Jobs For PTSD

[Babablacksheep]

PerfectEmpire, thank you for posting this. This helps me see a little bit more clearly why some of my past jobs works and why some didn't work.

 

[arcc14]

Teaching has been the best for me. I believe is because I am basically in control of everyone else in the room. I set the tone of the environment and decide what is discussed and in what way. The only hard part is walking to my car in the dark after class is over.

 

[Cheshire]

I work from home and for myself, doing transcription work. So I have the freedom to work any hours I like, I can take a break whenever I want, and the only way I have to deal with people is in a virtual sense - email, Skype or MSN, and very occasionally, by phone. I love my work, it's interesting, and I get to stay home and in my pajamas all day :D and despite the fact that technically I'm still isolating myself, it's productive in a way that I can deal with, so it balances itself well, imo.

 

[Vee Lagrome]

I work as a part-time academic at a rural university, and it is perfect. No loud noises, no sudden movements, large windows for natural sunlight, located in a quiet spot. The work is mostly routine, and when it isn't it's not a fuss because there are no massive surprises to deal with. And the best of all - so long as I get the work done, and I turn up to teach my classes on time, it doesn't matter if I turn up at 12pm. My classes have all been arranged to be in the afternoons.

Yeah, I think this is a great choice for PTSDs. I'm trying to get into teaching, but my current sort of thing seems to be going all right for me so far... I'm writing and looking for a part time job. For me, the commitment is a big scary thing, but a part time job means less commitment, which makes me feel more comfortable. I also don't do well in environments where I'm being super closely supervised, so having the autonomy of teaching at the college level and of writing is really great, I think.

 

[caliaviator]

The ideal job for me would be to run my own flight school since my degree is Aviation Business Administration. My job is going to be pretty hectic and unpredictable hours since I have to run an airport. Probably not the best job for someone with PTSD, but I've always loved aviation and I'm not gonna let some disorder screw me over on my dream occupation; I'm way too stubborn.

 

[Rydia]

I'd like to do housekeeping or data entry again. I just applied for a library assistant position and I REALLY hope I get it!
Anything but another customer service job :eek:

 

[Emilie]

Working from home is great but hard to pull off, especially if your home is a trigger. I do secretarial work out of the home for my father-in-law's friend's book company, it's repetitive, speaks for itself, and I only have to interact with people over email.

 

[Addy]

How about working in some type of spa environment? Soothing music, relaxing and calm atmosphere.

 

[jka37]

I agree with Lisa: it's not so much the job as it is the people and the environment.

Some possible guidelines:

Environment
-No thrashing, banging, or other forms of cacophony
-No constant movement, bustling about, or chaos
-Plenty of repetition and predictability - practically hypnotic and very calming
-Lots of natural light
-Plenty of exits, easily escapable, first floor a plus
-Private, single-stall bathrooms that are well lit, lockable, and clean
-Located in a safe area away from crime
-Not too rural/isolated but not trapped in the middle of the city either
-Choice between stairs and elevator if not on first floor
-Well lit parking lot, close parking
-Very little traffic and a short commute

People/Culture
-Task oriented job with flexible schedule (it's okay to be late or come and go as you please as long as the job gets done)
-People who don't talk too loud
-Relaxed dress code
-People who are educated in counseling/communication
-People who are mature and not dramatic
-People who are emotionally healthy

It's as if the perfect job is changing light bulbs in upscale counseling offices! It's task oriented, it doesn't matter what you wear, the other professionals are trained and mature, and there is no clocking in and out.

So what jobs fit this list?

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I'm realizing how lucky I am...I sell insurance, make my own schedule and work from home, in my kitchen, which I like very much!

My job distracts me from my trauma most of the time...the only problem is that I stress a LOT about making my numbers each month. I need to learn to deal with that stress. God is good to me.

 

[Sandra]

I don't have to worry about a job anymore since I am retired. Needless to say I did work in a very toxic work place. It was nothing but back stabbing, liars, gossipers, harrassers and sexual harrassers. Glad I am retired and don't have to deal with that crap anymore.

 

[No-Twitch-Tabitha]

I have a voice disorder (Muscle Tension Dysphonia) as well as PTSD. I've been attempting to find work from home because my former profession has very few positions that don't require phone work - and I don't seem to qualify. It's frustrating^2!

I've had very little luck finding a workplace with mature people - does that even exist any more? My last workplace was especially bad - grade-school behavior was embraced and encouraged. It was sickening to watch for those of us who have outgrown that crap.

 

[Anna]

Postman/woman. You can enjoy the fresh air and you work at your own pace.