[ouch]

Very frustrated - since I had severe depression and had to take a sick leave over a year ago, I have not worked more than part-time and have gone through 2 jobs. Now, I will be unemployed again.

Will I ever have a steady job?
I just feel like I have lost my career, and I will never recover.
Have you had similar experiences/overcome this?

I am in my early 30's and still need my parents to support me!

[perniciousfirefly]

Hi,
Ive just qualified as a nurse, living back at parents got a two year old, relationship broke down. my absence record due to depression/mood wings isnt a pretty picture. I feel like I wont get a job, although at interviews and applying i am seen as employable.

i got offered a full time team leader job in a care home, werent even bothered about references or looing at absences, gave me job cause my interview went well. had to turn it down, being advised that i am not fit to work by doctor.

whats the point? i dont know i know exactly how you feel, it seems like optimism is a fallicy, when independence and dreams are shattered by who we are!!!

good luck, hope you get a break

[MyBestKids2]

Yes, I've been in that predicament. Worked several part time jobs because I couldn't hold a full time job. Both my parents died when I was in my early 30's and things haven't been well since then.

Do you have a Pdoc and T you see on a regular basis? Do they offer vocational rehabilitation in your area?

Good luck!

[pinkrose]

I can feel your frustration. You just qualified to be a nurse and then you can't work.

For the most part I was able to work the last 15 years. It is very difficult at times. You need to have a good relationship with a pdoc and t. It also is good to talk to others who share your career field and bipolar or depression diagnosis. I was involved with a support group for awhile. I met a few people who worked in similar jobs. They were able to help me understand that my anxieties about learning and maintaining the job were normal. It sounds strange but this really helped. I gained confidence in my work. You might also find others who share your career field on this site.

Although your pdoc could very well be right that you aren't able to work right now, this is ultimately your decision. If your symptoms are really unmanageable, then yes you probably need to wait to start a job. On the other hand, sometimes they think that you will not be able to work more than part-time. This may be true or it may not. I believe that your pdoc should empower you to make these decisions. Your pdoc has to allow you to fail.

I failed a lot in my choices of jobs but I learned a lot along the way. I may have had a lot of jobs but so what. I am who I am.

Send me a PM if you wish to talk further. There are other options for work if you truly aren't ready to work. You could get involved at a consumer drop-in center or clubhouse. This environment could help you to get ready to enter the workforce slowly on your terms.


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[fraction]

I am unemployed too. I am 23 but I think I will be dealing with this for awhile. I enter a job and it looks like I'll last but I do not.

If you figure out how to have a steady job I would love to know.

[BalishBun]

I think you will have a firm job some time in your life, dont get your hopes down.

[DAVI56]

I'm finding my relationship to work very challenging. I've had the same job for the past 11+ years. It's a job that is far below what I could be doing intellectually and financially. However I am grateful to have the job at all. I've been out 3 times due to my illness. My employer knows my dx and that all but dooms me to the position I already have without the prospect of advancement. It sounds like all you want is some self-respect from holding down a decent job. I don't think that's too much to ask. As you get further along in your recovery and are more and more stable you will be able to get back to job that is right for you. I may complain that the job I have is beneath me but the reality is the job doesn't have the kinds of stresses that a higher profile job might have and I need to accept the place I have with humility and gratitude. I wish you the best in your recovery and work life.

[fharper6]

I've had to go on disability because I can't work. It is too stressful for me, even on meds.

fharper6