To Experienced Krazies ; )

[CrazykC]

I'm taking classes online to get a degree in business.I'm more comfortable taking online classes rather than face to face communication. I have social anxiety as well and can't do my full potential in big crowds. I can see myself being a manager of a small business or store of some sort. I agree that we crazies tend to be hard workers that's no lie! We can definitely get the job done and quickly.. I think that management will be an effective occupation for me because managers are always (on their feet). Managers typically move from one thing to another all the time and that is perfect for me because I HAVE to stay busy! If I'm not busy I'll either go through an episode, get depressed about something and my mind will literally ATTACK me & make me sad mad paranoid ect... Do y'all agree that management could be the thing for me or not? Thankx
,kC

[lindahand]

I had become very socially anxious and was heading towards agoraphobia. My psychiatrist enrolled me in the Day Program offered through the hospital. It was 4 weeks of group therapy on depression, anxiety, coping skills, art therapy, etc. It was really tough to go to but I stuck with it. I went from not wanting to leave my house to volunteering for 2 hours a day, to getting a part time job, to now applying for full time work.  It really boosted my confidence. Because the reality is you must treat the social anxiety to get ready for the work world. Every job deals with people to some extent. There is a lot they can do psychologically to beat social anxiety and improve your comfort in getting out in the world. I doubt I will ever 100% comfortable but I am more proficient at it.

Good luck with your education and future career path.

[CrazykC]

Thank you so much for your reply. I kind of figured some of these points in the back of my mind but have not taken the time, thought, consideration, and I really haven't weighed out my options. I guess I did not really come to scenes about the social part like I should have. I only have 18 credits in business so I can change directions pretty easily without much loss.

I am seeing a psychiatrist to help me distinguish what occupation would work with me and not against me. I'm seeing him next week and I'll be sure to discuss this with him also. Thank you so much! This really helps me to (slow down) and come to terms with whats best for the future.

With Love,
kC

[paranoid_cataclysm]

I agree with run4you that no matter how small the company you will always have that kind of person.  I work for a small company that only has like... 11 people I would say hired at our location and we have those kind of people all the time coming and going in the ranks.  And I'm not even going to get started about the drama.

[run4you]

Meant to say shadow for a semester... brain is not working correctly :P

[run4you]

I would definitely encourage you to 'shadow' a management member for a week (you could get course credit as an internship if you get the right paperwork filled out through your school).

My husband is a manager. Half of his job (no joke) is dealing with people drama. People fight, you have to mediate. People do silly things, you are accountable and get to be the one to take the hit. You have to be able to control your temper at all times - even when you're provoked (and no matter how small the company, you will inevitably run into *that* employee). You have people issues, financial goals to meet and customer service to deal with (managers still deal with a LOT of this - and mostly managers deal with the unsatisfied customers - so these interactions are difficult at best).

It is a very fast-paced job, with very high demands and a lot of stress.

If you can handle this stuff, it is completely worth it. My husband LOVES his job. He loves working with people, is incredibly goal-oriented and is a team leader type person.

If your bipolar is very well-controlled, you could probably deal with this. Keep in mind that managers are not in the back office, though - it is still a very social job on many levels.

Kudos to you if you can do it! Between my mood changes, my anxiety (both regular and social) and my anger when someone ticks me off, there is NO way I could last a week!

[ILADVOCATE]

Read up and think about what exactly the position of being a manager would generally require at at workplaces in general. If you have done that kind of work in that past or feel that you would be able to do this effectively then the job might be worthwhile. However if you have some difficulties with social anxiety and the like being a manager might actually be more difficult as you have coordinate employees working together for specific tasks and evaluating how they are doing their job and it can be complex and stressful for that reason for many people, even if they don't have a psychiatric disability. Of course it makes sense to balance the need to be a part of society and with people with the specific concerns you have about social anxiety. That is a complex situation and you might want to meet with a vocational rehabilitation counselor about that and also inform yourself more on some specific work places where you might consider trying to find employment and think about what a manager has to do both in general and also on an a day to day basis.