Working Low Paying Jobs to Avoid Disability: The value of work

Because of the problems associated with having bi-polar disorder, it may not be possible to take a job at the skill level you would be capable of were you not ill. Working at all, at whatever you can do is better than going on disability.

Without work, people lose their sense of purpose. Work gives you a reason to get up in the morning and a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day. I would work at anything if it were possible. But, I can't guarantee I'll be able to show up for anything so simple as being a dog walker. It's not reasonable to expect special consideration from your employer just because you are ill. If you truly can't do anything, you will be forced into accepting disability payments and living within the financial constraints of what is often little more than half poverty level.

It is easy if you are not working to fall into bad habits. People end up watching television all day long, or sleeping through the day. These things are very bad for you and your self esteem. I am fortunate (as I have always been) to have my writing to give me something to do. It is not the kind of work that would translate into the outside world, but it is rewarding for me.

Because you may be capable for far more than the skills required for a minimum wage job, you may find mindless work and repetition difficult to handle. But, mindless work allows time for thinking. Stimulate your intellect with what you do at home when your day is done. Even in school, I often had to do outside reading to avoid becoming bored. Do what ever you have to do to make your life rich and full no matter your circumstances.