Should you avoid a career in caregiving? Why I, a person with bipolar disorder, continue to work on the front lines

Hello, this is Gozzo. This time, I'm stepping away from day trading to talk about the caregiving job I'm currently engaged in.

“Caregiving is tough, so you should avoid it” Honestly, I've thought that many times. Even so, I am still standing on the front lines today. And I'm doing it while living with a mental illness called bipolar disorder. In this article, I will write honestly about the “reality that isn't all pretty” of the caregiving profession.

This article is aimed at people like this

・People who are wondering whether to get into caregiving
・People who are already working in it and feel it is “tough”

What you will learn from reading this article

・The realistic job duties of a caregiver
・Why it is said to be “tough”
・The reason why I continue to do it anyway

About my position
I am currently working in a caregiving role as a part-time employee under a disability employment program. Although I have bipolar disorder, my job duties are the same as those of a healthy person. To be honest, there are times when I think, “Where exactly is the disability accommodation in this?” On the front lines, I am treated as a productive asset and my shifts are the same as everyone else's. If you ask me if there is any consideration given, it's a bit subtle.

Care work is broader than you imagine

・Serving meals and tea
・Assisting with meals
・Guiding to the restroom
・Changing diapers and pads
・Assisting with bathing
・Brushing teeth and cleaning dentures
・Conducting recreational activities

In other words, it is a job that “supports life itself”.Why is it called “tough”? There are several reasons, but first, there is this.

■ Low wages
Since I do not have a certified care worker qualification, I earn almost the minimum hourly wage. The allowances are also small, and honestly, my life is barely getting by. That is also why I do day trading as a side job.

■ The work is physically demanding
In excretion assistance, unexpected things happen as a matter of course. To be honest, there are times when you get covered in excrement (it's not funny, but I laugh). It's no wonder it's called “tough” and “dirty”.

■ The hardest part is the human relationships
This is the most exhausting part. Especially the relationship with some nurses. Of course, it's not everyone, but

・Condescending attitude
・Harsh way of speaking
・Forcing instructions on others

I have encountered these situations many times.

■ The closeness to the users
The users are in the position of “customers.” Therefore,

・You cannot speak strongly to them
・There are unreasonable demands

There are situations that are close to what is called “customer harassment.” Furthermore, although it is not well known, there are also acts that are close to sexual harassment. I am a man in my 40s, but I have had my buttocks and genitals touched. This is not just a problem for female staff.

The reason I didn't quit even then
Reading this far, you might wonder, “Why do you keep doing it?” The reason is simple.


■ Because it is a job where you are told “thank you” The “thank you” from the users. There are moments when that one word turns everything around.


■ I like the time spent on recreation

・Singing together
・Thinking up exercises

Honestly, I'm not good at singing (laughs). Even so, they participate with a smile. I love that moment.

From here on is the “real talk”
Up to this point is what I can say publicly. From here on, I will write without holding back about:

・Specific events where I felt I reached my limit with human relationships
・The moment my mental health almost collapsed
・Characteristics of people who I honestly think are “not suited for this”

Honestly, it includes some raw content. However, it is a reality that I absolutely want people considering a caregiving career to know.