A Bipolar-proof job!

Disability Speech 

  Some people are just not able to work due to their Bipolar complications. It is nothing to be ashamed about. Being Bipolar myself, there are many times where I could not work. It is hard to get out of bed, let alone hold down a job! Some people have a milder form of Bipolar which is less intense and they are able to work. If your illness is so severe that you can not work at all, then you can apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) The Government has a list of guidelines.


  I know from experience it is very hard to get (SSI).  In my case I was hospitalized four times before my case was approved.  I did get it without an attorney.  I did not want to be on it, but it was necessary.  Most people get denied the first time.  Do not get discouraged, apply again.  Sometimes you have to get a lawyer to get (SSI).

  CLICK HERE FOR (SSI) GUIDELINES

   A Lawyer will take a percentage when you receive your (SSI).  Make sure you ask the lawyer the right question!

  Important questions to ask a Social Security Disability Lawyer! 

1. Ask: “Are you a licensed attorney?” If you want representation from a lawyer who has gone to law school and can practice law, this will cut to the chase. This is a yes or no question.
2. Ask: “How many hearings do you average a week?” For most lawyers, an average of 2 or more Social Security hearings per week says a lot about their current experience and client base.
3. Ask: “Do you ever get into arguments with Social Security staff or judges?” If your prospective lawyer brags about “scuffles” with Social Security, decide if he or she burns bridges. If you smell smoke, get out! You don’t want to be lugging around your lawyer’s baggage. You want a persuasive lawyer. Leave attack dogs at home.
4. Ask: “What do you argue other than medical evidence at Social Security hearings?” Listen to the answer. A good Social Security lawyer can explain how he or she will make you a real person for the judge at your hearing, not just a list of diagnoses.
5. Ask: ”What is your win rate?” This is a trick question. Bad lawyers brag and induce you to hire them with a “success” rate. Legal promises like this are unethical. And there is another problem. How do you think a lawyer gets a high win rate? Cherry-picking. Do you want to get dumped before your hearing to preserve the win rate? A good lawyer, on the other hand, will candidly evaluate your case but not promise your result. You want a lawyer who will stay the course.
6. (I saved the best question for last.) Ask: “What do other local Social Security lawyers think about you?” Then ask, “Can I call one that doesn’t work with you?” A good lawyer will smile and hand you a card with a local name and a phone number. A bad lawyer will try to explain his or her reputation. If you might be talking with a bad lawyer, you might want to hire the new one on the card. Good lawyers invite you to compare.

Here are some ways to Bipolar-Proof your job!

Ask yourself these questions.

What am I good at? What do I like doing? Some people make a career out of an interest. Jot down some ideas.
What ideas do others have? You could ask a mentor, a senior relative, a former supervisor who treated your illness fairly. Take their ideas and put them in the mix—your decision will be based on lots of ideas, not just one piece of advice.
Will my new plans allow me to make enough money? How much is enough?
How many hours a week can I manage? This is important if you are just coming out of a crisis.
Decide how much challenge you want or boredom you can tolerate. Too much of either could trigger an episode.
What industries are likely to be tolerant? Surprisingly, the health and human services sector can be among the most discriminatory towards their staff. Try to find out what the organization culture is like before you go for an interview.
Do I need to retrain? Can I survive on a low income while I study? Am I studying in an area where there is a skills shortage and therefore more jobs with better pay?

Making your job bipolar-resistant
A bipolar-resistant job is one that is protected from discrimination and unfair dismissal. Some jobs are more bipolar-resistant than others, for example seasonal rural jobs, and permanent jobs where there is cumulative sick leave.
First ask yourself a few questions!




What am I good at? What do I like doing? Some people make a career out of an interest. Jot down some ideas.
What ideas do others have? You could ask a mentor, a senior relative, a former supervisor who treated your illness fairly. Take their ideas and put them in the mix—your decision will be based on lots of ideas, not just one piece of advice.
Will my new plans allow me to make enough money? How much is enough?
How many hours a week can I manage? This is important if you are just coming out of a crisis.
Decide how much challenge you want or boredom you can tolerate. Too much of either could trigger an episode.
What industries are likely to be tolerant? Surprisingly, the health and human services sector can be among the most discriminatory towards their staff. Try to find out what the organization culture is like before you go for an interview.

Do I need to retrain? Can I survive on a low income while I study? Am I studying in an area where there is a skills shortage and therefore more jobs with better pay?

Making your job bipolar-resistant

A bipolar-resistant job is one that is protected from discrimination and unfair dismissal. Some jobs are more bipolar-resistant than others, for example seasonal rural jobs, and permanent jobs where there is cumulative sick leave.

You can do a lot to improve your job’s security against discrimination.

Don’t tell your secret. If you have not disclosed to anyone at work that you have bipolar, keep it that way.
Do as much as you can to stay well. Find out about the large number of steps you can take.
Protect your reputation. If you doubt that you can get through a day without symptoms messing things up, stay at home, even if it means a day without pay. To go to work could mean you lose your job.
If you have told your boss, ask for workplace changes that will make a difference to your health, for example starting a bit later so any sedative side effects have worn off.
Use your allies. Confide in a trustworthy friend. Tell your friend some of the signs of oncoming illness and ask him or her to let you know if they see them. That way, you have not only yourself watching for symptoms, but also an objective friend. Then you can take action to prevent the illness getting worse.
If you end up losing another job because of bipolar, look at it as an opportunity to do something better, more prosperous, or more interesting. Each time you dust yourself off you add to your knowledge, stamina and wisdom.

You may also be able to create a job for yourself!

Creative ideas for jobs!

Click Here

Try to create a job that is flexible and not to demanding.  You do not want to get into something that will trigger your Bipolar.  The usually means doing something you enjoy!  Take it slow and do not put pressure on yourself.  If you have a hard time dealing with people, stay away from that.  Choose something that you can do by yourself.

Here are some more ideas!

1. Art (people love to buy unique things.)  Find things that people to not want that you can get for free. Picture frames, furniture, jewelry, clothes,etc.  Change them and make them into gifts.  you can get some more ides by going to the post on hobbies.  For hobbies post Click Here.

2. Shopping (create a job by shopping)  A lot of people do not have time to grocery shop or they are not able to drive.  You could be a valuable resource for them!  Offer your service on Craig's list, slowly you will build a good clientele.

3. Computer (create a job tutoring beginners)  There are a lot of people that still no noting about computers.  Charge a little less than everyone else and you will eventually get work.  The best thing about this is that you can set your own schedule!

4. Yard work (work outside)  Working on someones yard is good for your mind and can make you some extra cash.  So many people do not have the time to work on their own yards.  You can even make a business pulling weeds.  Start with people you know and trust.  If you do a good job for them, and they are satisfied, give them a few flyer's to give to their friends.    

Just remember to keep it simple and do something that you enjoy!