for instance maybe doing volunteer work or something that you can do without being apart of a company or having a boss? trying to think if there is any meaningful work us people with schizophrenia can engage in regardless of earning money?
3 Likes
I have worked for myself for 23 years, no boss other than the customer, it has been a roller coaster ride, some times good and other times a struggle. Right now is a struggle with a down turn here in the economy
5 Likes
thank you for sharing… do you know what kind of self employed careers are good for us or maybe common that you see among our population?
Not to be a downer, but if you haven’t gotten slammed by the auto insurance rate increases yet, you will. Our new provincial govt removed the rate cap at the AIRB last year and we’re seeing 15-20% increases across the board, on average. I have customers flipping their lids on me several times per week now and it’s not something I have any control over.
Anyway, just a heads-up. EVERYONE is getting dinged on renewal.
2 Likes
Were all different in terms of what we want to do and what we can do, some people can not work, some have no desire to, some would love to but like myself would, probably get fired, my point being is we all have to find our own path in life and what we can handle.
I don’t think on a forum you can judge what a person is able to do
1 Like
Mine is commercial so was never under the cap thing, they raise it every year, no accidents in years and they don’t seem to worry about me to much, my trucks are older and they never ask for a safety, not that I would worry they both go in once a year for a complete safety and are fixed. Just paid $679.00 for light issues to be fixed, and of course it has to go back in cause they never fixed the main problem it went in for lol
3 Likes
I’m an artist (fine art and working actually on becoming a licensed tattoo artist as well) and that is a career… it is hard tho cause you have to prepare your biz for when you have episodes… or prepare your clients. It’s hard to be reliable w schizo. Stress and anxiety are major triggers and it’s hard to not experience either when running a business… But like as an artist there is alil give there where some other businesses might not have a way to be that flexible… but sure it’s possible I believe
1 Like
Hard, but still possible if you’re stable enough. I’ve been a…
- Chef
- Video store manager
- Security guard
- Computer Tech up to Systems Analyst
- Technical Author
- Technical Trainer
- School Bus Driver
- Professional DJ (still am)
- Professional Photographer (still doing that, too)
- Fuel Truck Driver
- Insurance Broker (just started fourth year of it)
SZ need not prevent one from working, but it depends on the person and their condition.
8 Likes
I used to do volunteer work until my most serious bout with depression, and I loved it. Even if you can’t get paid or can’t be reliable, there are often things you can find. For example, a nursing home near me has an open door policy for volunteers visiting the elderly. You just go in when you can. That’s really helpful for someone like me who doesn’t show up to half the things I’m supposed to. If you aren’t even up for that, try doing a few things at home. A hobby, exercising, coloring, video games to relax… anything goes. The point is to stay active in some way.
3 Likes
I’m not that stable lol. I can’t work in social situations very well . I actually haven’t seen ppl in half a year again now. But yea that’s not always the case… but artist is good for me for that reason when this happens… But that’s so awesome for you! And congrats on ur current jobs! That so great!!
Well I don’t know what your aptitude is in a lot of things, but I know a lot of schizophrenics enjoy computer related work.
There’s a lot of IT careers like computer support that you can often work at home if it’s available in your area.
Then there’s the more programming side of computer jobs. Like coding and software development.
Just some food for thought. 
2 Likes
I’ve been on a government pension since 2004. I live a rich and realized life still. I volunteer at my cricket club and usually do 2 or 3 days a week. Most days are around 4 hours but travel is 1 1/2 hours on a good day there and back.
I still play cricket at 49 years of age and I’m still one of the better bats in our lower side. I’ve gotten fit enough that now I bowl now and then too.
I have half a dozen friends I’ve known since high school. I see them or talk to them regularly. No matter what you do you can still have a decent life for sure and there’s many here who do.
2 Likes
I don’t think I can work for anyone anymore. I have some severe symptoms and racing thoughts other than a mixed sleep schedule. I tried pushing myself but it didn’t work. I don’t have the capability. I’ve been freelancing for a few years.
3 Likes
@MadKatt interesting… i was wondering how you are able to profit off your fine arts work or career?
@Montezuma yes i went to college for 1 year and got a certificate in html coding or web development but never pursued it afterwards. i took a class in programming a few years ago but was like 4/5 the way done before i got ill and had to stop.
@mermaid1 yea i am also concerned that my racing thoughts and symptoms would return if i tried to go to the average workforce or get a min wage job etc. plus when i get put on the spot and people start expecting things from me like showing up on time thats when i get even more stressed out and cant sleep good and that makes going into work and being at work and getting things done a lot more difficult.
4 Likes
I worked as a DJ for ten years, a baker for five years, an ABA counselor for eight years, a cashier for one year, and a nonprofit administrator for two years. I’m currently taking a break to raise my son. I’ve been working consistently since I was 12 years old, the youngest you can legally work in my state.
2 Likes
With a cert in HTML, you could probably freelance as an SEO specialist if that seems interesting.
2 Likes
Warehouse work! That’s what I’m currently doing for income.
1 Like
That’s masculine as ■■■■, and even more so with SZ. Hero!
I was homeless when I got diagnosed. I ended up sleeping on my sisters loft floor for 6 months whilst I waited for benefits.
6 months later they didn’t come, and I was less paranoid, so I made up with my parents and moved back with them for a time, and told the benefits people where to go as I was angry with them.
I got a job and I have been there ever since. I started off packing envelopes part time, and now I work four days a week as a data analyst.
It can be tough, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I now live independently, and apart from occasional relapses I cope quite well with it.
2 Likes
i do loads, my day is almost completely full lol
- College student (3 years)
- Carers volunteer (starting again soon)
- Clubhouse Member (various tasks) ongoing
- Cleaner (paid employment) 8ths
- Carer for my Mum (various tasks) ongoing
doesnt seem like much but it was and is for me, i’m just trying to fill my day and do some good, not to bothered about paid work at the moment but maybe in the future.
3 Likes