Job / Career Suggestions While Being Bipolar

Does anyone have specific examples of jobs that you (or someone you know) are able to maintain and at least slightly enjoy, while being bipolar? It is very difficult to find a low-stress job that is not very boring and anti-social, and does not flatten my personality. I am looking for a more rewarding, slightly challenging job that is not that stressful. A few stressful jobs in the past led me to the hospital, once for severe depression and the other for mania. I am very lucky to have my current job so far, but I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to do it because I get lonely and the work is very monotonous (and long hours). Thank you.

Diagnosis: Bipolar (mostly depression)
Medications:
Lamictal
Latuda
Wellbutrin
Adderall
Klonipin

I've always worked in a grocery store. Same store for years now. I'm a baker. I make doughnuts and other baked goods. I'm able to handle it, but it's 40 hours a week, not very social, but it is very rewarding. I'd say maybe go to a career fair (if they have them there, they have them where I live all the time) and see what's best for you. Talk with representatives from companies and ask them what the jobs are like. Keep a few things in mind, like what questions they may have for you. They're going to ask if you want full time or part time, what wage you're expecting to make, what experience you have, your education, etc.

Thank you for the reply, that is very encouraging to know that you found a rewarding job because it gives me some hope. The job fair is a great idea. I went to one a long time ago and it was actually fun and gave me an idea of what's out there. I will look into those and see if there's one soon in my area. Thank you!

Margirl257 wrote:Thank you for the reply, that is very encouraging to know that you found a rewarding job because it gives me some hope. The job fair is a great idea. I went to one a long time ago and it was actually fun and gave me an idea of what's out there. I will look into those and see if there's one soon in my area. Thank you!

You're welcome! Keep us updated!

I would suggest temporary or high turnover jobs that you can give up quickly if you get an episode:
Tutoring
Substitute teaching
Manual labor: landscaping, construction (don't have to go the gym after work!)
Any sales job is pretty high turnover
Waitress at an expensive restaurant can make more than you'd expect

I find seasonal work is best for me. Summers I'm a ride operator at an amusement park and winters I'm a lift operator at a ski area. For these particular jobs the money sucks but its relatively low stress and usually not too boring. I like seasonal because if and when I start hating my job well in a month Ill be done until next season and I can choose if I go back or not (but I always do).
I also suggest daycare if you like children.
And job fairs are great. That's where I got most of my jobs.

Thank you for the ideas this is helpful.

z7z wrote:I would suggest temporary or high turnover jobs that you can give up quickly if you get an episode:
Tutoring
Substitute teaching
Manual labor: landscaping, construction (don't have to go the gym after work!)
Any sales job is pretty high turnover
Waitress at an expensive restaurant can make more than you'd expect

That is true, temporary work is good since I am always at risk of having an episode and having to leave my long-term job. It's already happened twice and it can happen again. Also the seasonal work is a good idea too. I used to know some people who worked in the office at a ski company in the winter. Thank you for all the advice! Since it's so hard for me to find the right job, I currently have the Indeed website email me specific job searches daily. It is very helpful but I'm still searching. Thanks!

I am a bookkeeper at a company I have worked at for 25 years. They are very flexible with time, numbers don't need talking to, and ive done these books for so long I can do it standing on my head.

In saying that though, the MD has been pretty sick up until 5 years ago, so it was extremely unsettled for me personally and the company; but honestly, it's better the devil I know than the devil I don't. I don't think I'd have the confidence to front up to a job interview to be honest!!