[manicdepressive07]

For those of you who are willing to share, what do you do for a living? ALSO, did you get a college degree? If so what was your major and are you working in whatever career your major prepped you for?

Reason being, I’m currently unemployed and just going to school fulltime. I lost my job (as a waitress) and decided since I was starting school fulltime AND getting back on BP meds that I would not worry about getting a job for the time being and focus on school and getting stable.

I’ve hated almost every job I’ve ever had… and it was never related to the work I was doing. I’m EXTREMELY emotionally sensitive, and work drama seems to love me. I swear I don’t mean for it to! I always take things personally even though I know I shouldn't. It doesn’t help that I seem to always end up working with sarcastic/snobby *****es and I guess because I’m so passive/sensitive, I tend to let others “walk all over me” until I reach a breaking point and end up getting into a huge argument with someone.

Anyway… my ideal job would involve me working for myself or working for someone else remotely from home. I have such a hard time with co-workers and dealing with a boss, both give me such terrible anxiety.

Since I’m in school right now trying to figure out what it is I want to do with my life, I’m wondering what jobs people with Bipolar do well in. I love learning, working independently, reading, writing, graphic design, and working with computers.

[manicminer]

I currently work as a warehouse tech at a coal mine. I also work overtime underground to get the required underground working hours needed to get my Experienced Miner Certification. Upon completetion of this certification, I plan to transfer to the maintenance department and become a Underground Maintenance Foreman Trainee.

I got a B.S. in Agricultural Systems Management (technical engineering, busniess management, and agricultural sciences).

This major was centered around power transmission systems, problem solving, and critical thinking. We also had a supply chain course. These things prepped me for my current career, I'm just using the skills in a different application.

I was diagnosed during college, after a month long drinking binge and what I now know was extreme bipolar mania with psychotic features. I spent 7 days in the p-ER.

Against the desires and way beyond the expectations of some of the mental health professionals I dealt with while there, I refused alcohol rehab and I returned immediately to my studies and was able to graduate on time. (although my GPA was not as high as hoped)

I credit my success to the excellent work ethic and will power my parents enstilled in me and my general bullheadedness. lol For example:

Social Worker: You really need to withdrawal from school, get into a good rehab program and get your mental health and life in general back on track before you even think about completing college. You certainly cannot go back and live at that fraternity.

Me: I got people at that fraternity that will gladly kick my *** if I don't take my meds or start drinking again. I'm gonna go home for spring break to rest a little, but I'll be going right back to the fraternity and classes, thank you.

Result: Graduated in 4 years with 30 more credits than required and never went back to the p-ER.

If I can do it, so can you.

Good luck and best wishes

I'm not working right now. I'm halfway done with 2 degrees. I plan on going back. I used to be a receptionist, worked at Pennies, all over doing customer service. My back and brain aren't doing well so I'm gonna take care of my boy and I for awhile, u know just focus on us.

[QUOTE=manicminer;2935327]I currently work as a warehouse tech at a coal mine. I also work overtime underground to get the required underground working hours needed to get my Experienced Miner Certification. Upon completetion of this certification, I plan to transfer to the maintenance department and become a Underground Maintenance Foreman Trainee.

I got a B.S. in Agricultural Systems Management (technical engineering, busniess management, and agricultural sciences).

This major was centered around power transmission systems, problem solving, and critical thinking. We also had a supply chain course. These things prepped me for my current career, I'm just using the skills in a different application.

I was diagnosed during college, after a month long drinking binge and what I now know was extreme bipolar mania with psychotic features. I spent 7 days in the p-ER.

Against the desires and way beyond the expectations of some of the mental health professionals I dealt with while there, I refused alcohol rehab and I returned immediately to my studies and was able to graduate on time. (although my GPA was not as high as hoped)

I credit my success to the excellent work ethic and will power my parents enstilled in me and my general bullheadedness. lol For example:

Social Worker: You really need to withdrawal from school, get into a good rehab program and get your mental health and life in general back on track before you even think about completing college. You certainly cannot go back and live at that fraternity.

Me: I got people at that fraternity that will gladly kick my *** if I don't take my meds or start drinking again. I'm gonna go home for spring break to rest a little, but I'll be going right back to the fraternity and classes, thank you.

Result: Graduated in 4 years with 30 more credits than required and never went back to the p-ER.

If I can do it, so can you.

Good luck and best wishes [/QUOTE


You have done well for urself. I'm impressed.

[BipolaRNurse]

As you've probably guessed by my user name, I'm a registered nurse. You'd be surprised at how many nurses have depression, anxiety, and other related problems. It's a highly stressful occupation that carries a lot of responsibility but very little authority, which is NOT usually a good choice for a bipolar person. But when I became a nurse, I didn't know I was bipolar; besides, I still enjoy it much of the time, and it pays too well for me to simply walk away.

[Odee]

I'm a college student studying Geography. I work at one of the dining halls. I really do have to work there to 'live,' because the money earned is entirely spent on rent and food.

I had enough federal aid to ensure that my first two years were debt free. But now I have loans and they paid about two months with my overage.

Rent in this college town is ridiculous.

[Bipolar mom]

I'm in retail management. It can be very stressful, and hard dealing with the public on a daily basis, But I like that its not a 9 to 5 and there's always a lot going on to keep my mind busy.

I have an associates in fashion merchandising. I was going to get my bachelors, but trying to balance school and work was difficult, and now I have a 2 year old on top of it.

[Nobodyandnothing]

I wish I was working. I have been off work for 8 years. Unemployment began when I was fired from AARP when I needed some flexibility to help my mom who had stage 4 kidney cancer and my dad with Alzheimer's. By the way, I was still putting in 48-60 hour work weeks! Yes, I was working for the elder American-friendly AARP at the time.

I was dx treatment resistent depression while in law school. I did pull myself together to get my degree and I worked in my profession for more than 25 years. I had many more episodes over the years. When my parents died 10 days apart in 2005, I lost it completely and have not been able to work since. I HATE THIS. I worked so hard and now nothing...snd at 56, I really doubt if I will ever be able to work again. What a waste.

I hope this answered your question.

[Chupacabra]

Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse

As you've probably guessed by my user name, I'm a registered nurse. You'd be surprised at how many nurses have depression, anxiety, and other related problems. It's a highly stressful occupation that carries a lot of responsibility but very little authority, which is NOT usually a good choice for a bipolar person. But when I became a nurse, I didn't know I was bipolar; besides, I still enjoy it much of the time, and it pays too well for me to simply walk away.

I'm also a RN. I was diagnosed as bipolar towards the end of my high school years. Started out as a psych major while working as an aide. Stopped school, continued working as an aide, went to nursing school. And like BipolaRNurse said, it's extremely stressful and one must be responsible & accountable. The moods have to put on the shelf before you clock in. It can sometimes be hard to distance yourself & not "feel" too much to keep yourself from being hurt. That's something all nurses deal with though. I do think that being bipolar helps me emphasize with my patients, when they're having a rough time I can be there & support them because I know how hard life can be sometimes. I know what it's like to be scared & in pain, and while their fear/pain is different, I think that helps.

Good luck & don't give up... I know its frustrating trying to figure this out, but you'll find what works for you.

[Moose72]

I can't keep or get a job lately.

I was the Vice-President of my husband's corporation; earlier in life I was a teacher
of gifted students.

Didn't finish my master's because I met the man I wanted to marry, and that was
far more pleasant, but got half way through it, anyway.

Still have interests as you do in reading, writing, art work, imagery, etc. Work on
spiritual matters a lot, enjoy sewing and listening to you folks who are smart as
whips.

[Secretum]

I'm currently unemployed, but I hope to get a job as a CNA soon. I got the certification last summer. I'm currently in college, studying neurobiology. I want to ultimately become a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist, if I find that I can handle the stress of these professions.

[korafrancesca]

I am in graduate school getting a Master's degree. I want to work in international affairs or something business-y after I graduate this May.

[TheDragon]

Like most dragons,I spend most of my time pillaging villages to steal their treasure and running off with farmer's cows and the occasional damsel. :P

I use to be a professional cook working on advancing through the culinary world, but eventually decided I wanted to do something more mentally simulating and suitable to my entrepreneurial nature.

At the moment, I'm in school part time pursuing my undergrad in business management, majoring in entrepreneurship. I'm also the business development manager of a company I help run, and will potentially be partnering with them.

Otherwise I look for investment and business opportunities where they arise and am trying to raise enough capital for my own ventures.

In short, I'd like to consider myself a rising entrepreneur.

[bluemountains]

I am a fifth grade teacher. My happiness is to work with the kids, the tough part is to work with the adults. I also have a master's degree in administration, which adds "principal k-12" to my license. I like the extra money, but I will never apply for a job in that area.
Bluwmountains

[Anneinside]

I am not working and am unlikely to ever work in my field again. I have a Ph.D. in special education. I have taught K-12 emotionally disturbed and learning disabled students for 11.5 years and 8 years at the college/university level. Currently I am on disability and volunteer for a charity that refurbishes computers for people on government assistance. I fix computers and distribute them.

[Nessa213]

I work as an analyst. The typical thing: staring at various spreadsheets all day while people generally leave me alone in my cubical. I may be slightly masochistic, but I quite like it. It's like working as a corporate Sherlock Holmes every day. And, like I said, I don't have to talk to people if I really don't want to. I have a feeling I would NOT be as functional in just about any other type of job.

Also I have an undergrad in fine arts and an MBA in Marketing. The undergrad was pretty typical being the creative type. But the MBA for me was a little brutal. It took me about 5 years to finish it. I had to take about a year off in the middle of the program due to a pretty intense episode. However, I'm also the stubborn type so I eventually finished.

I've been at my current job for a little over a year now and so far so good!

[THE16THDOCTOR]

Work as a case worker with adults with mental illness find employment. I have a BA in psy and started a masters in behavioral psy. Go figure lol if only I could let my clients know how much I understand. But I want to help ppl.

[Victoria'smom]

For the last 11 yrs I've been school hoping with brakes. I finally decided to go after a degree that is self paced. I can't expect my family to be stability for any length of time. I've decided that my new goal is to be a college adviser which will require a MA. In the mean time I teach class at a co-op 2x mth, go to appointments, home-school my son, illustrate and study. I live off disability currently, hopefully I'll become stable enough to finish school and work as an adviser for a community college. I'm also debating designing a cheap curriculum.

My husband use to run a computer repair shop he did okay. He's finally back to writing and painting. I'm hoping he starts writing children's articles.

I kind of think we're destine for craft fairs.

[Darth Bane]

i am computer engineer... left job to get my masters.... got full scholarship... but while in second year got hit by depression... i had completed first year without any problem and second year was supposed to be easiest.... didnt complete my masters...now i am thinking about getting into finance... so currently trying to get into good mba progam.... though this time surely there wont be any scholarship to save me and i will be deep in education loan..... hopefully i would stay normal for next two years.... at least until i complete my masters this time...

until now i have good support from my family... they are proud of me i guess... but i dont know what will happen if i fail again.... i guess things are what they are,things will be what they will be....

i am a professional coutch potato.

seriously