Patients of schizophrenia are advised to take up low stress jobs. Whether the former are able to work depends on the severity of their symptoms. Most of them are advised to take up physical jobs as the disease seriously affects the functioning of the brain. Generally, they should not take up people intensive jobs which involve a lot of interaction with people. Frequently people with schizophrenia are known to struggle with social situations.

We look at some suitable career options-

Photographer- This job may not involve much interaction with people. You can shoot photographs and sell them. Also, you can do this job whenever you are mentally well and don’t have to depend on other people.

Assembling electronic devices such as TVs, computers and mobiles- You can do this job on your own. It is a repetitive job in which you get better with time. There is not much interaction with people here.

Writing – You can do this job at your own pace preferably without deadlines. You don’t have to depend on other people to complete your job.

Cook – If you have a passion for cooking become a full time cook and whip up delicious and nutritious food. This is an independent job that doesn’t tax the mind/brain.

Counsellor-  You can counsel people on academics, career moves and even how to survive with serious mental illness such as Schizophrenia.  This is a good option as you have to handle a single person or small groups of people.

Email marketing/Chat support – There are many non-voice jobs where you have to send out marketing emails or provide customer support/technical support via chat or email. The best part is that the other person can’t see you.

Checking exam/test papers – You do not have to interact with people here. More over you can take breaks and work whenever you are feeling well.

Own business – The advantage here is that you do not have to report to anyone and you have the freedom to work whenever you want.

Data Entry – This is a low stress job and basically involves interaction with just your computer.

Computer Programmer – This is a career option for schizophrenics with above average intelligence and interest in programming. It pays well and may not involve intense people interaction.

Baby sitter – This is a low stress job that doesn’t tax the brain. You don’t have a boss or have to go to a corporate environment.

Transcription – If you have good typing speed then you can take up this low-stress non-people intensive job.

Online Tutor – Today there are many online tutoring jobs where the pay is decent and you don’t have to face a large audience. Plus, it is repetitive and you get better at your job with time.

Consultant – If you are a qualified medical or legal professional or have technical knowledge you could work for a few hours everyday offering your expertise.

The above list is by no means exhaustive. You may have skills or interests to do other kind of jobs despite being a schizophrenic. Good luck for your job hunt.