[Faltering]

What are some signs you need to seek a less stressful job due to bipolar disorder and anxiety? Or even that you need to consider applying for disability? I feel like everything I've ever worked for is falling apart and I could use some guidance. All thoughts and experiences are welcome.

[Woolly Bugger]

I am a co-teacher in a number of high-school classrooms. I am not the lead teacher and the bulk of the responsibility does not fall on me. It is the right level for me. Last year, I became a little hypo and applied for a job as an English teacher at our school. Thank god I didn't get it. It would have been a catastrophe. I would have been miserable and would have ultimately lost the job. The bottom line is we know ourselves pretty well and should trust our instincts when stable.

[wildflowerchild25]

I used to be a teacher but I got fired for underperformance. Probably the best thing that could have happened to me. Teaching was nothing but stress every day. I used to be sick with anxiety over doing my lesson plans, and executing them. I wasn't a terrible teacher but I don't have the right personality to be a good classroom manager so my classes were out of control. That just added to the stress. After five years I got a little bit better but just not good enough.

I am now working as a teacher assistant instead of a classroom teacher. It's so much better. I am much less stressed. I'm starting a new job in September at a new district and hoping it will be ok.

I'm planning on getting my master's in social work. I think that fits my personality better and it's what I really wanted to do all along.

[Faltering]

You have given me a lot to think about. I'm a school psychologist and I'd like to still work in a school setting. It's good to know there are other options in the field of education that are less stressful if I end up not being able to handle this career. I just don't want my education and student loans to go to waste if I can help it.

[Unrigged64072835]

I think having a mental breakdown would be a sign. That's what happened to me. Too much stress and not enough support.

The answer will be different for each person but here is what I'd suggest in your situation. Is your situation at work likely temporary or is it realistic to believe it will get better given time and getting some help? It's best to be employed if at all possible. Disability doesn't pay much and is pretty stressful. If switching jobs you will need to learn the job and be around new people and not have the perks seniority provides or FMLA options. At your current job you likely have somewhat of a routine and can probably get by on auto pilot at least sometimes. Starting new jobs is often very stressful so it's important to consider the pros and cons of course. If the situation at work is not likely to improve and you're at the end of your rope on what you can handle, changing jobs is a smart decision. If you are REALLY at the end of your rope and would not be able to endure the stress of a new job, disability might be the only choice. Good luck no matter what you decide.

[bioChE]

Originally Posted by ElsaMars

The answer will be different for each person but here is what I'd suggest in your situation. Is your situation at work likely temporary or is it realistic to believe it will get better given time and getting some help? It's best to be employed if at all possible. Disability doesn't pay much and is pretty stressful. If switching jobs you will need to learn the job and be around new people and not have the perks seniority provides or FMLA options. At your current job you likely have somewhat of a routine and can probably get by on auto pilot at least sometimes. Starting new jobs is often very stressful so it's important to consider the pros and cons of course. If the situation at work is not likely to improve and you're at the end of your rope on what you can handle, changing jobs is a smart decision. If you are REALLY at the end of your rope and would not be able to endure the stress of a new job, disability might be the only choice. Good luck no matter what you decide.

What do you mean you won't have FMLA options? I thought that was available to everyone. Or do you mean the 12-month waiting period before you're able to take advantage of it?

[Sunflower123]

I'm with Fharriage. It took me a mental breakdown to acknowledge that my job was too stressful and toxic to continue. Losing sleep over your job, crying about your job and feeling sick to your stomach when you drive to work are all signs as well.

Originally Posted by bioChE

What do you mean you won't have FMLA options? I thought that was available to everyone. Or do you mean the 12-month waiting period before you're able to take advantage of it?

Yes, I mean the year wait. If someone is considering switching jobs vs disability, it's important to consider FMLA as an option and the fact that new jobs will likely be more stressful and FMLA might not be an option. Unless one switches to a job within the same company of course.

[bioChE]

Originally Posted by ElsaMars

Yes, I mean the year wait. If someone is considering switching jobs vs disability, it's important to consider FMLA as an option and the fact that new jobs will likely be more stressful and FMLA might not be an option. Unless one switches to a job within the same company of course.

That makes sense, and is a good point. For the first year of my present job I was somewhat nervous about not having access to FMLA. My year kicked over in April. I had a bad episode in Feb/Mar, and was somewhat afraid of going to the hospital because I didn't have that protection. It probably would have been fine as I had access to short-term disability, but that didn't really ease my mind of the possibility that I might have to take leave from my job.

[Sometimes psychotic]

My boss said I was slacking....now I'm retraining before I get fired....

[laracroft3]

I was working as a supervisor in a clothing store for 2 years and between the massive amount gossip, responsibility, and overwhelming stress I felt everyday I found myself showing u late all the time, going to the emergency room just to get an excuse note for calling out on multiple occasions, and even crying when I woke up to go to work because i hated my job that much. Once I heard of a company that was hiring I applied immediately and was called for an interview within a month.

This job is 10x less stressful, more pay, and part-time. I hope you get out soon if it's stressing you out. There are always other opportunities and sometimes much better suitable for you.

[blue_eyed_siamese]

I agree with the poster that asked the question, is the situation temporary and likely to improve, or is it long term? From my personal experience, I was assigned a project a few years ago that was way too much responsibility for that point in my career. My moods were all over the place, from needing to sleep 12 hours a day to waking up at 2 am and driving around town aimlessly. During that period of time I experienced the most euphoric state I have ever felt, and while it felt good in the moment, it was an absolute threat to my stability. I don't know much about disability, but I would think trying to work would be preferable, just for the structure it can bring to your day. I would be really honest with yourself about whether the stress of finding and starting a new job outweighs the stress of your current situation. It is so easy (believe me, because I'm going through it right now) to believe that by changing something major in our lives we will feel better/solve the problem. I would suggest that if there's a way to talk to your boss to lighten your workload it would be helpful.
Best of luck. It's a tough situation.
*hugs*

I have had many jobs. Common to all was that I departed in a thick fog of fear and anxiety. I seem to go through the pattern of doing well, receiving a series of rapid promotions, all the while experiencing the build up of anxiety I might not be good enough to fulfil performance expectations. The pattern results in the eventual quitting the position out of fear of reprimand - a flight response to protect myself from potential emotional harm. Unbelievably I have had more than 30 employers in the 36 years of my work history. Not a single one of these positions was I asked to leave. This is immensely humiliating.

I have not worked in 5 years owing to what I know is an irrational fear someone may consider me and my performance as beneath expectations.

II have been doing a lot of work however to counteract that long-time belief via CBT.

So to answer your question I think one needs to evaluate one's reasons why they are considering a departure from a job:

Are you setting your own standards for performance? Are they realistic? Are they attainable? Would your employer have the same standards? Do you feel threatened by the idea you may not live up to them?

But consider too the value of the position. What do you get from this job? Is it fulfilling? Is it engaging?

Look at the Industry norms and make a comparison; does the position conform to Industry standards?

Consider all of this as you make your decision. Of course though what it really comes down to is can you see yourself with this employer in a year? In five years?

Originally Posted by ElsaMars

Yes, I mean the year wait. If someone is considering switching jobs vs disability, it's important to consider FMLA as an option and the fact that new jobs will likely be more stressful and FMLA might not be an option. Unless one switches to a job within the same company of course.

What's FMLA?

For me, the only hope was self-employment, and it worked out fine except I didn't make very much money. I started a service business which grew so fast I could not handle all the work,and then I sold it. It was fine. The other self employment lasted 20 years. I paid my way in my marriage at that time, but once the marriage broke up, I was not making enough to support myself alone. I ended up on Disability, and have not regretted this BUT it took 2-1/2 years to get the Disability check, so one must have income to fall back on while waiting. I had a bad employment record -- 15 occupations in something like 10 years. That's not jobs -- it's OCCUPATIONS. I had more than 15 jobs during that same period of time. And one has to be very, very careful not to work "too much" while waiting, because SSDI is for total and permanent inablity to have meaningful employment, whatever that means. It's a darn shame that one can't get partial disability. That's what I needed. Disability insurance is not easy to get in the United States. Other countries' posters might have advice about their country's processes. One must have tons of official records such as: psychiatrist; therapist; vocational rehab specialists and working with that state or federal agency to demonstrate that they can't find you work you can do. But I think that nowadays it's probably that voc rehab might actually be able to find you a job you like to do. Love to do? I hope. They are supposed to take you to various workplaces, and give you trial periods. I know someone who is going through this process now. I'm impressed with what they are doing for this person, and I only hope s/he either gets a good job ultimately or gets disability. It's not easy for him/her.

[Guiness187055]

Originally Posted by flowerbells

What's FMLA?

Family medical leave act

[Trippin2.0]

Thank you OP for this thread.

Reading the responses has made me realize that I am not over reacting or out of line with my thinking...

I need a break and a change of employment for sure.

[bioChE]

Originally Posted by flowerbells

What's FMLA?

Family medical leave act. It's a federal law that your employer has to give you up to 3 months off for your or a family member's medical issue. They have to hold your job or an equivalent position open for you during that time. It has to be supported by a doctor, but it's the law. It's unpaid time, but you can get vacation or sick pay if you have those. Also, the time doesn't have to be all taken at once, it can be spread out over time.

There is a saying I think is relevant to this question "no matter where you go, there you are" so it's important to distinguish if the issues you have are personal, or really have to do with the job. ALL jobs are somewhat stressful and sometimes VERY stressful. Even testing zippers would likely be stressful at times. If one has a good job and is able to keep it and it's "reasonable" to get help working through it, one would be best to explore that option first. With bipolar, we are likely to bring our issues right along with us to another job. But some professions truly are stressful and are best avoided in general with bipolar. If a person cannot make the distinction on if it's the job or their own issues it's best to get a professional opinion or better yet a few professional opinions BEGORE making any big decisions.

[Goals2017]

What is FMLA?