A little background: I’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and chronic depression at three points in my life. Each during brief hospitalizations that I figured were more situational, or had more to do with one disorder than the other.

Despite the occasional breakdown, I was often able to function. Particularly when I practiced my religion and remained sober. I was rarely single, and even spent five years working my way up in an industry that promised a lucrative future. Then I moved cross-country to pursue dreams of becoming a professional musician.

That’s where it all fell apart. I went from living in the suburbs, to fending for myself in an inner-city ghetto. I became incredibly jaded and short with people as a result. I wound up on doctor-prescribed Medical Marijuana for the depression and even took a day job at a dispensary; catapulting me into one of the most exasperated addictions I’ve ever faced.

Eventually I moved to a surrounding city, and realized working in music clubs and dispensaries weren’t for me. I also couldn’t get back into sales or marketing, because the marijuana had me failing drug tests. 
- I tried warehouse work, but was prohibited by my back issues (and got fired.)
- I tried call center work, but had panic attacks when policies would randomly change or customers would call in upset. (And got fired.)
- I tried security work, but could barely make a living, and was bored out of my mind. 
- I tried front desk work, but was again challenged by fitting in as the “new guy” and also navigating the customer-facing stresses of the job. 

Eventually I couldn’t keep up with bills, and moved back to my hometown. Family put me and my partner up temporarily; while I established myself at a new office job. This time handling sales over the phone. It was the most stressful year of my life. Metrics constantly changed, management was needlessly aggressive, and there was a constant threat of being fired over the constantly-evolving definition of “underperformance.” Eventually I needed some time off for a mix of dental and mental health issues...and because I wasn’t selling enough that month, I was fired.

Most recently I took another phone sales job - this time on a WFH basis. The company turned out to be on thin ice financially, and fired me because I took one day off due to “feeling under the weather.” In all reality, my mental health was a mess and I would have sounded crazy on the phone with customers if I tried.

As you can see - bipolar disorder keeps rearing its head, and I keep getting fired. I also don’t have (and can’t afford) health insurance, so playing games with FMLA has never been a simple or viable way of dealing with this. The two times I did obtain doctor’s notes - it only bought me an extra 2-4 weeks before being fired, anyway.

I have spent the last couple years researching supplements, and actively take a blend that helps with repairing Dopamine, Serotonin, and Mood Stabilization. So for all intents I’m medicated and able to get out of bed most mornings. The problem is the days I can’t, and the immediate effect that has on employment and financial sustainability. It also seems that most entry-level jobs trigger some aspect of my disorder, in one way or another.

That said: I’d love to hear what types of jobs, careers, or coping strategies you all have come across in your journey’s. Like many - I have a family to support, and settling for Disability checks just isn’t an option.

I look forward to your feedback.