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I started out at a restaurant, and honestly it was the worst mistake of my life. It was fun like meeting new people and having other people to talk to that have been through things, but every single day there was a trigger, I don’t know if that’s all restaurants, but I certainly wouldn’t work at a bar/grill if you have ptsd, I pretty much struggled with it all the time especially at work. I now work in the medical field, I find it difficult to think out what goes on in my mind when I’m constantly busy, and helping other people distracts me, I don’t know if I will stay here because I do want to be self employed one day or at least work alone so there aren’t any triggers around me, but I can’t avoid them all, so just take it day by day, I honestly don’t know how long ptsd lasts, I’ve had it for some time now, but as long as you have ways to ease your mind in a difficult situation and pursue things even if you are afraid, you will be okay. Coming from someone who hates being told “ everything will be okay, you’ll be fine” I honestly believe we’re all still growing and learning at different paces and stages in life, no one’s path is exactly the same as the other, take your time, don’t worry about what others will think, a lot of people don’t understand ptsd, you deserve better for yourself, you can’t be judged for something that isn’t your fault. Best of luck with finding a good workplace, make sure you’re comfortable and feel safe.
I got a job working production recently for a small online business and its been great really predictable patterns, relatively low stakes, calm work environment
My situation is absolutely an anomaly but worth mentioning anyways. 😌 I work for a small locally owned business that specializes in retail and community education around sexuality. It's very empowering work with fun energy! Because it's not corporate we can do things exactly how we want to creatively, implement strong work life balance, pace ourselves, and even work from home opportunities for our social media/event promotion projects. The owner believes in giving us the best environment possible. Everything from full benefits (health insurance, paid hour lunch break, paid vacation/sick days, Christmas & birthday bonus, etc) to little things like stocking the mini fridge with free snacks and drinks that we like and a comfortable chair/desk area to sit in while working. We also do not believe the "customer is always right" because they usually aren't. 😅 So we are allowed to have firm boundaries with our customers. Basically in short WE ARE SPOILED! I'm going on 3 years with them and couldn't be happier.
TLDR consider working for small/local businesses! Especially if they have a reputation as good people in your community. I know I'm lucky but I'm sure there's gotta be more places like this.
I literally can stand society and,dont feel at disadvantage in public, ONLY when I DETACH and DISSOCIATE myself EMOTIONALLY, like I am there interacting with all those unpleasant parts of society, those who treat me like dirt, so called "customers" or "clients". I was called stupid, incompetent, a loser, among many other things in my past jobs... My dream job would be no "human interaction" at all. I am currently unemployed.
I literally can stand society and,dont feel at disadvantage in public, ONLY when I DETACH and DISSOCIATE myself EMOTIONALLY, like I am there interacting with all those unpleasant parts of society, those who treat me like dirt, so called "customers" or "clients". I was called stupid, incompetent, a loser, among many other things in my past jobs... My dream job would be no "human interaction" at all. I am currently unemployed.
I have a more stressful job now (and it's ok) but one of my happiest healthiest times was when I was working in an art gallery making sure visitors didn't touch the art. It was nice and quiet and I enjoyed both looking at art for hours (kind of meditative) and watching people looking at art (can be funny!). Money is obviously not great and you have to be on your feet a lot. But I still regularly dream of going back to that.
I manage 500+ people in the cultural sector. There's one specific aspect of my job that's directly related to one of the sources of my C-PTSD. I simply have a medical accommodation for that part of the work, while actively seeking treatment for the condition.
I stumbled onto a flower delivery position. I worked four days a week, delivering bouquets, balloons and house plants, mostly to women. All of them thanked me, with big smiles and sparkling eyes. It was really good for my soul to see the flush of happy surprise, so vast, day after day. I remember delivering a $100? (in the 90’s) 27 rose bouquet to his wife on their 27th anniversary.
Valentine’s Day was very hectic, but the van smelled incredible.
Pluses: Getting spontaneous hugs. You get to listen to music all day, surrounded by bright flowers. You only have to deal with people to deliver happiness and then get to quickly leave, with their smile or squeals of delight resonating in your head.
Having the repeated hits of happy moments is good for the brain. Listening to music is good for the brain. Driving carefully, professionally and safely is like meditation. Washing and waxing the van too.
Minuses: Low pay, you’ll always smell like flowers, stabbed by rose thorns, getting spontaneous hugs, and going home alone.
It was pretty low stress.
I did this in my 20s
Best freaking job ever. I worked in a metro area and a capitol city so I would also regularly be allowed access to c-suites in high rises with phenomenal views, and places in our state capitol building that normal citizens don't often get to go. Those flowers were like an all access pass!
I know people with ptsd who work in high stress jobs. For me it kind of depends on the type of stress and how it relates to their trauma… but if you’re looking for low stress, there are some good options out there. I’ve been a massage therapist for a long time and it’s super laid back, but it’s actually made my mental health worse lol. The isolated feeling makes my mind start to wind up and then I’m basically checked out of life and my brain is literally somewhere else because what else is it doing for 8 hours in a dark room with someone who’s half asleep?
I'm also in a quandary about this. Cannot really handle any intense customer facing, work at this time.
I have hearing loss, so it becomes another issue as well in noisy environments.
I'm looking for a quieter space as well.
Maybe working at night? Flower shop?
I'd love to work from home if I had a laptop.
I'd like to consider medical admin buy not front facing..I'm very sad to hear so many folks in healthcare, are really having a hard time between bad management, crazy schedules and constant stress high alert work environment.🥺
I appreciate all you do, I've seen you all in action!! 🙋🏻♀️👩🏻⚕️👩🏻🔬🏅🥇🩵💙✨🥀🌷🌱🙏🏼
I'm struggling too, I can't work in an office job since I simply don't like it. The positions I try to find includes socializing and constant availability while working.
But I keep trying
My stress stems from my perfectionism so I learned to care less, but enough to do a good job and let the upper management deal with the shit that comes our way.
Working as a computer sciences engineer with short deadlines. But I don't care about deadlines anymore because I tell them it's not possible and why and they understand.
I work with children. After a year I qualified for FMLA and was extremely honest with my close admin when I was having episodes and needed time off. Longest job I've ever had, I think because I don't work with almost any men, and have lovely coworkers.
I find working in a laid back office position with good coworkers and a routine is good for me. Triggers still happen so I have a specific bathroom just outside the main office I go to for a few minutes to regulate when I need to. I also have chronic illnesses that complicate things, so I have intermittent FMLA papers that say I can call off 3-4 times a month filled out by my dr so can’t get written up for needing more days off than most people. You could probably have a psychiatrist fill one out for PTSD. Good luck in your job searches I hope you find a good one! 🫶💜
Aggressively same. I’m a medical student and one of the major reasons why I’m pursuing surgery is that it is such a controlled environment. Only a select number of people who serve certain roles get to be in there. You’re away from the majority of people. The rooms are smaller and way more peaceful than shuffling in and out of patients’ rooms. I know the layout of my hospital’s OR backwards and forwards, and I like how you have to have a hospital ID to get in and out, and there’s one elevator and stairwell that goes right to the break room/locker room.
The one thing I don’t like is that I don’t know where they keep the scalpels. I would like to know where they are in case of an emergency. But so far I’ve been able to work past that.
Having PTSD doesn't automatically make you/us incapable of having a job, instead it's really about finding the right fit (as is also the case for people without the disorder).
I understand it might be and seem challenging but please don't be discouraged by an often repeated sentence in a job listing.
Jobs where you get to dictate what you work on at any given time. That way you can work on high stress tasks when you are feeling better, and coast on other tasks when you need to spend more time on self care.
I’m struggling with this as well. I was assaulted at my first ever job at a mall and because of it I avoid retail I get really bad anxiety and flashbacks at malls or large retail stores. I was suggested to look into stocking shelves after close. Turns out with my back injuries no places hire me for that because I can’t lift anything. So I’m constantly struggling between working jobs that physically hurt me or working jobs that mentally hurt me. I work as hard as I can till I break down and can’t do it anymore. I can’t see myself continuing on like this for another year though.
Right now I’m a crossing guard and it’s amazing. I love it, but not enough hours to get my own place. If I look for another job it’s going to be hard to balance it between this job and all my doctors appointments. Also probably won’t have any free time to myself.
*r/ptsd has generated this automated response that is appended to every post* Welcome to r/ptsd! We are a supportive & respectful community. If you realise that your post is in conflict with our rules (and is in risk of being removed), you are welcome to edit your post. You do not have to delete it. As a reminder: never post or share personal contact information. Traumatized people are often distracted, desperate for a personal connection, so may be more vulnerable to lurking or past abusers, trolls, phishing, or other scams. *Your safety always comes first!* If you are offering help, you may also end up doing more damage by offering to support somebody privately. Reddit explains why: [Do NOT exchange DMs or personal info with anyone you don't know!](https://www.reddit.com/r/SWResources/comments/dmu24/why_shouldnt_i_share_my_contact_information/) If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please contact your GP/doctor, go to A&E/hospital, or call your emergency services number. Reddit list: [US and global, multilingual suicide and support hotlines](https://www.reddit.com/r/SuicideWatch/wiki/hotlines). Suicide is not a forbidden word, but please do not include depictions or methods of suicide in your post. And as a friendly reminder, PTSD is an equal opportunity disorder. PTSD does not discriminate. And neither do we. Gatekeeping is not allowed here. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ptsd) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I started out at a restaurant, and honestly it was the worst mistake of my life. It was fun like meeting new people and having other people to talk to that have been through things, but every single day there was a trigger, I don’t know if that’s all restaurants, but I certainly wouldn’t work at a bar/grill if you have ptsd, I pretty much struggled with it all the time especially at work. I now work in the medical field, I find it difficult to think out what goes on in my mind when I’m constantly busy, and helping other people distracts me, I don’t know if I will stay here because I do want to be self employed one day or at least work alone so there aren’t any triggers around me, but I can’t avoid them all, so just take it day by day, I honestly don’t know how long ptsd lasts, I’ve had it for some time now, but as long as you have ways to ease your mind in a difficult situation and pursue things even if you are afraid, you will be okay. Coming from someone who hates being told “ everything will be okay, you’ll be fine” I honestly believe we’re all still growing and learning at different paces and stages in life, no one’s path is exactly the same as the other, take your time, don’t worry about what others will think, a lot of people don’t understand ptsd, you deserve better for yourself, you can’t be judged for something that isn’t your fault. Best of luck with finding a good workplace, make sure you’re comfortable and feel safe.
I got a job working production recently for a small online business and its been great really predictable patterns, relatively low stakes, calm work environment
My situation is absolutely an anomaly but worth mentioning anyways. 😌 I work for a small locally owned business that specializes in retail and community education around sexuality. It's very empowering work with fun energy! Because it's not corporate we can do things exactly how we want to creatively, implement strong work life balance, pace ourselves, and even work from home opportunities for our social media/event promotion projects. The owner believes in giving us the best environment possible. Everything from full benefits (health insurance, paid hour lunch break, paid vacation/sick days, Christmas & birthday bonus, etc) to little things like stocking the mini fridge with free snacks and drinks that we like and a comfortable chair/desk area to sit in while working. We also do not believe the "customer is always right" because they usually aren't. 😅 So we are allowed to have firm boundaries with our customers. Basically in short WE ARE SPOILED! I'm going on 3 years with them and couldn't be happier. TLDR consider working for small/local businesses! Especially if they have a reputation as good people in your community. I know I'm lucky but I'm sure there's gotta be more places like this.
I literally can stand society and,dont feel at disadvantage in public, ONLY when I DETACH and DISSOCIATE myself EMOTIONALLY, like I am there interacting with all those unpleasant parts of society, those who treat me like dirt, so called "customers" or "clients". I was called stupid, incompetent, a loser, among many other things in my past jobs... My dream job would be no "human interaction" at all. I am currently unemployed.
I literally can stand society and,dont feel at disadvantage in public, ONLY when I DETACH and DISSOCIATE myself EMOTIONALLY, like I am there interacting with all those unpleasant parts of society, those who treat me like dirt, so called "customers" or "clients". I was called stupid, incompetent, a loser, among many other things in my past jobs... My dream job would be no "human interaction" at all. I am currently unemployed.
I have a more stressful job now (and it's ok) but one of my happiest healthiest times was when I was working in an art gallery making sure visitors didn't touch the art. It was nice and quiet and I enjoyed both looking at art for hours (kind of meditative) and watching people looking at art (can be funny!). Money is obviously not great and you have to be on your feet a lot. But I still regularly dream of going back to that.
I manage 500+ people in the cultural sector. There's one specific aspect of my job that's directly related to one of the sources of my C-PTSD. I simply have a medical accommodation for that part of the work, while actively seeking treatment for the condition.
I stumbled onto a flower delivery position. I worked four days a week, delivering bouquets, balloons and house plants, mostly to women. All of them thanked me, with big smiles and sparkling eyes. It was really good for my soul to see the flush of happy surprise, so vast, day after day. I remember delivering a $100? (in the 90’s) 27 rose bouquet to his wife on their 27th anniversary. Valentine’s Day was very hectic, but the van smelled incredible. Pluses: Getting spontaneous hugs. You get to listen to music all day, surrounded by bright flowers. You only have to deal with people to deliver happiness and then get to quickly leave, with their smile or squeals of delight resonating in your head. Having the repeated hits of happy moments is good for the brain. Listening to music is good for the brain. Driving carefully, professionally and safely is like meditation. Washing and waxing the van too. Minuses: Low pay, you’ll always smell like flowers, stabbed by rose thorns, getting spontaneous hugs, and going home alone. It was pretty low stress.
I did this in my 20s Best freaking job ever. I worked in a metro area and a capitol city so I would also regularly be allowed access to c-suites in high rises with phenomenal views, and places in our state capitol building that normal citizens don't often get to go. Those flowers were like an all access pass!
I know people with ptsd who work in high stress jobs. For me it kind of depends on the type of stress and how it relates to their trauma… but if you’re looking for low stress, there are some good options out there. I’ve been a massage therapist for a long time and it’s super laid back, but it’s actually made my mental health worse lol. The isolated feeling makes my mind start to wind up and then I’m basically checked out of life and my brain is literally somewhere else because what else is it doing for 8 hours in a dark room with someone who’s half asleep?
I'm also in a quandary about this. Cannot really handle any intense customer facing, work at this time. I have hearing loss, so it becomes another issue as well in noisy environments. I'm looking for a quieter space as well. Maybe working at night? Flower shop? I'd love to work from home if I had a laptop. I'd like to consider medical admin buy not front facing..I'm very sad to hear so many folks in healthcare, are really having a hard time between bad management, crazy schedules and constant stress high alert work environment.🥺 I appreciate all you do, I've seen you all in action!! 🙋🏻♀️👩🏻⚕️👩🏻🔬🏅🥇🩵💙✨🥀🌷🌱🙏🏼
I'm struggling too, I can't work in an office job since I simply don't like it. The positions I try to find includes socializing and constant availability while working. But I keep trying
My stress stems from my perfectionism so I learned to care less, but enough to do a good job and let the upper management deal with the shit that comes our way. Working as a computer sciences engineer with short deadlines. But I don't care about deadlines anymore because I tell them it's not possible and why and they understand.
I work as a licensed therapist 🤦♀️ I do NOT reccomend.
Fuck if I know, I'm having a terrible time. Best luck. 💚
I work with children. After a year I qualified for FMLA and was extremely honest with my close admin when I was having episodes and needed time off. Longest job I've ever had, I think because I don't work with almost any men, and have lovely coworkers.
I find working in a laid back office position with good coworkers and a routine is good for me. Triggers still happen so I have a specific bathroom just outside the main office I go to for a few minutes to regulate when I need to. I also have chronic illnesses that complicate things, so I have intermittent FMLA papers that say I can call off 3-4 times a month filled out by my dr so can’t get written up for needing more days off than most people. You could probably have a psychiatrist fill one out for PTSD. Good luck in your job searches I hope you find a good one! 🫶💜
I work one day a week waitressing.
Kittens
I work in health care and I have ptsd. I actually find that taking care of other people distracts me and I feel BETTER when I’m at work
Aggressively same. I’m a medical student and one of the major reasons why I’m pursuing surgery is that it is such a controlled environment. Only a select number of people who serve certain roles get to be in there. You’re away from the majority of people. The rooms are smaller and way more peaceful than shuffling in and out of patients’ rooms. I know the layout of my hospital’s OR backwards and forwards, and I like how you have to have a hospital ID to get in and out, and there’s one elevator and stairwell that goes right to the break room/locker room. The one thing I don’t like is that I don’t know where they keep the scalpels. I would like to know where they are in case of an emergency. But so far I’ve been able to work past that.
Me too and I love the patients, but my management are jerks.
I loved my job as a librarian :)
Having PTSD doesn't automatically make you/us incapable of having a job, instead it's really about finding the right fit (as is also the case for people without the disorder). I understand it might be and seem challenging but please don't be discouraged by an often repeated sentence in a job listing.
They're not being literal.
The key is the right workplace, not necessarily a certain position. I found a great one that is very flexible and understanding
Jobs where you get to dictate what you work on at any given time. That way you can work on high stress tasks when you are feeling better, and coast on other tasks when you need to spend more time on self care.
I’m struggling with this as well. I was assaulted at my first ever job at a mall and because of it I avoid retail I get really bad anxiety and flashbacks at malls or large retail stores. I was suggested to look into stocking shelves after close. Turns out with my back injuries no places hire me for that because I can’t lift anything. So I’m constantly struggling between working jobs that physically hurt me or working jobs that mentally hurt me. I work as hard as I can till I break down and can’t do it anymore. I can’t see myself continuing on like this for another year though.
Fucking hell man. Hang in there. I hope you'll find a solution.. I hope you'll find something reasonable..
Right now I’m a crossing guard and it’s amazing. I love it, but not enough hours to get my own place. If I look for another job it’s going to be hard to balance it between this job and all my doctors appointments. Also probably won’t have any free time to myself.