Limitations

I am now realizing I have limits. It used to be so easy hypomanic to do everything and more. Then the crash. But, I always went up again. Now, I had to turn down a full-time job offer (laid off a month ago) because I am in graduate school full time.
I realized I can't do both.
Hard thing to swallow.
Did I do the right thing? I dunno. Any thoughts?

Only you can know for sure whether something is right or wrong for you. However, i think realizing that you can't do both is really clever of you. Your schooling is important, and i am sure you would hate to see it suffer because of trying to do both the work and school right? For what it's worth i certainly think you did the right thing.

Agree with Ryask. I think you are wise not to listen to the unrealistic ideas of the mania speaking, but also remember to not believe the doubt and hopelessness of the depression's voice...

I think you made the right decision as well. Speaking from experience, albeit undergrad, I am a full time student, full time employee, and full time parent/husband. It is incredibly hard, and for the longest time I couldn't understand why. During my ups I would try and get as much done as I could, because I knew there was coming a time where I wouldn't get anything done. It was so difficult to just get up and go to work I didn't have energy left for anything else.

Now that I am medicated, somewhat (still working on getting it right), it is getting easier to do things to an extent. But, this is mainly because of the job I'm currently doing gives me plenty of time to do school work while at work. So I can kill two birds with one stone, otherwise I'd probably have to put my degree on the back burner.

Furthuring your education is always the right decision in my honest opinion. Once you get that graduate degree, you will have the opportunity for a better full time job. It will come your way again but this time you will make more money because of that piece of paper you will have in your hand!

I think it's necessary to simplify your life, especially initially; while you're finding your feet. Once you are confident taking on a few small things, you can try take on more bit by bit.

Many "healthy" people cannot do school and work at the same time. And it's better to focus on your education at the moment...

you know the saying is true when one door closes another opens. i know right now it may seem like darn i really could have used that job but in the end when you finish school and get the career you really wanted you will be so happy than ever before.

sugahorse hit the nail on the head: simplify. Sometimes there isn't just one right thing. What I try to do is kind of like when you buy a car; make the choice then stop looking at the ads, wondering if I missed a better deal. I've always put work over school and now I'm unemployed and also have less education than the people I'm up against for jobs. So it can go either way! I think you've made a good long-term choice by sticking with the education.