remained. I was at my previous job for four years, and I started my current job in April of 2013. However, since my current job is more stressful, I've had more episodes to deal with. My meds have changed and I have been hospitalized twice. Now in cases like these it comes down to employer policies that can help or hurt someone that needs the time off. In my case I am lucky that my employer has worked with me, but I know this isn't always the case. Between the fact that I really enjoy my job, the flexibility of my employer and my desire to be able to continue supporting myself, I find a way to make it work. I take it day by day because I can't predict how long this will last.