Text Size

Translate Page

Jobs for people with BPD

Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) can bring unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding or returning to work. 


But you don’t have to do it on your own. With the right understanding and support, you can find a job that fits your strengths, supports your wellbeing, and helps you build stability and confidence over time.

Banner feature
Jobs for people with BPD

Uncover job paths that feel manageable and meaningful

If you're living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and searching for work, you’re not alone. BPD affects an estimated 1 in 100 of  Australian adults. 

It can bring challenges like emotional overwhelm, relationship stress, or changing motivation, all of which may make job hunting feel more intense or unpredictable.

That’s why having support tailored to your needs can make a real difference. At APM, we partner with you to explore job paths that suit your strengths, rhythm, and support requirements. 

Whether you’re ready to work now or prefer to take smaller, steady steps, we’re here to help you move forward.

A job that aligns with your BPD-related needs can help you:

  • Build daily structure and a sense of purpose

  • Develop emotional regulation skills through routine and support

  • Boost your confidence and build resilience over time

  • Foster safe, meaningful social connections

  • Increase your independence, both personally and financially

  • Create a sense of stability and autonomy

  • Contribute in ways that feel valuable and fulfilling

Below, you'll find practical tips to help you identify your strengths, clarify what you need in a job, and explore roles that may feel more manageable and sustainable.

Your experiences are valid, and finding work that works for you can be a meaningful step toward growth.


Get support

What to look for in a job when you’re living with BPD

Living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) can make finding or returning to work feel complicated at times, especially if managing emotions, interpersonal relationships, or change feels challenging. 

But meaningful and sustainable work is absolutely possible when your needs are recognised and supported.

The right job should give you space to manage your wellbeing, use your strengths, and provide stability through life’s ups and downs. 

Everyone’s experience of BPD is different, so it can help to think about what environments, routines, and interactions help you feel secure and confident.

Taking time to reflect on your preferences and boundaries can make job searching clearer and less overwhelming. Below are some questions to guide you as you explore your options.

What kind of environment helps me feel stable and supported?

Some people living with BPD feel best in workplaces with predictable routines, understanding colleagues, and clear communication. 

Others thrive in creative or flexible environments that allow for expression and variety.

You might find that roles offering structure, or flexible arrangements like remote work or adjusted hours, help reduce stress and give you a stronger sense of control throughout the day.

What level of interaction feels right for me?

Because interpersonal dynamics can have a big impact on emotional wellbeing, it helps to think about how much social contact you prefer at work.

You might enjoy being part of a small, close‑knit team that values empathy and communication. Or you may work best in quieter roles where you can focus independently with minimal pressure.

Understanding the level of interaction you’re comfortable with can help you find a role that feels both safe and rewarding.

What makes me feel fulfilled and motivated?

Finding work that feels meaningful can make a big difference to your wellbeing. 

You might find satisfaction in creative expression, helping others, solving problems, or achieving small goals each day.

Think about what gives you a sense of purpose and pride, and how that can fit into your career path. 

When your work reflects your values and strengths, it can help build confidence, stability, and long‑term growth.

Get support

Job ideas for people living with BPD

When you're living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), the right job can offer more than just a paycheck, it can provide structure, boost self‑confidence, and support your emotional wellbeing.

You might prefer roles that offer consistency, clear expectations, or the flexibility to work at your own pace. Environments that are calm, respectful, and understanding can help you feel more secure and focused.

Exploring your strengths and thinking about how you like to work can open up new paths, including roles where you can apply your existing skills in ways that feel more manageable and meaningful.

If you’re unsure where to begin, our Employment Consultants are here to help. We’ll work with you to explore job options that reflect your goals, preferences, and support needs.

Register now to get personalised support on your employment journey.

Here are some job ideas that may suit people living with BPD:

jobs for people with BPD with low social pressure or calm environments

Jobs with flexible hours or locations

Roles with flexible schedules or remote options can give you more control over your day and environment. This can be especially helpful if you find that changes in routine, stress, or interpersonal tension can affect your wellbeing.

Having the freedom to plan your work around your energy levels, appointments, or quiet time can make it easier to stay balanced and productive.

Some examples include:

  • Freelance writer or editor

  • Graphic designer

  • Web developer or software programmer

  • Online tutor or coach

  • Social media manager

  • Photographer or video editor

  • Copywriter or content creator

  • Makeup artist or beauty therapist

  • Dog walker or pet sitter

These kinds of roles often allow you to work from home or set your own hours, offering flexibility while still using your skills and creativity.


Jobs with low social pressure or calm environments

If managing emotions or relationships feels challenging, or if you prefer to work more independently, you may feel more comfortable in jobs with low social pressure or calm work environments.

These roles tend to have clear tasks, steady routines, and less intense interpersonal interaction, giving you the space to focus and maintain emotional stability.

Examples include:

  • Data entry or administration assistant

  • Library assistant or records officer

  • Lab technician or research assistant

  • Florist or plant nursery assistant

  • Nightfill or restocking roles

  • Warehouse or stock control worker

  • Landscaper or gardener

  • Video editor or graphic designer

These roles can offer structure and predictability, which many people find helpful for managing day‑to‑day emotions and focus.


Jobs that use your experience in new ways

If you’ve worked in emotionally demanding or fast‑paced environments before, you might prefer to use your skills in roles that feel more balanced and supportive.

Jobs that draw on empathy, communication, and understanding, traits often strengthened by lived experience with BPD, can also be deeply rewarding.

Examples include:

  • Teaching assistant or education support worker

  • Counsellor, peer support, or mental health worker

  • Yoga or mindfulness instructor

  • Social worker or community support officer

  • Project coordinator or mentor

  • Veterinary nurse or animal carer

  • Advisory or advocacy roles

These roles often allow you to make a difference in others’ lives while maintaining structure and emotional support so you can thrive.

* Please note: These job ideas may not suit everyone living with borderline personality disorder. The right job depends on your individual circumstances, support needs, and where you’re at in your recovery journey. 

If you’d like help exploring your options, our Employment Consultants at APM can work with you to find a role that fits your goals and wellbeing.

Support available through Inclusive Employment Australia

If you’re living with borderline personality disorder (BPD), you don’t have to face the job search on your own. Support is available to help you take steady steps toward work in a way that feels safe, empowering, and right for you.

If you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia, APM can provide personalised support to help you find a job that fits your strengths and needs. Many people living with BPD or other mental health conditions may qualify for the program.

Inclusive Employment Australia is a government-funded service designed to help people find and keep meaningful work, and there’s no cost to participate.

Whether you’re starting, returning after a break, or need support to stay in a job, we’re here to help. We’ll get to know your goals, challenges, and preferences, and build a plan around what works best for you.

Through Inclusive Employment Australia, you may be able to access:

  • Personalised job advice tailored to your situation

  • Help finding roles that suit your routine and comfort level

  • Support with writing resumes and preparing for interviews

  • Access to training or courses to build your skills

  • Workplace assessments and practical recommendations

  • Guidance around adjustments or flexible options for managing your symptoms at work

Get support
An APM employee in a black polo smiles in conversation with a DES participant

Begin exploring what’s possible for you

If you’re ready to explore job options that suit your needs and strengths, we’re here to help. Register today to check if you’re eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia with APM.

Get support
Building a career that supports your wellbeing

Building your path to sustainable employment

At APM, we support people living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) to find work that reflects their strengths, supports their wellbeing, and feels right for where they are. Here's how we can help:

Discovering your personal strengths

Your strengths are shaped by more than just past jobs, they come from your experiences, how you manage challenges, and the unique perspective you bring.

Living with BPD may have helped you develop qualities like empathy, emotional insight, creativity, or the ability to support others, all of which are valuable in the workplace.

We know it’s not always easy to see these qualities in yourself. That’s where we can help. 

At APM, we’ll help you recognise your skills and explore job options that feel meaningful, manageable, and empowering.

Personalising your work to support your success

  • Explore job options that align with your emotional wellbeing and sense of stability

  • Build a personalised plan to support your job search, applications, and interviews

  • Talk to employers about your preferences, needs, or workplace adjustments

  • Identify practical supports like tools, flexible routines, or communication plans

  • Prepare for your first days in a new role with the right structure and guidance

3 simple steps to start your journey to work

Step one

Register with APM to check if you're eligible for Inclusive Employment Australia, a simple way to start exploring job options that feel achievable, supportive, and right for you.

artwork of a job seeker registering for DES with APM
Step two

Once you're registered, you'll meet with an APM employment consultant who’ll take the time to understand your experience living with BPD, what kind of support works best for you, and the types of roles that align with your strengths, preferences, and goals.

artwork of a DES participant meeting an APM consultant
Step three

From there, we’ll work with you to explore job ideas, build your confidence, and take steady steps toward a role that supports your wellbeing and long-term success.

DES0029__Stage-3

A success story from someone living with BPD 

“It gave me an opportunity to learn and develop new skills”


Video transcript | More success stories

Helping you feel safe, supported, and understood at work

Starting a new job is a big step. At APM, our support continues well beyond your first day.

We work alongside you and your employer to help create a work environment that feels safe, respectful, and supportive. 

This might include flexible routines, clear communication strategies, or adjustments that help reduce stress and support your emotional wellbeing.

Depending on your role and needs, we can provide on-the-job coaching, workplace training, or help with practical adjustments to make each day feel more manageable. 

We also guide employers to better understand how BPD can impact work, helping to build more inclusive, empathetic workplaces.

If you need ongoing or longer-term support, we’ll create a tailored plan that helps you feel stable, confident, and set up for success in your role.

Our goal is to support you in building lasting, meaningful employment, with the tools and understanding you need to thrive.

Get support
DES participant Ngaire with her employer and APM consultant walking outside a rural property

Other advice to help you find a job

How to manage borderline personality disorder

This guide explores ways to manage BPD both at home and in the workplace, while also offering guidance on where to seek further support when needed.
Coping with BPD at work: strategies and helpful advice

With the right professional assistance and coping strategies, you can feel empowered to achieve success in your workplace.
What is borderline personality disorder (BPD)?

In this guide on how to know if you have BPD, we look at the common symptoms, when to get help and what support is available.

About this article

APM supports people with disability, injury, or a health condition through various programs and services across its businesses, including Inclusive Employment Australia in Australia.

When discussing disability, APM’s copy style is to use person-first language and the social model of disability in the first instance. Some articles may use identity-first language or refer to the medical model of disability for clarity or to better suit a specific audience.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

If you have any questions or feedback about the content of this article, visit our Feedback page to get in touch or email support@apm.net.au.