r/bipolar • u/Common-Series8622 • Jul 23 '25
Living With Bipolar What kind of job do you have?
Anyone have bipolar 1, had hospitalisaions for mania, and still have a job or career? Or been able to get through university? Wondering what jobs work well with the needs we have
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u/DualBladesOfEmotion Bipolar Jul 23 '25
This article has a list of jobs that they look at through several lenses and categorize as “good” or “bad” for people with Bipolar brains.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/jobs-for-people-with-bipolar
Ironically, I’m a teacher, and it says that’s one of the worst jobs to have with a Bipolar brain. Go figure 🤷🏼♂️
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u/Existing_Wrangler343 Jul 23 '25
Thank you for this. I had a meltdown and was let go from my job of 15 years. I had a major meltdown, and now I am scared that i will do it again..
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u/DualBladesOfEmotion Bipolar Jul 23 '25
It really sucks my friend, and I’m sorry you went through that.
I had a 5 year unemployed depression after I was let go from a job teaching at a major university so even though I have Type 2 Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder (RCBD), I feel I can empathize with your situation in some way.
60% of those of us with Bipolar brains are unemployed. I think you’re doing a good job by reaching out here. It’s a tough existence that requires major changes in how we live just to manage it and even then there’s always the risk of another episode.
Do your best to flip this negative into some sort of positive by addressing anything you think might need to change. There are many awesome people all throughout history that have had our disease, not that I’m trying to compare you or me to anybody famous, just pointing out that it’s not something that guarantees we have a 0% chance of any life success.
Best of luck my friend. I’ll be over here rooting for your success.
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u/backtoblackholesun Jul 23 '25
Wow, 60%?! That’s insane and makes me feel much better about my recent employment thank you for sharing that!
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u/DualBladesOfEmotion Bipolar Jul 23 '25
We gotta tackle this with everything we’ve got. I didn’t realize that until I really started doing research on this disease. I’m really into statistics and the numbers I kept seeing in each study just made my jaw drop.
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u/Common-Series8622 Jul 24 '25
I’m a little bit concerned about that statistic, I honestly with there was a bipolar daycare for us unemployed peeps so we can have something to do together during the day 😂
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u/DualBladesOfEmotion Bipolar Jul 24 '25
Yeah, that was the statistic that started my journey of learning as much about this disease as I possibly could.
But to keep it real, that one doesn’t even make it in the top 10 of scary stats regarding this disease.
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u/TriggeredMercy Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
Interesting article!! Its funny to see librarian as a good option here when it requires a Master's degree and is relatively competitive lol
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u/beepolarbeebee Jul 23 '25
I’m a librarian with bipolar! I’ve gotten very lucky with a job that suits me
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u/DualBladesOfEmotion Bipolar Jul 23 '25
You are the second person who has pointed to that exact job on the list as one that shouldn’t be on the “good for Bipolar” list.
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u/MoonbeamPixies Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I used to work as a library assistant, its extremely hard to land a job once you reach the higher level salaries
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u/Outside_Mixture_494 Jul 23 '25
I’m also a teacher. With my bipolar, ADHD, & OCD, my psychiatrist, therapist, & PCP have unanimously agreed teaching is the best occupation for me for a plethora of reasons. As I’m nearing retirement age & dealing with other health issues, both mental & physical, I have times where I wish I had chosen a different path, but I’m not sure what that is.
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u/DualBladesOfEmotion Bipolar Jul 23 '25
Ayyyyy! We walk the path of teachers, knowing a good chunk of our student’s parents think of us as “glorified babysitters”, but we know our worth by the positive effect we have on these kids.
Always good to see another Bipolar teacher in the highest burnout occupation in America there is. Happy for you that retirement is comin up soon.
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u/LimeGreenSea Jul 23 '25
I feel as though you having Bipolar and doing a job that is supposedly one of the worst for Bipolar people is very Bipolar, lol.
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u/Extrasmallg Jul 23 '25
Omg this is so helpful!! I wish I had known this before…I have been job hopping since 21 bc I kept choosing the worst jobs to do as someone with BD 🥲 I always thought it was bc I was just a failure and can’t hold down a job like everyone else
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u/Questionablesam1 Jul 23 '25
Actually so funny considering I’m a server who’s in nursing school rn lol
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u/Common-Series8622 Jul 24 '25
Thats amazing that you are a teacher. Thank you for sharing - it’s a lot of responsibility to be influencing the future generation. I wish you well. Thank you so much for the statistics and news article as well, it’s enlightening to see information about employment for us. This brings me hope
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u/DualBladesOfEmotion Bipolar Jul 24 '25
Gotta tackle this disease with everything we’ve got. It’s taken a lot of people that were way stronger than I’ll ever be.
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u/ssacul37 Jul 23 '25
Practice the coping strategies and teach them to others. There is a whole industry built around crazy people helping other crazy people. They’re called Licensed Clinical Social Workers.
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u/MoonbeamPixies Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I am a registered nurse. Its a stressful job and shifts are very long, but it allows me to work reduced hours (part time) and make full time money in comparison to the average job. Id be making exponentially more than average full time, but it feels sufficient for me with balancing my health and income. For example: I make around 50-60k a year part time, id be making around 80-90k full time.
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u/kathrynbtt Bipolar Jul 23 '25
Im a nurse too! But I’m in a private clinic, the stakes in hospital were too high and I kept having episodes.
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u/MoonbeamPixies Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I need to look into a job like this after i finish my masters degree in public health
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u/kathrynbtt Bipolar Jul 23 '25
Oh that’s so exciting for you! Do you feel like the cost and time is manageable for you? I recently went back and finished my BSN and I’ve been considering doing a masters.
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u/MoonbeamPixies Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
It is very busy but since I work part time, this provides me with a good balance to study and still have a life! I am enrolled with USF with their online program. The average total cost of the program is around 22k for in state students. I had some scholarship money saved for it which is covering around 14k of it and I have been very strict with savings throughout my life so the remainder will just be paid with my savings so no loans for me. But many jobs also have financial assistance and at least its not ridiculously expensive.
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u/punkgirlvents Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I’m thinking about going into nursing and I’m getting my CNA license in a couple months, typically i find if it’s stressful but i can leave it all at work then im fine, would you say thats true? My old job was not stressful but i constantly had to think about things outside of work and had HR problems so i quit since that felt like too much. I’m a little worried about the stress or that i might be forced to work overnights
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u/MoonbeamPixies Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
Being forced to work overnights is a tricky one. This is hospital dependent and demand dependent. Some areas only hire new graduates as night shift, while others are fairly open to working days if it is not a unit in high demand (such as pediatrics or labor and delivery). It is true that you are more likely to leave work at work. Nonetheless, the job is very physically and mentally exhausting, which is why I cannot work more than part time. You need several days to recuperate sleep wise and rest wise, and you have to be extremely cautious of getting enough sleep to not trigger a manic episode. I think shadowing/working as a CNA is a good way to test your body and see how you feel. Its not sunshine and rainbows, but it is what works best for me right now with what I have. There is a lot of job security, opportunities for advancement, I work in pediatrics which is significantly nicer than my previous RN job in adults, I have the choice to not answer the phone or pick up shifts, I find medicine very interesting and have several days off to recuperate.
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u/punkgirlvents Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I really appreciate the answer thank you!!!
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u/MoonbeamPixies Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
Of course! :) im here if you have any more questions
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u/Bipolarsaurusrex89 Jul 23 '25
I’ve had two hospitalizations due to mixed episodes. I had to take a year and a half off. I am back in college and made it on the dean’s honor roll last year. I’m a barista and work 15-20 hours a week. My major is criminal justice. My goal is to be a parole officer. It will be at a slower pace but still exciting.
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u/SacredSchflerra25 Bipolar Jul 23 '25 edited Jul 23 '25
I work as an ICU Chaplain for a level 1 trauma center which requires a Masters, residency, and certification. I’ve been hospitalized and diagnosed with bipolar 1 after severe mania. Honestly my job has awesome health insurance which is a huge perk when I take a lot of meds and have therapies and psych. I’ve loved working with folks where my own experiences can help inform the care I give. What interests you? It’s also important to me to not let my diagnosis hold me back. I was and have always been stubborn. I don’t want to sugar coat too much.
Undergrad wasn’t the easiest but grad school was much better bc it was my niche interests. I always communicated with my schools and they helped with accommodations that improved my education. Please don’t let this illness hold you back too much. I remember being so scared to put a school decal on my car because I never imagined I’d graduate. I never did put the decal on but I also didn’t stop. I did graduate and it felt like an even bigger accomplishment bc of the adversity of bipolar. Wishing you ALL THE BEST!
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u/TriggeredMercy Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I'm a masters student pursuing my LCSW currently. I'm employed full time as a children's inpatient admissions case manager. Previously, I worked outpatient with survivors of domestic violence. After about 10 months I walked out due to lack of resources, the acuity of my clients' needs, and increasingly toxic work environment. I'm so fulfilled by this field, being able to educate individuals on bipolar and share my own experiences managing this disorder.
Frankly, you should pursue what fills your cup. Stress and sleep deprivation is what makes work impossible for us, so seek an employer who is flexible and work that doesn't stress YOU personally. My job isn't easy, but helping others fills my cup. For others, they may find work in mental healthcare is too taxing. Take some career quizzes, explore degrees, talk with your therapist about identifying what will make you happy.
Lastly, I want to emphasize that bipolar is disabling for many of us. If you cannot work, you can't work. Be gentle with yourself.
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u/SacredSchflerra25 Bipolar Jul 23 '25
Yes! Thank you for the last couple sentences. This is a difficult path to navigate and working is not an option for everyone, but society places such value in productivity. SMH. I really hope OP can be gentle w themselves as they go on this journey. 💕
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u/srdawg_ Jul 23 '25
i have not been hospitalized, but there have definitely been times i shouldve been… i agree with most of the other people. the blind leading the blind is the way the mental health field goes. if youre interested im helping people to any extent find some sort of mental health job. to make a good livable wage id recommend at least getting your bachelors. you can do other mental health iobs in that meantime and eventually make more once youre done with school.
i went straight to college out of high school at 17 yrs old. and i just graduated college this past may at 21. i wasnt seriously helping myself until my junior year (which is also when i started my mental health job), and then my senior year i finally got my diagnosis and started medication. school really sucked those first two years when i wasn’t medicated and wasnt helping myself. i didnt get good grades at all and i had no motivation. the summer before my junior year i hit a point of “fuck i graduate in two years and dont have any of my shit together” because i was working on my bachelor’s in psych i figured why not get a psych job. i work at a nearby mental hospital in the adolescent unit. unless you are stable, medicated or not, i do not recommend a job like this because there are definitely lots of events that could be majorly triggering. but once you feel stable and know coping skills and maybe are even regulated on meds i promise you can do any work or education or anything else your heart desires. it takes time and it takes holding yourself accountable and others holding you accountable. you need to be honest with yourself and others if you notice youre in an episode and get the help you need during it. on the other end sometimes you dont even notice youre in an episode so its helpful to have people who you can trust that can tell you if it appears youre in one. be careful who you trust with this as some people can be rude about it or accusatory anytime you do something even slightly out of character. ultimately there are so many people who have accomplished amazing things while dealing with such a difficult disorder. and you can be one of those people too!!!
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u/Naive-Language-7738 Jul 23 '25
I am a software engineer. I was out of work for 1.5 years after my first manic episode. I am still employed but was put under leave and was indirectly told to find a new job. I applied for disability but still struggle to find a position that caters my needs but still pays enough. If I am eligible for the disability allowance I would be able to settle for a lesser paying position without compromising my current lifestyle.
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u/avadacadavera Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 24 '25
Can you elaborate on the disability allowance? Is this something you can get and work at the same time?
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u/Naive-Language-7738 Jul 24 '25
The country I live in has an allowance for people with disability and yes, you can get and work at the same time. The screening process is long and tedious due to strict regulations. I am still waiting for the results of my application.
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u/avadacadavera Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 24 '25
Do you mind mentioning the country? Totally fine if you don’t feel comfortable.
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u/Naive-Language-7738 Jul 24 '25
It’s Japan and the allowance I am applying for is called disability pension.
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u/strwbryangel444 Jul 23 '25
i’m a daycare teacher. most fulfilling job i’ve ever had. the kids bring me so much joy
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u/Jewishautist7887 Bipolar w/Bipolar Loved One Jul 23 '25
Im a lawyer but I would not recommend. I have been one for 5 years before I was diagnosed so I had no idea I was bipolar
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u/Illustrious-Bee-439 Jul 24 '25
You guys work crazy hours, right? How do you get to do that when you are in a depressive episode?
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u/Jewishautist7887 Bipolar w/Bipolar Loved One Jul 24 '25
I am a government lawyer thankfully so I can work from home sometimes and only work about 45-50 hours per week. It is rough though still when im depressed
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u/Perry_lp Jul 23 '25
I work as a data analyst/asset manager for a big hardware/software company. I like that I get to solve problems, but it does get very high stress especially since I am new. But it’s remote, so I can sleep all the way til 8:30 and if I’m having a terrible day no one will know I was crying. I get to be home with my cat who helps my emotions a lot. I can take my emergency meds without having to worry about anyone seeing.
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u/avadacadavera Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 24 '25
What are emergency meds? Is this something I should ask my doctor about? I’ve never heard of it
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u/Perry_lp Jul 24 '25
Only if you need them! During mixed episodes I get incredibly agitated and often self injure, so that’s when I take them. I used to take klonopin to calm me down but now I take clonidine as it’s better long term.
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u/Friendly_Divide8162 Bipolar w/Bipolar Loved One Jul 23 '25
Schizoaffective. AI researcher / AI engineer, doing a PhD. For the moment in academia but planning to switch in the industry for money.
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u/sv36 Jul 23 '25
For me personally a restaurant job was awful for my bipolar disorder but working in a library was the best job I’ve ever had. Slow paced enough to not bring out mania easily and to catch depression spirals before they make me non functional.
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u/Independent-Day-6458 Jul 23 '25
I work at a retail position but it sucks because I had much better jobs in administration before but I left due to mania. So I’m back in school (which I also dropped out of and am now going back) studying to become a counselor
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u/faithlessdisciple Rapid Cycling without a bike Jul 23 '25
I’m a home support worker. Just finished a mental health cert 4 ( just below diploma) qualification. Looking to jump to mh peer support soon. Yes I’ve been hospitalised at both ends of the swing. Stable for a few years now on a good-for-me med cocktail. Drink maybe two premixed drinks a fortnight on DnD night. Stable relationship for 23 years. Two awesome non bp kids.
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u/NoGarbageAllowed Jul 23 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
I currently work at a gold mine as a haul truck driver, the pay is great and the work is fun.
Edit: Bipolar type 1, had a psychotic break in 2020 that involuntarily landed me in the psychiatric ward for weeks.
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u/th0rsb3ar Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 24 '25
Honestly, a dream job. Maybe I should look into logging company work or something.
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u/NoGarbageAllowed Jul 24 '25
It is an amazing gig. Definitely look into the trades, lots of good opportunities out there! I recommend equipment operation
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u/AdministrativeEdge43 Jul 23 '25
I worked in customer service and sales, currently I help.in managing a thrift shop
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u/IntelligentMuffin9 Bipolar w/Bipolar Loved One Jul 23 '25
I was hospitalized during college. I barely got through college, but I have a degree. I work as a legal assistant now and I’m in school for a paralegal certificate.
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u/Jsemlebest Jul 23 '25
Im a speech language pathologist in a school. I manage alright with ADA accommodations. I did really well when I had the option to work 4 days a week, but that option was removed district wide. I have had to take months off because of ultra rapid cycling mixed episodes.
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u/DoubleMerlin Bipolar Jul 23 '25
I used to work in restaurants, wineries, breweries, & deli prep. When I got manic I would take 12 hour shifts and start everything that could be done. When I went low I panicked and worried about all of the ways I could mess up, from getting someone sick to spilling 10,000 gallons of beer, leading me to call in too much and eventually lose those jobs.
I’m working to finish my degree so I don’t have to be the person doing the producing. I hope I can get a job adjacent to my previous roles, as part of a team where i don’t need to be on site every day so I can maintain my treatments schedule, and where I can build relationships and rapport despite not being capable of 40 hours a week.
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u/SadisticGoose Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I’m currently moving into the legal field and finishing my paralegal certificate. I’m actually getting ready for an interview as I write this. I know I don’t want to stay in the legal field though as I have my Master of Public Administration and want to work in public policy. I want to be a policy analyst. Just had a hard time breaking into the field so I’m taking a detour.
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u/Sizzlesthegreat Jul 23 '25
Yes, I’ve been hospitalized in the past for bipolar I and could not work for years. I went back to school after 3 years of care, and work in the psychiatric rehabilitation field now. I plan on getting my real estate license this next year as well.
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u/ClearImportance1618 Jul 23 '25
I am actually doing well. First hospitalisation in 2009 due to psychosis and hallucinations wherein I was diagnosed with Bipolar 1.
2nd hospitalisation in 2021 due to stress completing my MBA during the pandemic.
I have since completed said MBA, qualified for a German govt scholarship for a second Master's, and now living in Spain working remotely for a US East Coast company with EUR 10,000 salary per month ( --- about USD 140,000 per year; more than 3x local salaries, so I'm really living well), real estate investments, and a 500,000 EUR savings for emergencies. I also have a side consulting business that shall net me 210,000 EUR by year's end. That consulting business has created employment for 10 people back home.
I come from a poor country in Asia so these economic "achievements" are worth noting.
I am now stabilized by Quetiapine and Valproic acid.
Remote work that doesn't dictate a 9-5 and allows you to manage your time and deliverables schedule works best I believe.
I make sure I don't have calls anytime before 9AM and after 9PM local time/ CEST
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u/DaisyMaeMiller1984 Bipolar Jul 24 '25
I finished my undergraduate degree and most of my graduate program (in Philosophy) despite having BP1.
For years I worked in low skill jobs just because I wasn't able to work consistently. Then when I got finally stabilized on meds, I started working in Records Management. I was quickly promoted and now help our department deal with legal documents.
I'd say it's a career. I'm succeeding because I'm good at it.
You'll find something that clicks, just know it could take awhile.
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u/AdMaterial8216 Jul 23 '25
Recent BArch graduate with bp1 I wanna work in either movie theater or domino’s meanwhile
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u/angrysunflower1 Jul 23 '25
Self employed in the print on demand space! It’s the best thing for me to be able to make my own schedule
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u/lyawake Bipolar w/Bipolar Loved One Jul 23 '25
I work in laboratory science, in a hospital. If you become a lab tech and secure a job with a union, you generally get a decent amount of vacation and sick days. There are jobs everywhere, internationally, and as long as you can follow basic health/safety/privacy policy - it's pretty low key. It can be extremely busy but you're not working with the public. There are no demands for writing reports or essays, it's all sample analysis and there are tons of departments you can transfer to if you get bored.
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u/Gwilwilith Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
i'm on a student job, working 4h, low income but it's all i can handle right now. still recovering from last manic episode and there's also anxiety. i know i can do anything i want when i'm stable but i'm still in that post-episode stage my brain feels like it can't process, so this light job is a gentler way to get back at things.
edit: from 2019 to 2023 i worked as a developer, then i was fired in a lay-off and in a manic episode decided i wanted to be a flight attendant and lived one year in another town to study for it lol so far i haven't got it in and some of that sparkle has died but we'll see.
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u/FlyingBlind17 Jul 23 '25
Just graduated with a dual major. I was hospitalized for a psychotic manic episode in 23 while I was in a summer course. I ended up getting some slack and got a B in that class. But the next few months while I was working up to the right dose was hell. I had the worst academic semester of my life, GPA took a head shot, I lost my honors status, and had one semester to become eligible to get my scholarships back. I stabilized by the start of 2024 though, finished up college with 3 straight A semesters, got back into honors, and kept my scholarships. I’m planning on going to graduate school to become a licensed counselor, cause there’s nothing like the crazy helping the crazy. No idea how that will go, but I’ll give you an update if I survive
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u/nikavideos Bipolar Jul 23 '25
I'm an accountant, and routine is good for me. Since I work from home, it makes everything even better. If you can choose to work from home,
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u/syella Jul 24 '25
I work in a Mental Health PHP/IOP and Inpatient setting as someone who does therapy groups. I’m currently working on my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I do have Bipolar 1 and have been hospitalized for mania before.
Actually I was a patient at my current place of work 9 years ago and the staff at that time are the ones who diagnosed me with Bipolar 1.
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u/MarquisDeVice Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 24 '25
The sciences have been very forgiving for me. I work in chemistry, and my job is very accommodating.
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u/Anakin_Skywanker Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 24 '25
Im an electrician. Keeps me grounded (pun not intended) because I need to be locked in at work or someone (myself included) may get hurt or die. So even when I'm spiraling out of control on a manic high I manage to keep myself under control at work. Also, it has the added bonus of wearing me out so much that when I get home I just pass out.
The personality quirks and absenteeism isnt much of an issue. Half the dudes I work with are weird as fuck so I blend right in and the absenteeism hasn't proved to be a huge issue yet (and I'm 10 years into my career.)
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u/Common-Series8622 Jul 24 '25
That’s great 😆 glad you fit in and it requires enough concentration and responsibility to keep you engaged. Happy you found the right fit for you! I might consider it but as a female idk if working in trades/male centred field might stress me out even more tbh 😅 thank you for your input!!! 🙂🙂
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u/f00l2thagame Jul 24 '25
I’m a youth worker and have a bachelors degree in criminology:) it has super flexible hours which is the best. I also get to work with young people who have the disorder and other mental health issues, it is hard but rewarding. When you’re having a shit day and can’t regulate its hard to regulate for another person
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u/Common-Series8622 Jul 24 '25
I was thinking of being a youth worker but I’m focused on getting my bachelors in health science first!! I want to work in mental health field eventually but literally was toying between getting a cert in youth work or not the other day 😃 glad it’s worked out for you 🥰🥰 and thanks for sharing!!!
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u/f00l2thagame Jul 24 '25
a lot of companies will hire you casually if you are working towards a related degree and will pay for you to do the cert through them! It is amazing and the best 🤍 never a dull day either! But health science sounds so cool!!
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u/MustyManureMan Jul 23 '25
I work full time as a traffic clerk, and whenever I can as a stagehand. The people I work with make the traffic clerk gig bearable.
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u/LunaTehNox Jul 23 '25
Customer service / admin for a large commercial pest control company. Boring but stable
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u/b-nnies Schizoaffective + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I'm a college student (marketing and in the honors program), during the summers (and upcoming, once a day while attending school), I work in a supermarket bakery. They recently just promoted me to cake decorator, where I do backstock (so not the orders, but the stuff you see on the shelves), and it's so stress-free and relaxing.
I started off as a closer, where I worked 2pm-8pm, and that kind of sucked as it took up the heart of the day. But as I got more seniority, I got put on the baking shift (which is throwing frozen cookie dough pucks on a tray and throwing it in the oven, so it's "baking"), which is great hours (9am-2pm), but since it's repetitive and boring, sometimes I get bad thoughts since it's not something to keep me occupied. And as I built up more seniority, I got placed on cake decorating (7am-2pm), which is great, hours wise, and mentally. I'm a very creative person, and it's fun being the person who makes the silly, novelty cupcakes, cakes, and cookies.
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u/b-nnies Schizoaffective + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I'm in school for marketing, but if cake decorating paid more (around $25/hr), I would probably work my way up to a professional cake decorator and quit school.
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u/PierogiJuice Jul 23 '25
I'm a musician who does solo acoustic shows, and I also do the easiest part-time job in the world (night audit at a hotel).
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u/Ok_Entrance4300 Jul 23 '25
I was just hospitalized for mania and insomnia and my boss is really cool and understanding about the whole thing so it depends on having a good boss or not I work at like semiconductor industry I got an associates I would get bachelors if I had money for it. Compressed work week is great for me so manufacturing usually has those types of schedule. So you work 3/4 days and get 3/4 days off switching between 3/4 days.
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u/solemnversifier Bipolar 1 Jul 23 '25
I am a part-time veterinary assistant wanting to be more part-time. It's very stressful, even at 25 hours a week.
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u/jaybeezee666 Jul 23 '25
I do! Still working as a Paramedic for the last 20 years. Guess how long my Bipolar has gone undiagnosed for?
Suffice to say I wish I could do something else. I’m still not operating how I use to before my psychosis and hospitalization but I’m able to maintain it. Finding stability is a daily challenge.
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u/Fine-Ratio-7181 Jul 23 '25
I’m a barista and it’s perfect for me right now. Allows me the opportunity to go back to school and have some flexibility.
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u/simply_vibing_78 Jul 23 '25
I got a bachelors degree and I’m about to start my first year teaching :) student teaching went super well! It seems counterintuitive because yes it’s stressful but it keeps you busy all day and then you’re guaranteed weekends and breaks to rest multiple days in a row which is so essential for me to stay stable.
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u/Cute-Cat4456 Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I’m a cashier at Walmart. It works great for me. I also have a bachelors degree in business administration. I’ve never been hospitalized for mania though, although I’ve had a pretty serious manic episode where I came close.
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u/PresidenteMiao Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I'm currently studying Computer Science in university and it's tough but it's something i feel like i can do :3. i'm bipolar 1
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u/AlwaysAnF Jul 23 '25
I’m starting a Job st the end of the month as a secretary in the superintendents office of a small school district in the special education department. I’m hoping and crossing my fingers that it goes smoothly. I’ve been hospitalized 7 times over the years. Usually when I try to work due to stress. This department is small so I’m hoping like a family culture
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Jul 23 '25 edited Jul 23 '25
Generally construction and aviation labor jobs.
I find the physicality therapeutic. Helps drain my energy to get good sleep and keep hypomania at bay.
Was doing well as a construction materials tester, but the hours and schedules were too stressful. Even neurotypicals find these hours challenging for this trade
A therapist told me once that due to the conditions I have, I should generally not work more than 40 hours.
Currently working on a career in Geotechnical Engineering, on the drilling side. Getting really nice and chill hours.
I think what's key is managing stress, not overworking your self, and being with an employer that's on your side (won't abuse you/respect work-life balance and self care)
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u/flamingdaisies444 Jul 23 '25
I used to be a teacher and at the article mentioned, absurd amount of stress and burnout that lead to two hospitalizations. I'm now an office worker. It's incredibly dull, but my mental health is pretty good in the day.
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u/Original-Major5104 Bipolar Jul 23 '25
i work in property management as of right now. Working tucked away in a back office with minimal contact with tenants unless it's rent week or maintenance requests is pretty solid for my mood. I experience less mood swings and less rage because i'm alone most of the day.
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u/Opal-Libra0011 Jul 23 '25
I run a recovery community organization. And yes. Bipolar I with psychotic features. Mostly stable nowadays. But two weeks ago I had a short, significant episode and needed to take a couple days off due to being unwell.
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u/smuness Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I work in API design for a major company. Low-stress for the most part. Used to work as an essential tech op for an international bank. Was rough during covid.
I wanted to be a social worker in a hospital. I crashed out fast.
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u/Jaydens_Parrots Jul 23 '25
I have bipolar 1 and just came out of another month long depression. Im in college rn and its hard to keep going to class when depressed or manic. Im in my 3rd year but I think Ill graduate in 5. Im going to school to be a veterinarian but Im not sure if I can even make it through undergrad.
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u/ImaginaryMisanthrope Bipolar Jul 23 '25
I worked in healthcare for 20 years. I started out as a medical records clerk, worked my way up to director of business development. I ended up hating marketing— it was too stressful.
I eventually left the industry and went back to college full-time in 2024. My mental health improved significantly, however, I did have a fluke manic episode during finals this past spring. I figured out that the culprit was the new SSRI my doctor switched me to in March. Clearly my brain did NOT approve. 🤣 I’m back on my previous SSRI now and doing much better.
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u/kmadd82 Jul 23 '25
I suspect my manic episode was triggered by a new adhd medication I was given. Do you still consider yourself to be Bipolar 1 even though your mania was medication induced?
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u/ImaginaryMisanthrope Bipolar Jul 24 '25
Yes, because I’ve had other manic episodes in the past. Those were many, many years ago, when I was unmedicated.
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u/Turntsnakko Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 23 '25
I have been in the hospital due to mania. I’m type one. I work more than full time as a florist. Been a florist for about eight years now.
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u/paintingfrancisbacon Jul 23 '25
I work front desk nightshifts at a hotel!! Don't see too many people during the night and i work alone, having no anxiety makes it much easier for me to go into work everyday and keep going without breaking down and quiting (i dont miss job hopping), ive been here for a few years now theres hope🙏
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u/backtoblackholesun Jul 23 '25
Admin/investment assistant at an investment firm. Schizoaffective but medicated which makes a world of difference!
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u/1000Colours Bipolar & ADHD Jul 23 '25
None 😂
Fr though I'm usually a youth worker or peer worker, love working in mental health. I'm only out of a job because I was working a contract job in non-profit, and we didn't get extended funding for me position 🤷♂️
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u/PuzzleheadedLab8382 Bipolar Jul 23 '25
Hi, I’m a Type II bipolar individual from France, diagnosed a year ago. After completing my doctorate, I became a self‑employed businessman (micro-entrepreneur), but it’s not working out at all. I’m now considering moving toward art therapy—something very serious, well‑structured, and approved by the stat.
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u/bullmonkeyman Jul 24 '25
I have bipolar 1 aswell and have Been hospitalized in last, my dr wants to do again but I need to work to pay bills, I currently run heavy equipment and build roads and parking lots, but need something better for my mental health, but I still keep at it
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u/Koopakun0343 Bipolar Jul 24 '25
I’m an automotive service advisor , definitely stressful but the pay is decent. Awesome benefits too !
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u/th0rsb3ar Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 24 '25 edited Jul 24 '25
I managed a PhD. Cannot manage a career (teaching was awful). Have bounced between tattooing, restaurant work, construction, being a mailman, and general customer service.
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u/Fantastic-Horror4634 Jul 24 '25
I'm a paraeducator, I've been hospitalized. I do well with my current job. But I've also put in the work and in my case the right medication. My previous jobs were rough, but now I'm very much balanced. I still have bouts of mania but they're not frequent nor heavy hitting
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u/Baloney_Boogie Jul 24 '25
Psychiatric nurse. Crazy knows crazy.
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u/Common-Series8622 Jul 24 '25
Rewarding though I assume! How are the stress levels though being so involved with psychiatric patients? Thanks for sharing
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u/Esti_Climb Jul 24 '25
I have been a worker for 15 years, I have never been hospitalized but I would have needed it. I took 6 months of sick leave and they fired me. Now I work for a large company and I am happy with the three shifts 5/13-13/21-21/5
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u/Due_Masterpiece9727 Bipolar Jul 24 '25
i’m currently working back office, so the usual 9-5, until uni starts again. honestly the environment at the office is really harmonious so it’s the only thing keeping me there- for some reason, i find that i have so much energy, that i want to keep working more. to be frank, i would not recommend a 9-5 for people who go through episodes with highly variable degrees of energy. having your own business/working towards your own business would be the best for a lot of people like us.
uni is awesome for me, personally. honestly, as long as you like your degree- you can tweak it out a bit once you go on to become a graduate. if your degree is interesting/innovative then it might work with this disorder.
what works for me is having goals. if i have the goal to do something greater with my job or my degree, i can get out of bed in the mornings when i’m having a depressive episode. i can sort of “use” my manic behaviors into doing something constructive and creative - like conducting a case study no one has thought of before in my master’s thesis. what matters is, that you at the very minimum attend therapy fairly regularly in order to make your moods kinda sorta work out for you!
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u/Desperate_Opening_49 Bipolar + Comorbidities Jul 24 '25
I have Bipolar 1 w/ Psychotic features, and I worked as a technical director and master control operator for my city's local television station for 4 years before my mental health declined to a point where I was no longer able to keep the job. I now work night shifts in fire protection and watch cameras all night to report fires. Keeping a job has been a little rocky, but I've managed to keep this one so far! However, I was unable to finish college. I've also had one voluntary hospitalization (due to a mixed episode).
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u/Specific-Pianist7595 20d ago
As a Real Estate Agent with Bipolar 1, I previously held the position of Hotel Manager. However, the irregular hours and monotonous nature of the job proved to be too challenging for my personal well-being, and I must admit that I harboured a negative sentiment towards that role.
My life was severely compromised, with minimal sleep, limited off days, and an incessant focus on work.
While Real Estate offers flexibility in terms of hours, I have found that working from home has significantly improved my quality of life. I now have access to restful sleep, engage in social interactions with friends and family, and indulge in my pastimes, such as playing video games. Consequently, I have experienced a genuine sense of happiness.
During my tenure in the hospitality industry, I was often concerned about my well-being due to constant burnout and stress. While Real Estate may not be devoid of its imperfections, I derive immense satisfaction from my work, which ultimately determines the significance of my career.
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