I work everyday and some days are harder than others. This would be the same even if I wasn't bipolar. There are times when I use sick time or take time off because of an episode and that doesn't include actual medical conditions that need to be addressed. Over the past three years my job has been affective by a number of things that have nothing to do with me being bipolar. The death of my mother from cancer, my father's COPD illness. Him coming to live with my wife and me. My disregarding my bipolar and watching my father slowly, fade away and die this past summer. All this happened in a 2 year period. Now I have to face the bipolar. Work has caused it rear it's ugly head. We all have issues in our personal life and issues at work. The hardest thing to do is not have them mix. I don't let issues that are going on at home affect my work and I DO NOT bring my work issues home. I do not have that many issues at home right now but there are a number of things going on at work that if I brought them home would make my home life worse. That would then cause me to have anxiety attacks or cause a manic episode from lack of sleep from worrying. See if is a vicious cycle. Don't let yourself worry about rumors or the attitudes of other people. I come to work to make a living not to be popular. If I make some friends along the way that is great but not my goal. I have to take care of myself. If I get caught up in cliques or gossip I may be on the wrong side if a regime change does take place. It is tough enough to work and deal with my illness. The energy I expend when I have a bad day is exhausting on a good day it still takes it's toll. That is why I have hobbies like Blogtalk to focus on. I work to live but don't live to work!