Some Thoughts on Ethics for the Bipolar Job Seeker

I’ve discussed the dilemma before of looking for a job and the discomfort of bending the truth to gain employment. This is not an easy topic for those who sincerely subscribe to a moral and ethical code, whether it be religiously held or a personal philosophy of upright behavior. Toward the goal of trying to resolve this difficulty, I have created the following attempt to help you sort out where you fall on the continuum of ethics.

There are those who judge this issue in a black and white fashion, but for others the issue isn’t quite as clear. I believe a varied group of people will find help here, those with a strict code of right and wrong and those concerned with the nuances of right and wrong, the shades of ethics grey. Whichever way you are predisposed; here are some thoughts on ethics for the would-be-bipolar job seeker:

1. Living with virtue in an imperfect world.
   You didn’t ask to be bipolar. Your aim is to live by virtue whenever possible.
2. Who is being hurt and who is being helped?
   A job well-suited to you can create a win-win situation for the employer or employee. A less than perfect fit can spell trouble for either party or both.
3. Choose your battles wisely.
   When is struggling on a job worth your while, and when are you in over your head? Creating a pro and con list can help evaluate potential gains and losses.
4. Prove yourself on a job.
   Either suggest a trial period on a job or choose to disclose after, when you feel you’re in a better position to to make your case.
5. Evaluate your ability to withstand anxiety.
   When is following your ethics the wise thing to do, and when do you choose to withdraw, only to live to fight another day? Perhaps you start out with less stressful jobs, building a job history of ever-increasing stress resistance.
6. Don’t allow fear to rule you.
   Living heroically means standing up for the beliefs you have regardless of the discomfort. This has to be balanced with your state of recovery.
7. Discuss your dilemma with a trusted friend, therapist, or religious leader.
   Sometimes it helps getting input in order to arrive at a decision.
   

Whichever way you happen to be predisposed, consider these suggestions food for thought.