Working with SZA

Reframing work as a tool—not a test of your worth.

Work can give you structure, purpose, community, and income. It can also make your symptoms worse, destroy your sleep, or push you into crisis. This chapter is about figuring out if work is right for you, right now—and if so, how to make it survivable.

🔹 Why This Is Complicated

• You might feel pressure to “get back to normal”

• You might be afraid of losing your benefits

• You might want to work but feel unstable

• You might be judged for not working

• You might be judged for trying to work

There is no perfect path here. Only what makes sense for your health, your safety, and your capacity at this moment.

🔹 If You’re Not Working Right Now

You are still contributing to your life. Managing this illness is a full-time job.

That said, if you want to do something—for stimulation, identity, or income—there are options beyond traditional employment.

• Volunteer once a week

• Take a class online or in person

• Sell your art or writing

• Support someone else with lived experience

• Try peer work, if you feel called to it

Work isn’t just a paycheck. It’s anything that gives you a reason to get up.

🔹 If You Want to Try Working

Here’s how to approach it gently:

➤ Start small

• Part-time

• Remote

• Flexible hours

• Short-term contracts

➤ Look for jobs with:

• Low social pressure

• Predictable tasks

• Mental health days or understanding management

• Physical comfort (not too bright, loud, or chaotic)

➤ Consider Supported Employment

Some states and agencies offer programs that match people with disabilities to jobs and provide coaching, job placement, and accommodations.

Ask your case manager, therapist, or local mental health org about:

• Vocational rehabilitation

• Ticket to Work (SSA program)

• Supported employment or IPS programs

🔹 If You’re on SSI or SSDI

⚠️ Be careful with work income.
Your earnings can affect your benefits.

• SSI has a very low income limit

• SSDI allows for some work under “Substantial Gainful Activity” rules

• Some programs let you test work without losing benefits

• Always report your income to Social Security

Pro tip: Talk to a benefits counselor before starting work—they can help you protect your stability.

🔹 If You’ve Tried and Failed

So what? That doesn’t mean you’re lazy, broken, or doomed. It means you’re still figuring out what works—and what doesn’t.

You’re allowed to try again. Or not.