Since I was a kid, I have wanted to work in government and politics. I’ve worked as a journalist, in the legal field and NGOs, and in government. I succeeded in all of my jobs, but also had episodes that led to me quitting or no longer being able to perform. I have not told anyone in my professional network about my diagnosis, and I am being repeatedly told by mentors and connections that I am wasting my potential by seeking a less stressful role like my doctor is advising me. The shitty thing is, I kind of agree. I feel like because of my diagnosis (still less than a year out), my doctors are encouraging me to turn my back on the life I wanted to live ever since I can remember. I am struggling a lot with self-confidence and anxiety. I feel like all the hard work I put into my career is for nothing, and I am afraid I was only good at what I love doing because of mania. I want so so badly to be stable and I can see how bipolar has eaten years of my life. But I don’t want a 9-5 and I don’t want to be bored at work. Is there anyone out there who has experienced this and managed to make it work?