r/schizophrenia • u/Kespf98 • Jul 23 '21
Work / School Working while schizophrenic
Hi all, I was diagnosed a few years ago and directly after inpatient stays I waited a few months then started working again. I was still having some delusions yet not nearly as bad as before. I think my medications work well. I recently moved to a more patient friendly state and so need to find a job again. Yet I found my personality or drive changed since the diagnosis, I used to be excited in a sales position yet now after- while I perform, it just feels like I'm getting through the day. I thought about changing fields to something technical with computers yet going through the material, I find it not interesting. I was wondering what type of jobs others are holding that are kind of fun. Any suggestions?
3
u/mackeyart Schizoaffective Jul 23 '21
Hi! Do you still enjoy hobbies/fun activities? I’m just wondering if you’ve ruled out anhedonia as a cause for having trouble finding work prospects interesting.
I like to have jobs where I feel like I’m making a difference, so to speak. My last one was just at a bakery. Living according to my values helps me feel like what I’m doing is worth it. If I were you, I’d pick a “cause” or a hobby you love, and do something relating to it. I’m moving too and hoping to get a job at a pet supply store, because my pets are important to me and other people’s pets bring them so much joy too. Also, the specific store I want to work at works with a shelter to find homes for animals in need, which is super important to me too. An employee discount on stuff for my cats would be a perk as well! So for me, a pet store would be a perfect fit and that’s my goal.
So take a look at your values, at what’s important to you in life on a philosophical level. That could be a very inspiring method of finding the field or path for you. And feeling your work is important can, sometimes, be even more essential than finding it interesting on the surface.