When choosing a job, or at your current job, try making the following workplace adjustments:

Work in disciplined environments

When you work at a job that has clear expectations and consequences for failing to meet those expectations, you’ll have less room to manipulate and fail. Follow the rules and you will be successful. This kind of structure and discipline will help you thrive.

Consistent Support from Co-Workers and Employers

You don’t have to disclose the specifics of things you struggle with, but make an effort to make positive relationships that will serve to support you. Do your homework on friendship skills and focus on putting your manipulation and sensitivity to the side at work. Allowing workplace relationships to thrive, without judging them or demanding too much of them, will give those relationships a chance to give you the consistent support you need.

Avoid Jobs that are Monotonous

Getting bored will only lead to destructive behaviors. If you find yourself in a monotonous job with repetitious tasks, challenge yourself to have fun, push yourself harder, and look for opportunities within that position to take on additional responsibility and tasks.

Avoid Frequent Shift Changes

Sleep is extremely important for stabilizing mood. By making frequent shift changes, you will disrupt your sleep cycles, which will have very big emotional consequences for you. The goal is to learn how to control your emotions, and by messing with your sleep schedule, you will be setting yourself up to fail.

Journal Exercise: Brainstorm some ways you can make changes in your workplace to improve successful behavior and changes. Out of the brainstormed list, pick one and implement it as soon as possible. Write about how that change is making things better.

]]> http://livingwithbpd.wordpress.com/2009/01/09/workplace-adjustments/feed/ 1 Happy Lists http://livingwithbpd.wordpress.com/2008/12/23/surviving-the-new-year/ http://livingwithbpd.wordpress.com/2008/12/23/surviving-the-new-year/#comments Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:48:45 +0000 Living Strong http://livingwithbpd.wordpress.com/?p=71 ]]> Christmas is a wonderful time — especially for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder.  It’s a great opportunity to completely ignore the bad stuff in life and focus on the fun of the holidays.  If this is you, and you know that you’re secretely ignoring a lot of bad stuff right now, just for the sake of Chrstmas, please prepare yourself for the New Year.

Life will go back to normal.  And that can mean disappointment, loneliness, and having to face reality.  Make a plan on how you are going to keep positive momentum through January.  What steps will you take?

If you are a partner or family member of someone with borderline personality disorder, don’t confront the person during the holidays about avoiding or ignoring problems.  Let them enjoy some peace of mind while they have it.  They are going to have a rough time when life settles down, and they don’t need you harping on them.  Be there to support and encourage.  Withhold your judgment (and potential frustration) and the person with BPD will trust you a little more.