Getting to Work with Bipolar: Excel at the Job and Live Better

Getting to Work with Bipolar: Excel at the Job and Live Better

From Inside Bipolar by Gabe Howard & Dr. Nicole Washington

March 23, 2026 · 43 min

About this episode

The episode discusses how individuals with bipolar disorder can excel in various jobs and provides practical advice for re-entering the workforce.

"What jobs are suitable for someone living with bipolar disorder?" It’s a question that floods our inbox, and the answer might surprise you: almost every single one. From high-powered criminal defense attorneys to surgeons and CEOs, people are nailing it in the workforce every day while managing a bipolar diagnosis. In this episode, hosts Gabe Howard (diagnosed with bipolar) and Dr. Nicole Washington (a board-certified psychiatrist) dismantle the "minimum wage myth" to provide a realistic roadmap for re-entering and thriving in the workforce. We explore why your diagnosis isn't a unique disqualifier, but rather a factor to manage -- much like a pilot respects the weather or a surfer respects the ocean. Listeners Will Learn: Why almost every line of work remains open even after a diagnosis. Practical financial and medical rules for your first year back on the job. How to transition from your couch to a worksite without hitting burnout. How to distinguish between a bipolar symptom and a normal job struggle. Failing often isn't a symptom of bipolar disorder; it’s just part of the universal human experience. Whether you’re currently unemployed, struggling with "failure to launch," or…

People in this episode

Hosts: Gabe Howard, Dr. Nicole Washington

Topics covered

  • bipolar disorder
  • employment
  • workplace challenges
  • mental health
  • self-improvement
  • stigma

Keywords

  • bipolar disorder
  • employment
  • workplace
  • mental health
  • self-improvement
  • job transition
  • stigma

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: criminal defense attorneys, surgeons, CEOs

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