Working and BPD

Depending on the level of severity of the borderline symptoms and functioning ability of the person, employment can be successfully obtained and maintained. BPD does not intrinsically limit what a person can do, although it can contribute a difficulty in establishing and achieving personal goals.

Difficulties borderlines may face when considering employment:

Emotional stability
Lack of employment history
Disclosure of diagnosis
Stigma from potential employers
Social anxiety
Managing home and work life simultaneously
overwhelmed by the sense of responsibility
Fear of failing others’ expectations
criminal history from past

A person with BPD should look to their personal strengths and weakness, as well as interests, when making career choices. Interactions can trigger emotions, reactions, and behaviours that can be problematic. Some may be more sensitive than others to criticism or workplace stress.
Poor coping skills, impulsive behaviours, and other issues relating to BPD such as substance abuse, poor sleep, self-injury, absenteeism, and related health issues can further aggravate job performance.

Benefits of working:

decrease social isolation
increase of confidence/self worth
distraction from invasive thoughts
consistent environment and boundaries
can help give a sense of a fresh start
Motivation to start the day.

Tips for finding/entering work:

Voluntary work is a good way to gain experience and gently ease yourself back into a work environment as you can choose what days/times you work and also where and what you want to do.

Education is a positive step towards employment as it will show you are self motivating and have a desire to achieve.

Try not to run before you can walk - try part time work first.

Do something you will enjoy

Work out what your strengths and weaknesses are - if you get socially uncomfortable then working in a job that requires interaction with many people may not be the best idea.

Research the position - will it entail you being given stressful deadlines or targets to reach? If so, how will you cope with that?

A person with BPD should look to their personal strengths and weakness, as well as interests, when making career choices. Interactions can trigger emotions, reactions, and behaviours that can be problematic. Some may be more sensitive than others to criticism or workplace stress.
Poor coping skills, impulsive behaviours, and other issues relating to BPD such as substance abuse, poor sleep, self-injury, absenteeism, and related health issues can further aggravate job performance.

Things that could help the borderline:

Having someone to offer support - especially if rejection letters may lead to a depressive state.

Learning self soothing strategies to use at work - especially important for those with anxiety.

Continuing with any therapy that is currently being undertaken.

Work performance should be monitored regularly so that challenging behaviours can be identified early and addressed before they become an issue.