Change of carreer

[eplo]

Hi there!  Long story short: I am 33, BP1, Diagnose about 7 months ago,  I am since then on sick leave at work and I am really questioning my job.  I like it, but it involves a certain level of stress.  I think it would be easier if I had a way less stress job, actually I though about working in Horticulture (It's caring for ornemental plants).  I even submit an application to go back to school (it's Vocational training).  I know it looks likes my mind is set, but lately I learned that I cannot completly rely on my head only, that I need other insight.  So Question is, do you function better with a low level of stress or in the kind of job where you have to perform (my job is in the financial world, in Corporate action) ?

[eplo]

You have a good point there.  I like my job in the financial field, but I was betting that I would be happier in something that I am passionate about.  My reason to go away of this field is that I have hard time as soon as I have another stess, like at home...  Then I crashed!

[ApRiLGeTsAngry77]

Without reading all the posts besides the first one, I shall offer my comment. I, too, work in the financial industry and have for 13 years. Sometimes the stress seems overhwhelming but I find that I work better and have less bipolar symptom when I am focused and working on stressful projects, etc. Boredom is a trigger for me and it can sometimes get me into trouble.

[Bluetwo]

But what about Valentine's Day? All your flowers have to be out of the greenhouse and be delivered on a certain day...would that cause stress? Each job has some stress. I think meeting deadlines would be stressful but some bp can handle stress if comes in spurts. One week won't kill us if we're able to rest properly.

I know that works for me.


I'm a substitute teacher and that's how I handle my stress. I deal with the stress and then I need time to decompress or I go psychotic after awhile.

[heyjude1]

That is great.  I enjoy just caring for  plants and working in the flower beds, it is so relaxful and seeing plants growing and thriving adds an additional little emotional perk.  It sounds like you have a good solid plan and you are taking a positive step to take care of yourself.  

Of course, you will still have some issues due to our disease, however, I am sure they  will slow down alot w/o so much stress and triggers.  Good for you!

[eplo]

I feel so less alone in this situation!  Thanks a lot and keep it going guys!  I myself will go back to school and will learn: Ornemental Horticulture.  Enough of offices, pressures and overtime...  I will be planting and caring beautiful plants...

[heyjude1]

Yeah, that's what happens to me, doesn't matter if it is work stress or drama at work or in personal life...just meltldown.  I wish there was a cure....

[paranoid_cataclysm]

I function best in a low level of stress.  Even moderate stress can adversely affect my symptoms.  For example, I fully relapsed from a panic attack which was brought on due to drama where I work even though it is a relatively low stress environment.  In high stress jobs I get psychotic frequently due to the stress.

[heyjude1]

You know honestly, in today's economy, you just almost do what ya gotta do!!  Take care Ladies!

[Xila31]

I would say I agree that a less stressful job would be much better for me, personally. I am BPII with rapid cycling and mixed states. Stress is a big trigger for me, I think. Feeling rushed and not able to work on things at my own pace is hard. I also had a hard time holding jobs. Before my current position, the longest I was ever able to hold a job was 6 months. Now I have been at my job for 2 years. But, I know that I quit my job it will be ruin for my family. Love for my family and fear of them being hungry is what keeps me employed at this point. I don't believe that is a healthy reason to stay in a job that is obviously not healthy for me, but right now I have no other options.

But, if there was a way I could make money on something less stressful that I enjoy, I know it would be much better for my health. I pray for a time when I can find something like that.

[eplo]

You are so right about the support systems... my last job was in British Columbia and all my family and friends were in Quebec.  I lasted a year there.  and I came back to Montreal to seek treatment.

[heyjude1]

Oh, I love the work I have always done in the past but it is fast and furious and very stressful.  The last 5-6 yrs. I have noticed I cannot handle the stress and then I started falling.  I was with one company for 13 yrs. and then another for 5 yrs. and the last 3 has been steadily  going down to the  last one only lasted 2 mos. and I was fired.  I was having a horrible mixed state episode and although I recognized it at the time I had no medical insurance to see a p-doc.  Eventually  ended up in the ER and on the Physc ward again.  The last 4 mos. I have not worked but I have  to do something.  I am so broke!  I keep trying to hang on for SSDI determination but it is getting rough.  I don't know what to do.  I had a telephone interview yesterday that went well  but  I  would ave to move to Kansas.  I just received a v/m about  a job but I would have to move to Ohio....I don't think I can last with no support system of family  and would probably end up in hospital again and right back where  I  am now.
I am sorry to lay all my troubles on you as you are having your own!
Well, I guess I will just say another prayer as He has helped me make it this far and I am sure he will not drop me.  Take care Sweetie and I hope everything works out for  you  and I  am sure they will.  Hey Jude.

[eplo]

I am also afraid of the pay cut... It would be about half...  The thing is I could never stay long in a job.  My average is 11 months! I always thought it was because I was too picky, competitive, independent, or whatever would explain me quiting.  Turns out it is my impulsivity due to bipolar....

How do you feel about not being able to work in what you used to be good at?  I am feeling a bit as a failure!  Good thing I have no kid to take care, it would make me so worry!

There was a guy when I was in university that was 62 years old.  He was completing his dream of earning a bac in administration.  And guess what, he got a job as soon as he was out of university.  I always thought that if you love what you do, you will get a job.  Don't despair!

[heyjude1]

Eplo, I am so glad you asked this question and I am will watch for responses from others.  I also have been dx Bipolar I w/mixes episodes.  I have done the same type of work for 20 yrs. in the Corporate world and love my area, however, it has impossible to carry on.  My bipolar has effected me so badly that I cannot seem to hold down a job anymore and have ended up in the hospital with my last 2 jobs.  I have applied for SSDI, however, I hear very few people make the cut the first go around.  I cannot wait another 6 mos. to a year to appeal as I have no income.  I am afraid I cannot earn enough $$ to live by starting in an entry level position again.  I am to the point of almost frantic. I have started the process of looking for work in my field this week because I don't know what else to do.  I have no idea if I will be able to cope from the stress, or should I say, I don't know how long I can cope with the stress again.  It's a scary situation to be in, I feel your pain..

Oh, I forgot to mention I am 57 yrs. old and my age makes it even harder to find empolyment.

[ILADVOCATE]

Every person is different. Before I acquired my physical disability which makes me unable to work I because of the nature of my psychiatric disability ( from which I have now recovered) I required many accomodations. What triggers emotional stress in one person doesn't in another. What would help is for you to identify your needs and accomodations and find out what they might be. One place that would help you find this out is independent living centers. This is a list:

http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/directory/canada.html