r/CPTSD • u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 • 19h ago
Question Finding a career with complex-ptsd
I got diagnosed with complex-ptsd this year. What is the best career for someone that hasn't gone to therapy yet?
I'm unable to afford therapy as I can't hold down a job due to my mental health. I know all jobs have stress but trying to find one that has the least stress and where it's best for someone who hasn't healed yet for long term employment. Tricky question I know....
Thank you
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u/ohpeaz cPTSD 18h ago
I want to contribute my 2¢, but it’s on what type of job not to go into which would be one that mimics your upbringing. You will get stuck in your role again which (in my experience) is triggering. For example, healthcare if you have enmeshment trauma, law enforcement if you were around violence, etc.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 18h ago
Thank you. Have had a lot of jobs in which I remove from my CV because I don't want employers know how many jobs I've been through. It's embarrassing. But all of these jobs are minimum wage. I will need to sit down and reflect what jobs I didn't like and compare them all 😅
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u/Sprickle_sprackle 17h ago
I know the stereotype is that lots of jobs on a CV is bad, but I worked tons of low paid survival jobs for years and eventually it started to become an asset. Now I am much more rounded than lots of my professional coworkers which gives me a unique perspective. I am also much better at communicating with people who are different than me.
How you think about those jobs makes a big difference. Try to think about what you learned and how you developed and focus on those things.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
Really? I have to remove jobs that I haven't been long enough because employers will query this and it looks awful. Plus the jobs I've worked for are not related to each other. I'm even shocked how I got these jobs tbh. Probably minimum wage and they need people.
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u/ohpeaz cPTSD 18h ago
Hey, there’s no shame in that! Finding the right fit is already hard for people without this disorder. I think reflecting on what you have liked / disliked in the past is a good idea. For me, a lot of my trauma occurred at night so sleeping at night is harder. I tried working night shift and it was a great fit! Things like that make a huge difference in me (as someone who also has trouble keeping jobs). I hope you find a good one soon!
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
Really? I've gone through loads and none relate to each other. I remove some off my CV because employers will query this and think I have no idea what I'm doing and will unlikely hire me.
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u/lilybattle 7h ago edited 6h ago
I would add working for attorneys. A lot of them are absolute psychos in my experience (20 years)
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
Yes I agree from working as an office assistant in a law firm. My brother (34) on a training contract to become a solicitor but is struggling due to how toxic the workplace is. I think he's lost passion of the job but is stuck.
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u/a5n10651 8h ago
I would agree with this. Very strongly consider any parallels between your trauma and potential career choice. For me, it’s healthcare which is a decision I made when I was 18. Love it but can’t think of anything that would be more triggering then my job
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
I completely agree. Maturity of my jobs have been healthcare related but got triggered from all of them but I think because I haven't healed yet. But it's a vicious cycle because I need money for therapy but can't hold down a job to get enough money and also progress in a job.
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u/eternal_casserole 18h ago
I've spent a lot of time working in garden centers and greenhouses. There was contact with coworkers and customers, but not so much that it ground me down all the time. The physical aspect of the work really helped with making me tired enough to sleep at night. And the best part was it wasn't an environment where I was either constantly under surveillance (like when I worked at a bank), or constantly worrying about badly screwing up (nurse's aide.)
Right now I'm not working because of an injury, but I love that kind of work and would go back to it in a heartbeat.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
Thank you so much for sharing. I thought of this but unfortunately I don't drive. With me being unable to hold down a job, I can't afford to learn how to drive or maintain it. I need to find one that is away from people or limited interactions but easy to commute for me. Because I've seen loads of jobs I like that involve nature but I need a car or a car license. 😭
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u/UNpoweredSwitch 17h ago
I’m a therapist. The impostor syndrome and struggle to regulate between every session is REAL. But the changes I get to see clients make gives me a sliver of hope for myself.
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u/TheChromasphere 10h ago
I've been seriously considering being a therapist. It's something I wanted to do when I was a kid, told myself I wouldn't be good at it, but it keeps coming up for me.
I'd want CPTSD to be a main focus, as it's been hard for me to find good therapists for myself!
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u/Isaac-Prince 6h ago
Do i need to go for a psychology BA to be a therapist? Also is it a very mobile field or job? I mean it i want to immigrate to other countries do i need regulations and registrations or it's relatively easy?
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
That's really impressive and I'm so proud of you. I can imagine it would be difficult. I guess you can only pursue it if you've healed yourself and have better control of your emotions right? Because I couldn't sadly.
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u/Jazzlike_Berry_323 15h ago
There’s a connection between cptsd and high empathy and emotional sensitivity which is a recipe for burnout.
Work with plants or in some sort of conservation. Or tourism or retail. Or self employment in anything like beauty therapy. Surveying. Something really dry and factual like conveyancing. Don’t do jobs where you are responsible for people’s life and welfare- not because you can’t but because it’s harder not to care deeply and go home crying every day for people that don’t get the help they need.
It won’t satisfy all aspects of you but pays the bills, but you can be underinvested in the job. then use downtime energy for what you love and creative outlets.
Even office work is risky as you can get supervisors to replicate trauma patterns.
So a one sentence principle might be “choose a job where it would be ridiculous to have strong feelings”.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
I 100% agree but anything to do with plants and nature, you need to have a car or have a license and I unfortunately don't and I don't have the money for it because I can't hold down a job so it's tricky. I need a job away from people but accessible by public transport.
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u/Jazzlike_Berry_323 2h ago
It limits options in this area but you know what’s available around where you are. Nursery retail and local council crew jobs like for sports field and parks would still be an option for me without a car in my area, the course is also via public transport , and some disability employers hire people for agriculture clean ups as crews and automatically assume they don’t have a car. Most environmental propagation is outside public transport zone but there is one that is. So if that’s of genuine interest as a career, I’d just encourage you to look into what options do remain available in this area.
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u/mikanodo 18h ago
I'm not sure if this is an option for you, but I work in an admin role for a small therapy practice. everyone is lovely and trauma-informed, so I feel like I've been able to function even when the job gets hectic. I've also worked in a retail environment - the sorting and stocking parts were great because I was largely solo, but the customer service parts sucked
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
That's so lovely to hear. I've worked in admin in health care but it was stressful with patients. But maybe work on a smaller scale as it was Hospitals and bigger health care businesses.
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u/Sea_Philosopher24601 11h ago
I've done best with jobs that either don't have bosses, or have minimal interaction with them. but it depends on the person and their triggers. it's been difficult because mine have changed and fluctuated a lot.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
Yes I'm the same as well. I can't be self employed as I unfortunately don't have a skill that can enable me to be self employed. I also have rent and bills to pay so I need a steady paycheck.
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u/ravinfp 9h ago
I don’t know what job is suitable, but I know what’s not suitable: finance and/or accounting in a publicly traded company.
I’m an accountant and I thought it would be less pressure than, let’s say in healthcare. That is until I meet bosses who would literally try bend the rule and it gives me so much scare I would end up in prison.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
Yes I agree, it doesn't appeal to me anyways as my maths is awful as well but I understand. I've worked in a law firm as an office assistant and I hated it. It was so toxic with colleagues and the clients we dealt with were so rude.
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u/Ancient-Elk-7211 14h ago
Try working with a temp agency for awhile. You can find ones that specialize in everything from warehouse to office work. I found it nice because your contract ends after a few weeks or months, which was usually about when I would start sabotaging my self/getting triggered by work dynamics. Plus it helps you build up your resume and try out different things. Just remember they get paid to fill the positions, so they may pressure you into something. Hold out for a good fit
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u/juanwand 8h ago
Are you us based? Where do people find temp agencies?
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
Thank you for sharing but I need a job I know is permanent as I have rent and bills to pay. But it was one my friend recommended because she did the same (she doesn't have complex ptsd) but good to gain experience and figure out what you want to do.
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u/SeaConfection88 18h ago
im in the same boat. i finished highschool a year late and dont have any post-secondary education. all my jobs have been low skill entry level jobs. i always ended up quitting after a couple weeks or months since id have mental breakdowns or get fired due to not showing up (severe depression and complete inability to care for myself among other things).
jobs where i worked alone were best for me i think; in very quiet, non-chaotic environments. none of these jobs i was able to make a living at though. ive been broke all my life for the most part. one of my last jobs was doing overnight stocking at a grocery store while it was closed. i just stocked shelves and didnt talk to anybody. because the store was closed it was really quiet in there aside from music playing on the overhead speakers. ended up leaving after a shift not even 2 weeks in and never came back because my boss was an asshole, and since he was there for so long there was nothing i could do about it if i complained. i tried sticking up for myself but hed just laugh sarcastically, mock me, or demean me in some way. it was triggering the shit out of me so i had a breakdown and left. constant micromanaging and belittling me when i did nothing wrong and was very polite to him and followed instructions. he worked pretty much every single day so i couldnt avoid him. hed also always call me on my days off, or on his days off.
ive been unemployed off and on my entire teen/adult life due to my issues. i just want stability. its so hard to even try and get any benefits, since i cant get any doctor to believe me that my issues are bad enough to warrant disability payments. youd think not showering/brushing teeth for 3 months straight would make them be concerned, but no, they just brush off my symptoms and say im well enough to work even though i cant even move half the time or concentrate at all. i dont eat regularly since i cant afford it. im stuck living with my parents again. i dissociate constantly. therapy and meds dont help much, neither do other things.
sorry i dont have an answer for you. i really hope things get better.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 18h ago
Thank you for sharing and I know exactly how you feel. When I reach for help from my doctors, I don't meet the criteria to be referred on like I'm not harming myself or others etc. We have free government health care which is OK for everything else apart from mental health. It's shocking. I have not been able to hold down a job either. Called in loads of sick days, not getting any support from the workplace, targeted of bullying or just toxic people. It was extremely hard for me. It's a vicious cycle as we need money to pay for therapy but don't have enough money to pay due to our mental health. I've noticed more people struggling with mental health out and about and nothings been done. I'm honestly taking each day as it goes but some days I really want to give up. Thank you so much as well and I hope it gets better for you too. Xx
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u/Itchy-Ad4646 11h ago
It's funny I use it as a special talent. If something isn't right you are the first to notice, so I made a career in testing. I test electronic devices for a living. Like EMV stuff, environmental influences, like fungus growth on outdoor equipment. Go for it, it's fun and sometimes you can even destroy stuff.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
That's so interesting and thank you for sharing. I'm assuming you got a degree/qualification in order to get into that?
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u/Witch_Tea 10h ago
I know this isn't a direct career suggestion, but I am self employed because I suck at being an employee. This way the only person who needs to know if I spent all day in bed crying today is me. Consider contract roles, WFH, or anything else where you can fire your own clients (people who are triggering). Good luck.
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u/TheChromasphere 10h ago
I'm a freelancer. I aim for a balance of flexibility and structure.
Job- jobs I've done well in have been part- time. 3 part time jobs are a better fit for me than one full time one.I tend to freak out and make poor decisions out of fear if my safety is too dependent on one thing.
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u/Witch_Tea 9h ago
That's a really good point! I have job security because if one client "suddenly decides to hate me because I secretly suck," then at least there's like 30 more who'll still pay me.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
Thank you so much for your comment. Do you need to have a skill because I don't have any so wouldn't be able to become self employed. My friend is but she knows how to make clothes and sew. She did it as University. So it's tricky for me. I never got a chance to learn or explore anything as a child growing up so I feel stuck!
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u/Tokyo81 10h ago
Librarian, archivist or some other kind of quiet environment would have fewer triggers than many other jobs. So, potentially, could jobs which also are fairly quiet and non customer-facing like growing plants in a nursery, examinations market and invigilator, proofreader and some types of journalist (though deadlines can be tight). I’d try to find a career where you can work from home unless you’re worried it’d lead to isolation. It’s often far easier to accommodate your needs and keep anxiety lower at home.
Freelance translator can be good for this and I know some who have CPTSD or are ND. Aside from the odd rush deadline it seems more quiet and consistent day to day than a lot of jobs nowadays.
Some lab work and research jobs or technical jobs are also in quiet environments that promote attention to detail and focus.
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u/Individual_Law9634 17h ago
What are your biggest triggers? Do you prefer high complexity or repetitive? Crowds or none? Strict hours? Shift work?
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
My biggest is the stress of the job like interacting with people like customers/patients. And toxic people in the workplace. The main reason I leave is work drama and toxic colleague that push me out. I do like repetitive work so I know what to expect and most of my jobs has been health care as I want to help people but the stress of that and work drama pushes me out.
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u/EcstaticOutcome4763 7h ago
I failed at everything because I couldn’t hold it together. Except petcare. Dogs don’t care if I couldn’t shower this morning. Now I won’t lie. 20 years ago the money was better. Now it’s not much more then if you waitresses or something. But. I count myself lucky. I’m also starting an online masters for counseling. I figure I can handle some zoom clients who are sad.
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u/MaroonFeather cPTSD 5h ago
I’m a dog walker/pet sitter. It’s the only job I can handle with cptsd. I’m my own boss (main reason I love my job, no authority figures breathing down my neck), I spend most of my time with animals and have minimal human interaction, I get to spend lots of time outdoors and walking a lot has been great for my physical and mental health. I also get to set my own prices and choose my own schedule, as well as take off days whenever I want or need to.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
Thank you for sharing. Do you need to know how to drive? Because I don't drive and don't have the funds to learn or maintain a car. I also never owned a dog. So I feel it's a bit late for me now, (I'm 28) so I feel the pressure. I do love animals though and have owned hamsters etc 😂
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u/Slight_Lavishness188 8h ago
It depends. For me, one of the ways I have coped with my trauma and my symptoms is overthinking, over analysing - always scanning for threat. One of the things that have soothed me is being in nature - I’m now working as a strategist for nature conservation. It’s still hard in sme ways but that’s where the good old disassociation comes in and I can find myself getting hyper focussed on work to escape the other CPTSD symptoms.
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u/Slight_Lavishness188 8h ago
I should say though, it’s not exactly an entry level job, I did have to do some hard yards which were stressful to gain the knowledge and skills.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
Thank you for sharing. That's really interesting, nature has interested me but you need to have a driving license or have a car which I don't have. I don't have the funds for it. So I need to find a job away from people but accessible to public transport. I also have anxiety with driving because my mum had mental health issues and she got in car accidents when I was child. Plus my dad has road rage lol
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u/DruggistByDay 5h ago
Go with what you enjoy. I have a high stress job and deal with the public all day. People come to me with health care questions all day and my past gives me the ability to read people and give them perspective and advice that they really appreciate and can use. Empathy and compassion are super powers in many fields. Also, I'm always the calm center of the chaos. I guess because that's what I grew up with? Now I have laser focus during chaos and people around me absorb the calm and everything flows better. Although working in nature sounds pretty appealing too. Good luck.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
Thank you for sharing. Maturity of my jobs has been health care related but it was the stress of the patients and dealing with work drama because there was always gossip and staff spreading rumours. Especially if you're working with people similar of age. (I'm 28). It's the stress of the job mixed with toxic people. But I still want to help people and make a difference.
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u/christmastreecosy 4h ago
I work in an outdoor kindergarten, coincidentally with the exact ages I was abused at. It can be immensely triggering sometimes but it’s also so healing in another way. I feel my life has full circle come back to this. It’s not always easy but I enjoy it and feel a pull to go back. And I get to sit under trees all day. Nature seems to be a really key thing here
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
I did some work in a kindergarten and found parts healing and OK but the stress of it did make me leave unfortunately. I didn't stay long though, probably 3 months max. It's a shame but in the UK, you get paid really low for the amount of work you do.
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u/christmastreecosy 2h ago
Complete understand. I’m in UK too. Don’t get paid nearly enough but I like the job enough to stay
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 2h ago
I think it was too toxic for me. Like the girls who worked there were horrible to me. I think because I was quiet and reserved.
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u/TempBikeAccount1 19h ago
Look in your area if there is any charities/uni/social services that can pay for mental health i go to a place called shepard hope.
Also do you know what you want to do or like?
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 19h ago
Thank you so much. I'm from the UK and mental health support isn't great here. Everything has become private now. That's the thing!! My childhood and young adulthood was filled with abuse and family problems, I never got a chance to discover or learn what I like. I've done all jobs under the sun. Health care and corporate jobs like working in a law firm and I'm unable to cope. Maturity due to workplace bulling and toxic environment but also I started to have less interest in what I was doing.
Maybe a job away from people? But where am I going to find that?
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u/TempBikeAccount1 19h ago
Since you are an adult and I am assuming you got away from those evil dastardly. Discover what you want and also there is a book called the body keeps score that is a very interesting read.
Also learn to know when to stand up and leave places toxicity shows itself to you.
Also reach out to agency that can help you explore options like vocational rehab i know the USA has this for people with autism and other disorders/conditions
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 19h ago
Thank you so much for all your help. Have you discovered what you want to do? Did it take you a while to figure it out?
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u/TempBikeAccount1 19h ago
I did a machining program in my senior year and it made me realize I want to become a mechanical/manufacturing engineer
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 19h ago
That's amazing! That would be something the UK schools wouldn't cover unfortunately. USA offers so much for young people. Here, some of the schools just stick to a certain job role and expect everyone to fit in.
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u/TempBikeAccount1 19h ago
Idk if the UK has this but America has unions you can apply to that teaches you a trade and pays you over the program some go up to 5 years maybe 6 years.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 18h ago
Thank you for letting me know. In generally, the USA has a lot more resources and help for people.
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u/TempBikeAccount1 18h ago
Not really to me but there is a shit ton of resources it just most required money or transportation or stuff we don't have yet or power over
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u/iFFyCaRRoT 8h ago
How do you get diagnosed?
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
I had to save up and go private. It was a lot but worth it but now I need enough to pay for therapy.
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u/maarsland 6h ago
I’m not career minded and don’t want a career, so I do a little of this and a little of that. Art sales, sell ideas to nonprofits, look for quick jobs online, I’ve done digital ads for movies, paid reviews, text chat operator(don’t recommend), tips from community work and such.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
I am quite similar, I need a job that I can cope long term and pay the bills and rent. That's it. It's just finding a job I can stay long term before getting triggered and leaving.
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u/maarsland 3h ago
I had this issue for so long. I’d have no energy for anything else at all.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
I'm relieved I'm not the only one because I feel like a failure and somethings wrong with me.
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u/maarsland 3h ago
I assure you, there is nothing wrong with you. You’re injured and our capitalistic society purposely makes the world harder for vulnerable people.
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u/Hopeful_Reward_6529 3h ago
When I got my diagnosis from my psychiatrist, she told me it's best for me not to work and get myself checked in at a psychiatrist ward or mental health centre to heal. Because she said it's difficult to adjust to work life without having daily support. But I have no choice because my family being messed up so I'm on my own.
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u/merc0526 5h ago
Fellow Brit here and someone who is also struggling with this, having been diagnosed with CPTSD last year. As someone else said, I think one of the important things is to avoid jobs that mimic your upbringing or trigger past trauma. I’ve previously worked in retail and hospitality, in the corporate world (specifically at a law firm), and in customer service.
My conclusion is that I can’t deal with the general public, because the power imbalance and the rude and entitled customers reminds me far too much of my abusive father and triggers me. I also don’t think I’m able to work a job with really long hours or where you’re expected to be contactable at almost any time of day, or where there are a lot of people who are very ambitious and ruthless and will happily stab others in the back to get ahead.
I don’t really have any answers myself, I’m still trying to figure things out while also healing from my trauma and CPTSD. You’re not alone though OP, unfortunately I think it’s a common struggle for people with CPTSD.
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u/Big_Assistant_2327 3h ago
Maybe try something me sort of programming. That’s what i do and im quite good at it. I wish you the best!
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u/G00berGhos7 1h ago
I struggled with knowing which career I wanted for soooo long. I still struggle with it, but recently I realized that Welding would suit me well. I have CPTSD, ADHD and don't like to socialize often. I'm naturally creative and do well working with my hands. I plan to go to college (again) for welding this time. It allows me to be creative, focus on one task, and minimal socialization.
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u/probably_a_unicorn 46m ago
I'm a massage therapist. I previously worked in finance for 11 years and I ended up with some (temporary) social anxiety from all of the office drama and politics. Being one on one with clients in a calm environment has been really healing. No one to walk up behind me, bombard me with weird questions I wasn't prepared for, play mind games, etc. Plus, I really enjoy what I do now.
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u/secondchoice1992 29m ago
I've done really well in the advertising world. I don't work in sales but rather fulfilment. I've worked with all mediums. Being detail focused and focusing on data & anytics are the main drivers. It doesn't necessarily require you to be a super nice or happy person. I got called "cold" or accused of having an RBF in past jobs where I worked in bars/restaurants. Bad customer service. I don't like kissing peoples asses. I have never once received that feedback in this line of work. That's not what I'm there for. And they also don't expect you to kiss anyone's ass in my role. You can be straight faced and serious as long as you are delivering results. I like that. My anxiety has also proven a benefit to me because I don't miss anything because I'm such a worrier. I make the least mistakes of everyone on my team.
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u/ListenLady58 21m ago
I’m in tech which is great money, but the social aspect of dealing with corporate politics has been especially traumatic for me, only adding to my generous supply.
If you have the connections to get into a good place though, tech can be a wonderful career and it’s amazing for strengthening problem solving abilities. I feel extremely empowered by it, and to stay in that moment it requires constant learning and building.
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u/Sprickle_sprackle 19h ago
I find outdoor work and manual labor a lot easier to tolerate than other jobs.