Are there any bipolar individuals that have been able to obtain a job, keep it for a long period, suceed in it, and not end up in hospital because of it. If so please give me advice on how to do this. I am considering stepping out in the work force again.

[lenjan]

I meet your criteria, but I don't have any advice, really. I just keep putting one foot in front of the other because I have to -- I'm my sole support. It's not really a choice.

[jattitude74]

Hi, I have been lucky so far, I drive a school bus and have done so for 13 years. I go through spells where I take more time off then I should and sometimes when I work more then I probrobly should. I have to push myself everyday to go but once I am there I am ok. I think the reason I have lasted so long is the fact that I don't 'work' with other people and I don't have a boss breathing down my back all day. I get in my bus, do my route, and go home, and do the same thing in the afternoon. It doesn't pay a whole lot but I save in child care (I bring my kids with me). And by the time I need a break, the kids have vacation or holidays off and I also do too. Good luck with the job hunt. Jen

[girlN]

I held a job as a library assistant for YEARS and never was broken by the job b/c it was low stress and up my alley. I think you just have to find a job that fits you well, (that can be hard!) You also have to learn to leave work at work. I think just like jattitude74 said you really do need time off to just relax and get in tune w/ your self some times. I hope all works out for you and just remember to leave work just where it is work.

[Perna]

Helpful book on the subject: http://www.oreilly.com/medical/news/bipolar_work.html

[Bellax3]

Well, I'm 15, but Im in an agricultural program, ( i want to be a vet) so we do a lot of work that you would do in a norm. job. You're there for two periods a day, and I also go for my lunch and study hall period, so I spend 4 out of 8 periods down there. Anyway, my point is that the work I do is (for the most part) with people I enjoy being around, and with animals, which calm me, and I absolutely adore. When I'm manic, I'm calm enough to work when I'm with the animals, and when I'm depressed, they lift my spirits. Whenever I'm feeling low, I just grab a bunny, hamster, guinea pig, ect, and it imedeatly puts me in more of a serene, level mood, so I know as long as I stick with this career choice, I won't have job problems.
Therefore, my advice to you is to find something you enjoy doing, around people that you like.

Easier said then done, I know.
Start with finding something you truly enjoy doing. For me, that's working with the animals. Then try to form good relationships with the people that work there.

Good luck!

Thanks everyone for the input. I looked in the paper to see who was hiring around here. There is a job at the library putting books on the shelf for 20 hours a week mornings only. This sounds ideal to me, but I am concerned that they will not keep me busy enough. I can't stand having nothing to do. I like to go go go. Someone also suggested that I become a Home health aid. I pretty much do this already due to my husband is physically disabled. I don't know if I would want to do this all day and come home and do it some more. I worked at walmart in the pet department for three months a few years ago. I did really well and there was always something to do. No down time. I am thinking about going back there. I left on ok terms, they said they would mark me as rehirable. I had to quit because I was pregnany and could not lift and also someone in management leaked that I was mentally ill and colleges started treating me like crap. I was already a hormonal mess so they let me quit and not work a two week notice. The so called manager got fired along with a few other employees due to this incident.

[ehrhar]

I've been employed since college except for one 6 month period which included hospitalization. I was lucky I had the support of friends and family members to get me back into the work force after that setback. I work in demanding, deadline oriented construction industry. But I invest in weekly therapy sessions. I believe it's money well spent, it keeps me gainfully employed while providing a safe place to discuss stressful issues I encounter at work. I know there are less stressfull occupations but this is what I was educated for and I just don't know how to do anything else. Try to limit the number of people who are aware of the bipolar diagnosis. It's not something that is easily understood by most people as I'm sure you're already aware.