Job ideas for someone with mental health issues - flexible, non-cubical

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know this is a long shot, but I'm trying to brainstorm for a friend. He's in his late 30's, suffers from depression but can hold a job throughout this. He doesn't do well with a typical 9-5, can't sit in a cubicle all day. He's been running a small carpentry business with his friend but it isn't doing well and it's more of a physical strain than his body can handle.
He went to school for finance but only stayed in the field a couple years.
I know I'm giving very little information here, and it seems like I'm looking for a miracle. I just want so bad to help him think of some ideas, but there's no solid experience or leads I can think of.

NAACP, ask for Rachel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Federal government must have some sort of program he could look into. I do know there is an extensive program for people with mental disabilities. Doing things like picking up recycling, dealing with mail, etc. in our agency.

Someone who studied finance, runs a business, and suffers from depression needs an interesting, challenging job. And he needs good mental health counseling. Is your friend seeing a good psychiatrist and someone for counseling? They will help guide and encourage friend on job search.

[Anonymous]

If your friend is in DC, OP, I suggest he look into exhibition work, specifically as an exhibitions preparator. Museums handle this both as a FT job and as a short term contract position, thus allowing your friend to control how much he can handle at any one time.

These jobs exist, of course, in other cities, but we have so many venues in DC and I'm asked on a regular basis for recommendations for people who are flexible and skilled enough for this work.

There is work out there if he's interested in this type of work.

Best of luck to him and good on you for being such a good friend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Safeway and other grocery stores hires the mentally disabled

OP's friend is not severely mentally disabled. The employees you're referencing are those who are low-functionin and usually live in group homes or never actually move out of their parents' home.

OP there are many jobs that your friend could do, and be very successful. He likely needs to work in an industry that allows him to be creative and be his own boss.