Job hunting with bpd..

What type of job if you don't mind my asking? and what is it that makes you love it?

Yes no problem at all. I am a carer for a family with two children with special needs and a boy whilst not having special needs, has some very challenging behaviour due to his circumstances. I love it for more reasons that I could ever explain.

It is hard work, it isn't very well paid. I work far more hours than I get paid for and it is often stressful. However all the good overrides any of that! I see them every day bar the odd day here and there and when I'm not there we Skype a lot :') They are like a family to me. They are so exceptionally amazing, how they have adapted to cope without skills many of us take for granted. They take you as you come, they don't hide feelings. They are pure human beings. They are hilarious and give me a good laugh everyday, the sense of humour is fantastic. We go to play areas, eat out a lot and I have had many opportunities that I would otherwise not have had. I have met many amazing people and many other children with special needs who I feel an immediate affinity with. I feel like I have found that one thing I am good at.
I often get told that I do so much for them and they are very lucky to have me. I feel quite the opposite. They have done more for me than any one will ever know. I am truly the lucky one. It also helps with certain BPD traits. I have to feel needed, if I don't feel needed I fear abandonment, I am not threatened by this. It keeps me busy, it keeps me focused and it gives me inspiration. The love I have for this family is infinite.

I hope this gives you enough positives, there are many many more Seriously I didn't mean to go on so much, I got carried away, sorry!!

I would like to say that it all came to me in a dream or such like but it didn't. I was desperate and I couldn't survive on £50pw, I applied for whatever was in the job centre and crossed my fingers. I didn't even really like kids that much and didn't have much experience of being around them but as I say I was desperate. It couldn't have worked out any better.

What part of previous jobs have you really enjoyed?!

As for volunteering I work in a couple of animal shelters. For as long as I could remember I wanted to work with animals. After this I realised I wasn't cut out for it. I also worked with deaf children in a youth group and an advocacy organisation. There are other things I have tried to pursue but no longer have the time but it's definitely something I want to carry on with in the near future. Volunteering gives you a certain satisfaction that you don't get from anything else.

I just looked up charities in my local area and contacted them to see if they were looking for any help. I don't know if your in the UK but here there are volunteer centres and they can match you up to what they think you'll be good at and enjoy. They also provide training which is another good point. Most places will snap you up! Some places want you to commit yourself to certain hours a week and some don't mind you popping in as and when you have the spare time, they're just happy for the help.

To think there are people who fish, ski, or watch movies for a living... what the hell did I go to school for if I could have done leisure activities and gotten paid... sigh. Too bad my leisure activities were competitive sports and I'm not built like a Michael Jordan or Usain Bolt..

Haha I've always been jealous of people like this too and wonder how they get in to these areas!

I do sincerely wish you luck. I know how it feels and although I love more job more than anything I still fantasise about others and how amazing they would be only to change my mind the week after lol

KOT

Mos stressful thing ever.