If I get my bipolar depression under control, can I find a new career at 36?

I'm 36 and have had depression all my life, with some periods where I could function a bit better than at other times. I somehow managed to graduate from a good college and law school, dropping out and back in a few times. I practiced law (legal aid) for not even 2 years, but felt I couldn't hack it. I quit before messing anything up too badly. After a period of unemployment, I took an easier job in state government, but after 2.5 years I couldn't take it anymore and quit. I've been unemployed for about 8 months and need a job. I have a new diagnosis (bipolar 2), new medication that I am hopeful about, and healthier habits. But even if I get better, then what? I regret going into law and would like to change paths. I have a lot of interests, but none that really stand out from the rest. I'm worried about picking the wrong thing (again), and washing out (again). Any advice on how to find the clarity to pick a new career path, and the confidence to move forward without regret and fear?

Been there myself. You can go down the conventional medication/drugs route, and have many many bad side-effect, or...you can try alternative medicine:

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Hope this helps.

o f course you can! you can do anything you want, there is no age limit on your dreams! good luck and glad your better!

I'm looking for a new start and I am 49! You can do anything you want and at any age you are!!

Raven,
First of all .. YES .. u can sart a new career u r only 36.
I would like to have a chat with you for an hour or two .. so please IM me ..
will be waiting

At 36 you are still a marketable person and companies will have no problem at all hiring you. My husband had to switch careers due to health problems at the age of 52 and had to go to school to become an Electrician. He has been offerend many jobs but chose to start his own business instead.

Get your depression under control first before you decide to throw yourself into a new career. Since none of the interests you curretly have seem career worthy to you, look for something else. There are many fields out there that you can be trained in, in under 12 months. Many US states have job training through your local Employment compensation office.

Good Luck!!

Shouldn't be a problem. Your only liability is (continuing to take your medication). Usually when an attack is near, you feel you do not need the meds anymore and stop taking them, which puts you out of control again.
I can only suggest that you get yourself a case that allows you to put your pills in for each day of the week, etc. That way by looking you can ensure that you have taken that pill for that day. Remind yourself there is no cure, just staying on the meds is your only hope.
Try to find something you like to do, try some different jobs. I do not know what you majored in, but you could go back and add to your resume with different courses. Maybe you like the Outdoors, who can say. Try and find out what you like and then you have some ground to stand on and a path to follow. Good Luck

36 is a fine age to start a new career, you have experience and an endurance appeal to new employers. Having a degree in anything shows intellegence and endurance.

Why not list the things that bring you joy and look for anything related to those? Some people can work at a job for a paycheck and tolerate anything because thier real life is after they punch out, some people need the incentive of feeling like the work they are paid for has a purpose. I think with your history a job that interests you passionately will help you through the rough patches.

Good luck!

Yes you can find something! I'm 32 and also in a place where i'm trying to move into a new career. I'm scared too at times and not confident in myself at times, but we can do it. You never know unless you try! If you need an email buddy, let me know. I need assurance and motivation too! Maybe we can help each other! I've been too scared to apply places even but I HAVE to do it! You have interests, thats good, some ppl dont. Talk to ppl that are in the fields you are interested in.
The good thing is that your depression is under control and you are feeling healthy again.
Best wishes for you!!!