Success With A Job Anyone?

I was worried to see that there aren't really any success stories in the PTSD forum. Has anyone had any success finding and keeping a job? If so, how are you managing/coping at the workplace?

I have Complex PTSD and have never held a job for even an entire year. I think the longest was 7 or 8 months. Every job I have gotten after that seems to last shorter and shorter. I just can't seem to be around other people for too long. Eventually, I'll find myself in a situation where I'm paralyzed by anxiety and my fight or flight response kicks in. I always feel like I'm going to lose control and have a breakdown or something.

I'm living with my mom and have been unemployed for about three months now. I absolutely dread looking for another job. I keep thinking that the same thing will just happen over and over again. Soon, depression will take over and I'll start coming in late, making excuses for why I can't come in to work, and then I'll ultimately be fired.

I know it can't stay like this forever because my mother is old and I can't rely on her forever. I fear I'll be homeless someday.

So, any advice? Or success stories?

Dear alittlelikemusic,

I am so sorry about these things you are going through. It must be so terribly distressing and my heart goes out to you. I worked in a library because of PTSD. The job involved shelving books and did not involve much interaction with other people. Maybe there are other jobs like this out there. I really don't know. I sure hope you find some work that will not trigger your PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is such a brutal illness and those who have not been afflicted with it cannot really understand how cruel and brutal and debilitating it can be.

I wish you only the very best.

Sincerely yours, Yao Wen

Thank you, Yaowen. I've heard of others working in a library because it seems like a peaceful environment. I once did community service hours at a library during high school. It wasn't the best experience (there was a creepy guy there one time), but the work was pretty easy. I'll see about doing this or something similar. Thank you for your understanding. It means a lot. All the best to you!

Yeah I have had success with different jobs. Then again I guess it depends on how an individual defines success. Lucrative employment can be a challenge at times. I hope you do not define yourself as a global ''failure'' if you at some point go on disability.