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?

[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.