Just Wondering...

[Dasie]

I know this sounds crazy. But what is the ideal career for someone with BiPolar? I heard that BiPolar people are usually very creative especially when manic. and that Acting is a very good career, like anything, what works for some doesn't work for others. But many BiPolar actors have said that sometimes there BiPolar (Strong Emotions) helps them act and push themselves further(And actually helps them through life, funneling out emotion). And a Director once said- "you don't have to be Gay or Jewish, to be in this buisness, you just need to be, BiPOlar" So what's your opinion?

[BipolarBear75]

Hi, I read your post before but like I said, a day of work and pills makes me end my days quickly. Do you absolutely know what you want to do/take if you went to school. See I don't even know that. I am also worried that after all that, i will be stuck with a career that actually doesn't support me financially.

I am still at my job....but I feel so fragile here. I want to burst into tears for no reason...which is never good at work. I am at a loss.

[cowgirlnerd]

I can really relate to what you are saying.  I was in banking for 20 years (different banks) and had pretty stressful but responsible positions.  Anyway, I kept screwing up when I had manic episodes and ended up really screwing up so I got out of the field.  Now, I am an Office Manager (which is a glorified Admin Asst), and don't make as much as I used to and don't have the stress - BUT, I get so bored.  I supposedly have an extremely high IQ, and have been tested as such, but doing this makes me feel stupid.   No kidding, I just ordered my boss a pair of Cabela's hunting waders....   ehhh, it's a living...???

Like you, I am a single Mom, and I want to go back to school, but I am 40 - have to work - have a 9 year old in school to help with his homework,etc., and when I get finished with work - I am worn out!  It's a vicious cycle.   I am looking at the going back to school option seriously, however.

I tell people all of the time that I don't know what I want to be when I grow up, and that's sad but true!  It's actually scary to feel like you are "middle aged" (which I am a lot farther than you are) and looking at the next 20 years of uncertainty if you can actually KEEP a job - let alone make a living!  

I hate Bipolar (I have BP1) and the **** that goes with it.  I am actually stable right now - hoping to stay that way - but the havoc that has been created from my past episodes still haunt me to present day.  

Anyway - I relate to what you were saying.  

Rach

[BipolarBear75]

I have been working in the federal government in Ottawa, in contracts but i can't be an admin assistant anymore. My pills/a day of work was making me so exhausted that I would fall asleep right after supper and wake up at 430am. I am so bored in that job, I feel I am too smart to be doing that job, it doesn't challenge me at all and I just can't stand pushing paper.

The problem is I don't know what I can do. It feels like I am not prepared to do anything. It scares me. I have a diploma in pharmacy but that doesn't make enough money to survive. I was thinking something in the medical field again but I would have to go back to school. Being a single parent....that would make it a greater feat.

I just saw this posting today as I am sitting at home instead of being at work because I couldn't deal with people today and trying to not quit my job just because I feel like this today....but I honestly think there has got to be something I am good at.....I am 33 and haven't found it yet though.

Anyone have any ideas?

[cowgirlnerd]

Hey - if you will be a rodeo bull rider - I will be the rodeo clown!  We can run around the arena and have a big time!  You are too funny!

Rach

[monkeyc]

I did think briefly about a career as a rodeo bull rider but I realised that probably wasnt a good idea long term career wise, what with my fear of bulls and the tendency to get hurt.

That was last week BTW, still not sure what I want to be this week :)

Best thing to be for anyone is what they want to be, the hardest bit is getting there, I think Information Technology is a good choice for for instance because its creative, it lets me abuse myself with long hours of work (a habit i am breaking)  and im surrounded by crazy people who make me feel sane.

Seriously though - I am open about bipolar, the people I work with know I have it, my boss knew before he hired me as he was my old boss and knew then - hes seen me full tilt manic and yet he still hired me.  I care not what people think of the fact I am bipolar and if they want to discriminate then there's a law for that.

I have never felt discriminated against for being BP btw.

[cowgirlnerd]

AMEN!  Your show that you can learn to deal with your disability and have a great support team in place - which is so vital.

Congratulations!

[Penny78]

AMEN SISTER!!

[jst4shanell]

Upon getting hired for a job, I would NEVER let them know I was Bipolar.  It is not illegal and it's none of their business.  Even in the event of getting medical insurance through your work, they cannot fire you if they found out your disorder.  You can sue the **** out of them.  and I absolutely would in a heartbeat.  Yes, there is major discrimination in the workplace for people with psychiatric disorders.  That's why I wouldn't even confide to a co-worker.  As much as you think no one will find out, it will spill.
You are right.  I am lucky on owning businesses.  I have been doing it a long time.  Yes, when I am sick, I cannot function, let alone run a business. I do have a partner who steps in fully to take care of business.  I do realize there are many people who are very sick and don't have access to meds or are not on the right kind.  I realize there are a huge number of people out there that just can't work.  I am lucky to be somewhat correctly medicated although I have setbacks.  There are people out there who are bipolar and are doctors, lawyers, scientists, you name it.  The sky is the limit.  I think the best job a person with bipolar is, is whatever they want it to be.

[ILADVOCATE]

Its a more serious manner because in running your own business you call the shots. And you have an ability to network and understand people and set your own limits. The issue is I don't know how many people with disabilities, physical and certainly psychiatric that cannot get jobs not because of their disability but because of the blatant discrimination of many workplaces. I treat and think of all disabilities as the same and I appreciate you do too but much of society doesn't. Let me put it this way by contrasting the two disabilities. If someone said "I have diabetes" before they got hired at an interview it probably would not stop them from being hired but if they said "I have bipolar disorder" there's a strong chance some employers would not give them a turn down to their face but would regardless and just say "there's another person who was more qualified". It happens all the time.
    The question what is the ideal job for someone with bipolar disorder is a good one. But then there is the question of what society thinks is ideal job for us and that's not a hypothetical discussion. Its impossible to get hired these days because of the reccession but certainly with a psychiatric disability. I remember before I worked part time (that was before becoming homebound from the physical disability) and that was before recovery I went to look for part time work at a psychiatric clubhouse. I believe they had positions advertised but they assumed I "wanted to be more of the clients". I could not even get a word in edgewise and I gave up and they finally said "we let them in the community when they are ready". That's no way to think but its common. If everyone here has fullfilled their career ambitions than that would be great but if they haven't there are things that will get in the way and I am pointing out what they are.

[jst4shanell]

Most of the time I have loads of energy.  I think faster than the average person, learn faster, etc..  Yes, I am very ambitious.  I get sick, I get better, I get back up and move on with my life.  Being Bipolar to me is not a death sentence.  It's no different than my mom being diabetic.  Mine is just in my brain.  Who cares.  I accomplish a lot because of this attitude.  Hair styling is a great work outlet.  Owning a business, not so much.  I realize not everyone can do these things.  But the question was what people thought would be an idea career for people with BP?  I was just answering that question.  I don't understand where you said "It's a more serious matter".  Why does it have to be?  It's a simple question.  A pretty simple answer.  I do also understand that people need breaks.  I do as well.  Even with all the energy, I sometimes just run on empty.  That's why...........hairstyling is a great career to have because you can take breaks and time off.  You work for yourself.  It's a matter of how hard you want to work.  Sounds good to me.

[ILADVOCATE]

Well that's a more serious matter jst4shanell. If you own your own business that shows that certain things are working out right. There for everyone then the question becomes how a person with a psychiatric disability can integrate into the work force and within the limits of their disability keep a job so in that case people seeking work should think about what the job is and what it requires and if they could do the main requirements of the job ("essential function" in ADA terminology) with a "reasonable accomodation" (minor change that allows you to do your job) that would not be an "undue hardship" (overly burden the workplace with costs or difficulties). When I worked part time I needed a rest period. Some people need an ability to have a break, that is a "time out" if they get stressed out. And also "when to disclose" which is after you have been hired so they don't say some other position is available to get around discrimination charges. And for people on Social Security writing a PASS plan which is a form of funding that will pay for a specific item or training that will enable people to return to work or even start their own business. If people have actual ambitions to work and there are practical things that get in the way feel to pm me for specifcs on this or if they want in person assistance go to their local independent living center which can provide specific advice and support. I think the ideal career for anyone is what is within their ambitions and one that they can accomplish. And as to whatever limits their disability creates there are means around it and jobs more suited to it. Bipolar is the same as anything else.

[jst4shanell]

I am a hair stylist.  It's great for me because it's great money, I work for myself (I rent my station) I choose my own schedule, and I can take as much time off as I need.  It's ideal for someone who is Bipolar.  The downside......I became manic and psychotic last December and was working and didn't know I was sick.  I obviously said and did some weird and crazy things while with clients.  Needless to say, I lost almost all my clientele.  That sucked.  I am still slowly building clientele back up.  I moved salons (I couldn't look my co-workers and owner in the face once I was stable, I was really embarrassed) and am doing much better.
I can also be quite creative in this field.  I get to use my imagination to envision the outcome and use artistic techniques to follow it through.  I am by nature a highly creative person.  Sometimes doing hair can become redundant if you don't keep yourself stimulated.   I have social anxiety and it sort of helps that when I am in my comfort zone.  I always eat small snacks to keep my blood sugar normal because that will sort of mimic anxiety, like say you don't eat all day.

I do also own a tattoo shop.  It's a lot of work but my office is at home so that is convenient.  I don't tattoo.  My partner does. Owning a business is hard because you have to deal very logically with your employees and they all have very different personalities.  I don't think that way at all.  My partner takes care of that and I do the other stuff like accounting and making sure the place doesn't crash down.  Hope this helps.  Hairstyling is great.

[Delusion]

I know i got the idea when frankenstein was on. But its not the same really.

[Penny78]

One thing I have found helpful being a BP is to keep learning new things all the time..I have been to college 3 times now..all for different things..Fashion Design, Human Services, Paralegal Studies. I like learning new languages, like Latin and Ancient Greek. I paint, learning to Tattoo, Sing and design clothing and sew. The trick to being BP is to keep your mind active, and have many things to occupy those days when you can't sleep. Many things so that if your bore of one you can always go to another. To keep my mind organized before it goes haywire, I tend to play games of logic, or crosswords..I hope this helps someone...

[bernie40]

Isn't that the story of Frankenstein?  If you can get hold of the Mary Shelley text i think you may enjoy it based on what you have said about your own writing.

[cowgirlnerd]

I do the same thing about cutting people off - it drives my boss insane.  He looks at me over his glasses when I do that.  I just smile and realize that I have done it again...   I know what you mean about the rude and self-centered (or know it all), it's not that, it's just that my mind races ahead and I want to finish it quicker than what it should be in a "normal" setting.  I don't mean to be "rude" but I can't help it!  I joke a lot too, it helps keem me from feeling uncomfortable talking about my disorder.   I am more and more a joking person depending on the situation - my family especially - unless it's a manic stage where I am easily irritated - then I scream and pitch a fit.    

When I was in sales, I made a BUT* LOAD of money, but it was so unpredictable.  I would be top salesperson one month and then bottom out.  It was exhausting.  I am finding that less stress is good for me, but man, I get bored.  

Also, when I am depressed or in a depressive episode, I completely isolate myself.  I just can't wait for the weekend during those times to shut the blinds and ignore the phone and sleep.  I mean, don't even SPEAK at all.  No words coming from the mouth at all.  It's weird - go from yada yada yada yada during mania to silence.......complete silence.    

Do you ever see the things you are doing and it almost feel like you could say, "WHY AM I DOING THIS!?!??" but can't stop it?    No matter how hard you try, you can't stop yourself.  You hear yourself running on and on or offending someone, but you can't stop your mouth.  I hate that.

[kukusik]

i sooo know what you guys are talking about, i always have an opinion and i am a kind of a nerd i like to read (but i read 3 books at the same time) of course coz i get bored and dont have patience, my thoughts are running far ahead of my actions, even when i write something i will write letter ahead (does that make sense to you) my ex used to get very upset with me, he will start a sentence and i will just shut him in the middle coz i already know the answer and just couldn6t stop myself from doing that. people think i am rude at times and self-centered coz i talk a lot. I hate most that i run on impulses.

about the jobs, i found BP is usefull in sales, ofcourse when u are in manic stage u are on top of the world and can sell snow to an eskimo :)) but when depressed its hard coz u gotta go and talk to people , but all u feel is just being by urself.

[cowgirlnerd]

What I hate is the mind moving faster and not having time to get caught up to a rational thought.  That's where I get into trouble.  I know what I need to do and know how to do a lot of things in the financial/accounting, etc., field, but I just act - not that someone else could do it, or I might half-a*s do it to get it done, but just act on impulse.

I hate that part of my BP.  Ok, I hate a lot of my bp, but I hate that part, too.   It's like a little child with no patience.

[RichReligion]

I just wrote about the thing life was showing me. Our minds move a lot more rapid than the average Joe, so I would say a field where its gonna call for someone with the ability to produce, excessively. I talk alot; I alway got something to say about something, exspecially when I have experience in that area. They say I think I know everything, so now I just prove what I know through my article.

[cowgirlnerd]

I was in banking for 20 years - not the same place....LOL.  That would be miraculous!  I was in banking all that time but was 4 different banks - not including one of the banks I went back to twice (for a total of three times - so I guess that would be 7??).  

As I have gotten older, it's been harder and harder.  I have been in my current job 8 months and I am beginning to be bored with it and getting frustrated (probably my mania I feel coming on).  That usually leads to me having an episode that involves work - in some regard.  I am running out of options though!   I just wonder how "normal" people get through the day just well, working, and not going nuts!  It takes everything I have to hold it together, and then it seems like I don't have anything left when I get finished in the day.   I know people can have normal lives and go to work and then go home and not be like this!  

I have BP1

Rach

[faith128]

Did somebody with bipolar just say that they held down a job for twenty years?! Wow! If I could just hold down a job for 1 year I'd be excited! That's truly Amazing!! Kudos to you! What kind of bipolar do you have, anyway?

[cowgirlnerd]

I think we are all "creative" in our own way.  I am doing much of the same these days as I look back in my written journal.  I am trying to piece it together to MAYBE one day write a book - if not just for my children and myself.  

My best entries are when I am full blown manic.  It's a bit scary to read, but it's what it is - morbid or not .  Sometimes, and no - I don't think I have multiple personalities, but it seems like 2 totally seperate people in my journals.

If you have it in a form to email it - I would love to take a look at it.  If you don't mind sharing, send it in message form to me.  

Rach

[Delusion]

Nope im in no band and i carnt play any instruments, yet i write songs..

Ive written a lot of songs and they all piece together to form a fictious story its called 'Chronicles of a Monster' basically set in a dysopian nightmare world where a evil creator creates his own living monster and tortures and degrades it its entire life for his own sociopathic and narcissitic pleasure... but the monster escapes. It basically runs through 3 phases the torture and escape of the monster who is namless, followed by his hunt to kill his creator and the third and final part where he realises his master made a broken soul and a complete monster and he knows no one will ever accept him because he was not born and the end is him just trying to find redemption and peace in the world.

Because its such a morbid topic i get to play around with a lot of emotion and i like writing it because i can let out some of my own torments in it because the story is like mine in some ways. Obviously not the killing but the desire for acceptence from the rest of the world.

I love reading back on it i did all of it when i was manic, my twisted lyrical art but i like it at least =)

[ILADVOCATE]

Hey if you are in a band or write music that's cool. More power to you. I'm into metal and punk and the like myself. My poems are actually really disturbing at times but I don't share them with people here of course. I did used to have an antagonistic stance towards the audience when I read and that was part of the mania and in myself I must admit psychosis. I hardly get out now because of my physical disability but I'm still known for bringing an audience at a reading to a stand still. Its just before recovery, when my poems were really overly offensive it was fun for me to get walk outs but it stopped being cool when someone stalked me once. I try not to provoke now but what I write does and will make people think about things that they don't want to but need to. I am the last one to complain about my disability but if I hadn't got hit so hard by tardive I'd still be going to concerts and the like but I just made an appointment to see a movement disorders specialist so perhaps they will find better treatment. They all know they are dealing with a consumer activist not a patient and I am polite and respectful but expect to be given what's most up to date and effective even if experimental and I get results and I try to have other people take that stance with their providers if their current treatment is not giving them results for whatever disability, certainly psychiatric.