Peer Support Specialist
I think being a peer support specialist is one of the coolest and most rewarding jobs you can have when you have bipolar disorder. A peer support specialist is someone who is living with a mental illness and offers support to other people with mental health issues.
There is some training involved in getting certified as a peer support specialist, which varies from state to state. It is relatively inexpensive, and it lasts just a few short months. Once you have been trained and certified, you have to be approved by the state you live in to work.
If you become a peer support specialist, you will work for mental health facilities or healthcare organizations. You have to be willing to share openly about your mental health issues with clients and share strategies that have worked for you.
The great thing about being a peer support specialist is that employers understand that you are battling a mental disorder. They are very compassionate and supportive when you need time off to take care of yourself.
Many companies offer flexible hours and part-time schedules for those who are not capable of completing a 40-hour workweek. The pay rate is good, and most companies provide excellent benefits.
This is a great way to help others by bringing hope and healing into the lives of those who are still struggling with mental health challenges. Those who work in the field say that their work is very fulfilling.
Work-From-Home Jobs
In the world of modern technology, many companies now provide work-from-home opportunities to employees. All you need is a computer or a telephone, and the companies will usually provide the necessary equipment. Working from home can be an optimal career choice for those of us with bipolar disorder.
You would be surprised about the many positions available that allow you to work from the comfort of your own home – in your pajamas – in the company of your emotional support animals without having to wear makeup, put on a suit, or make a commute in traffic. Oh, the many benefits you can enjoy when you work from home!
Entrepreneur Selling Professional Services
I talked about how you can make money selling products. You can also find a way to make an income selling services. That is what I do – I am selling a service. I can do my job from anywhere in the world. All I need is my laptop and some good-old-fashioned brainpower.
There are all sorts of professional services you can offer to the world for a fee. Here are a few examples:
- You can clean houses. I happen to know a couple of cleaners who make $50-$75 an hour!
- You can be a tutor. There are lots of sites you can join that will connect you directly with kids or college studies who need professional tutoring services.
- You can be a handyman (or woman!) who fixes things that people don’t know how to fix.
- You can provide landscaping services by mowing lawns, gardening, or weed-eating.
Use your imagination! Think about what you are good at doing and get out there and advertise your services. You can get the word out among friends and family members and tell them to tell their friends. You can put a free ad on Craigslist and put up flyers in apartment complexes.
Find Your Niche – You Can Work With Bipolar Disorder!
In this article, I have offered five great job ideas to check out. You absolutely can find employment with bipolar. The problem is, most of us with bipolar pursue job opportunities that simply won’t work for us.
I spent eight months as a high-paid contractor at a financial institution. I hated the job, but I loved the money. My contract was ultimately canceled because of absenteeism and tardiness. They were very unforgiving about the fact that I have a disability. However, it was one of the greatest things that ever happened to me.
I finally accepted that I have no place in conventional, traditional 9-5, clock in and clock out jobs. Not only do I not enjoy that kind of professional atmosphere, I just cannot fit into those kinds of rigid boxes. I love the life I am living now and it works for me.
You only get one life. Find something you love and find a way to make money at it! If I can do it, you can too!
