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People with borderline personality disorder (BPD) deal with specific symptoms that create specific difficulties. Luckily, these difficulties can be converted into opportunities. This article explains how BPD can affect job choice, the factors to consider before applying, and the ten best careers for people with BPD.
How does BPD affect your job choice?
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) involves intense emotional swings, a strong fear of abandonment, difficulties in maintaining relationships, self-image issues, and impulsive behaviors.
These manifestations may be perceived as weaknesses, but they can also be transformed into opportunities when choosing a career.
1. Intense Emotional Swings
People with BPD often experience rapid mood changes that can last for a few hours to a few days. These emotional swings may prove challenging in workplaces with high emotional demands or unpredictable environments like a news media outlet or hospital.
A more structured, routine career may provide consistency to prevent or mitigate these mood swings.
2. Fear of Abandonment
Individuals with BPD can have an ingrained fear of abandonment and thus be hypersensitive to criticism, which is perceived as a rejection.
Career settings that involve frequent feedback or high levels of interpersonal dynamics may be triggering. Jobs for people with BPD should provide stable work environments and clear expectations to contour a stable baseline.
3. Difficulties in Maintaining Relationships
People with BPD might struggle with maintaining steady relationships, making team-centric professions a less-than-ideal choice. Roles promoting independent work or structured team interactions place less pressure on creating and maintaining relationships.
4. Self-Worth Issues
People with BPD often struggle with a stable sense of self. Identity-driven careers placing a high emphasis on personal branding might exacerbate these issues.
That’s why roles involving behind-the-scenes work are more fitting. In this case, the limelight is more on the task rather than the individual.
5. Impulsive Behaviors
The inherent tendency to impulsivity of people with BPD may lead to unpredictable actions. Jobs that require careful planning and decision-making roles with high stakes don’t benefit from this trait. However, roles valuing creativity and spontaneity do.
5 Factors to Consider When Job Hunting with BPD
Finding the right career with BPD entails considering specific factors associated with a particular role.
1. Qualifications
Like anyone else, people with BPD have unique skills, talents, and qualifications. An ideal career should align with their credentials and provide growth opportunities.
However, people with BPD might take longer than others to complete a course or training. They might also prefer autonomous roles with minimal opportunities for interpersonal conflicts.
2. Environment
The work environment can significantly impact someone with BPD. Jobs that provide clear guidelines, structure, and routine contour much-needed stability.
A supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere is also ideal. People with BPD benefit from constructive, solution-oriented feedback and a culture of open communication.
3. Schedule
Predictability can be reassuring for someone with BPD. Consistent work hours and a stable routine might keep anxieties and emotional swings under check.
On the other hand, roles with erratic schedules or frequent unexpected shifts might exacerbate BPD symptoms. Part-time roles or flexible work arrangements may also allow individuals with BPD to manage their emotional health more effectively.
4. Motivation
People with BPD require roles that provide a sense of purpose and contribute positively to their self-worth. Jobs that align with their passion or personal values lead to higher job satisfaction, just like for all people. Moreover, these careers can protect people with BPD against emotional challenges such as self-worth issues or aversion to criticism.
5. Mental Health Policies
Choosing a career also entails selecting a specific company. And people with BPD should pick a supportive organization with robust mental health policies.
These policies should include access to mental health resources, manager training, counseling services, and employee assistance programs.
10 Jobs for People with BPD
Based on the factors above, here are ten jobs for people with BPD.
1. Library Assistant
This role offers a structured environment, predictable hours, and limited unexpected events. Its interactions occur in a controlled setting, minimizing intense interpersonal dynamics. This career also aligns with the love for knowledge and organization many people with BPD might possess.
2. Graphic Designer
A graphic design career entails a balance of solitary work and team collaboration. The creative outlet can be therapeutic for many, and feedback is often focused on the design rather than personal attributes.
3. Freelance Writer
This job provides flexibility in schedule and environment. Feedback can be managed and processed in a controlled manner without immediate confrontations.
4. Data Entry Specialist
This role offers routine, structure, and minimal interpersonal interactions. The focus is on tasks and not the person, so people with borderline personality disorder don’t have to fear negative interpersonal interactions.
5. Animal Caretaker
Working with animals can be therapeutic and create a sense of purpose. Additionally, animals offer unconditional love, which helps people with BPD manage their self-worth issues and fear of abandonment.
6. Lab Technician
This role is detail-oriented and typically follows a set routine. Lab technicians mix independent work and team interactions in a structured environment. Therefore, people with this career face fewer potential triggers and work in a generally non-judgmental atmosphere.
7. Gardener or Landscaper
Working with plants and nature can be grounding. This job entails routine tasks with immediate results, so it evokes a sense of accomplishment. Plus, landscaping entails creativity and a flexible schedule most people with BPD need to manage their flaring symptoms.
8. Counselor
Some individuals with BPD can make empathetic counselors, especially if they have undergone therapy, too. However, this career requires a solid handle on one’s BPD symptoms and comprehensive training.
9. Artisan
Whether it’s pottery, jewelry making, or other crafts, creating art is a therapeutic way of earning an income. Craftsmanship allows self-expression, flexibility, and independent work, thus meeting most requirements of jobs for people with BPD.
10. Music Teacher
Teaching an instrument offers structured interactions and a clear sense of purpose. Music may also be a soothing outlet for the teacher with BPD.
Wrapping Up
Before choosing a career, individuals with BPD should reflect on their strengths, passions, and triggers – just like everyone.
While the jobs listed above may align well with the unique traits and challenges of BPD, everyone is unique.
Personal experiences and severity of symptoms vary widely, so what works best for one person might not be ideal for another. A career counselor or therapist may provide additional insights to choose the right career.
