Bipolar- It helps to learn skills that most people don't have

If you have bipolar disorder, or for that matter any disability, it helps to learn skills that most people don't have. You will make mistakes at work, and you will do things to upset people- it is just part of the disorder. Maybe for you, your Achilles' heel is missing too much work, maybe it is lack of emotional stability- but we all have problems at work. If we want to keep our job, and maybe even move up the ladder, we need to work a little harder than everyone else. We need to make ourselves irreplaceable.

I hate the term, "In this economy," but lets face it, it's a little rough out there right now. There are plently of minimum wage jobs out there, but they don't pay the rent, let alone our medications. We need to figure out a way to survive, which is why so many people with bipolar disorder resort to a life of semi-poverty and collect a small disability check. I am hopeful that there is a better way.

I have had quite a few ups and downs in my career, in all honestly, these past few months have been a bit of a downswing; I got laid off. I have no plans on giving up. There will be another job for me around the corner.

Whether you have a job, or are looking for a job, the most important thing you can do for yourself is to sharpen up your skills. Spend a few hours every week learning a new skill. Most "normal" people neglect to do this and this is how we can compete and stay marketable.

Good luck to all of you bipolars, and keep your chin up. Life is filled with ups and downs. We can do this!