I'm 32 yo. I'm an OKU (mental) for bipolar disorder. I've lost my job due to injury at my work place; back injury. My highest education is SPM.
Dropped out of college due to my sickness; bipolar. Spent years seeing many doctors and trying many types of medication. Now I'm stable after I've found suitable meds for myself.

I don't know what to do in my life. I'm lost and depressed now.

My mom and sister told me to continue study, start with diploma at GMI.

But lack confidence to do so, maybe due to my age. I'm afraid that no one will hire me because by the time I've graduated I'll be 35. Who wants an old guy working at an entry level job. Plus, if I decided to pursue my education I'm afraid that I can't blend in with all the young students.

If I decided on continuing my studies what course should I take at GMI.

I'm not interested in part time studies because I'm unable to study with no structure and accountability. So that is a straight failure. Done that before I can't do it.

My life, I need structure so I can cope. Lack of it I'll fail.

Thanks guys for all your input.

Or should I end it. Prospect of not living seems the best option now.

since you need structure, & cant secure a job
cont studies seems like a good option

life is hard but dont give up

i dont know what u aiming in life,but its OK to just live life without a goal,hope this pic helps

This post has been edited by poco loco: Jul 5 2025, 01:58 PM


Attached thumbnail(s)

https://www.gmi.edu.my/mechanical-engineeri...ls-maintenance/

seems good. you will have the opportunity to work in manufacturing plants (structured working place, with shifts and SOPs). predictable work (proactive and preventive maintenance), again, structured. less anxiety. clock in, check maintenance sheet, execute, done, go home, take medicine, rest.

you will spent more time with machines rather than humans (that would help you with your manic/neuroticism).

you will have to work with your hands mostly, so that helps to stop your mind from wondering, 'snowballing effect' that could lead to depression. less thinking, more doing.

go for it.

This post has been edited by djlake: Jul 5 2025, 05:01 PM

do grab. there is structure. Just accept the jobs, follow the app instructions.

it's not easy to find understanding colleagues and bosses unless you apply to company's that hire say autistic staff etc

working for yourself is the best option

just do it no need think so much

Second this, my niece is doing this kinda thing and he's doing good.

“ I'm afraid that no one will hire me because by the time I've graduated I'll be 35. Who wants an old guy working at an entry level job. Plus, if I decided to pursue my education I'm afraid that I can't blend in with all the young students.”

These are all your irrational fear. It doesn’t materialize yet. Even if it is, just persevere. Trust me, try your best at formal education.

Don’t go the gig economy route (grab/ etc) because its not sustainable long term.

35 years old, still consider young.

Lovecat is your user name..so I assume you love pets.

Maybe you can work part time at pet store? At same time can go take pet grooming or animal handling courses.

You can also volunteer at a pet shelter.

And maybe one day open/buy over a pet store.

ts, what is your strength = what are you good at?

can you work on that without a high start up cost? if yes, can start doing.

plenty of opportunities in malaysia, you don't need to keep thinking you need to be a kuli.

You are still young at 32....
Heck if you are 37, ppl still hire you
Don't give up

Grab food

Ts, dont study but its not due to your age. Its better to work and find what u wan in your scenario.
U know your strength is structure, hence find a job with structure. Than go up from there.
U have back pain so dont find labourous jobs and make your life suffer.

For a start, have a heart to heart talk with your parents. Let them be clear about your concern and u about theirs.

First, take a deep breath and notice this—

The very fact that you’re still here, still reaching out, still asking what to do next—that’s proof.
Proof that somewhere inside you, there’s a part that hasn’t given up.

That part is wise. That part is courageous. And that part deserves your attention.
You’ve gone through injury, both physical and emotional. And instead of collapsing, you sought help.
You faced your illness. You tested, adjusted, and found stability. That’s not weakness.
That’s resilience in action.

“A man must love learning all his life.
In youth, it opens the mind.
In middle age, it anchors virtue.
In old age, it gives joy and rest.”

What if… your life is just beginning a new phase now?
At 32, you’re not “late.” You’re exactly where your next path begins.
By 35, you could be standing with a new qualification, a structured mind, and the ability to say:
“I went through all that… and still I rose.”

Let’s talk structure. You already know something powerful about yourself:
 “I need structure. Without it, I drift.”
 Great. That’s not a limitation. That’s a strategy for success.
 And now, you get to choose environments that match the way your brain works best.

GMI offers exactly that: structured learning, accountability, scheduled progress.
You’re not failing by needing this—you’re winning by choosing wisely.

On choosing a course, let’s engage the part of you that knows what you enjoy:

 • Do your hands like to build? Do you feel satisfaction in making things real? - You might thrive in mechatronics, machining, or manufacturing.

 • Are you curious about systems, electricity, how parts interact? -Consider electrical or mechanical engineering technology.

 • Do you like order, precision, and structure? - You might enjoy quality assurance or technical drawing (CAD/CAM).

Whichever path you choose, ask yourself:
“Where can I build something useful that others still need?”

Because when your work matters to others, your sense of purpose strengthens too.

On blending in, you wonder:

 “Will I stand out among younger students?”

Let’s reframe that:
 “What if I stand out because I bring calm when others panic?
 Because I’ve already faced what they haven’t yet?
 Because I know how to rise when things fall apart?”

People admire grounded presence more than perfect grades.
And you already carry that presence—you just haven’t owned it fully yet.
That quiet strength—you’ve been building it all along.

On the darkest thoughts, you mentioned giving up. But ask yourself gently:
“What if the story is just about to turn, and I’m the one holding the pen?”

Somewhere else in the world, people are still living through war zones, hunger, and exile.
Here, you have space, time, and a choice. And choice is powerful.

You may not yet believe in your future self—
but your future self already believes in you.
Right now, he’s whispering:

 “Keep going. You’ll be glad you did.”

And if your mind asks, “But what if I fail?”

Just ask it back:
“What if I don’t?”

What is your interest?

Do you have the discipline to continue studying?

If you like structure, can you create your own study timetable and follow strictly and study diligently?

If you like structure, apply for simple jobs first, such as operator or stockist in a warehouse. This kind of job usually allows you ample time to study part-time.

.
Fyi, .......

Gemini AI Overview:

JKM (Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat) di Malaysia menyediakan peluang pekerjaan untuk Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU), termasuk OKU mental, melalui pelbagai inisiatif. Ini termasuk dasar 1% pengambilan OKU di sektor awam dan galakan kepada majikan swasta untuk mengambil OKU, serta bantuan dan kemudahan lain.

Peluang Pekerjaan untuk OKU Mental:
- Dasar 1% Pengambilan OKU:
Kerajaan Malaysia telah menetapkan sasaran 1% daripada jawatan kosong di sektor awam diperuntukkan untuk OKU, termasuk OKU mental.
- Elaun Pekerja OKU (EPOKU):
Kerajaan menyediakan elaun bulanan kepada OKU yang bekerja, termasuk OKU mental, untuk menggalakkan mereka terus bekerja dan berdikari.
- MySTEP:
Program ini juga menawarkan peluang pekerjaan jangka pendek kepada OKU melalui kuota khas.
- Bantuan dan Kemudahan Lain:
JKM menyediakan pelbagai bantuan dan kemudahan lain untuk OKU, seperti latihan, sokongan, dan peralatan yang diperlukan untuk bekerja.
- Inisiatif Majikan:
Majikan digalakkan untuk menyediakan program 'Disability Equality Training' (DET) agar majikan dan rakan sekerja dapat memahami dan menyokong OKU mental di tempat kerja.

Cara Memohon:
- OKU yang berminat boleh merujuk kepada portal JKM untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai peluang pekerjaan dan bantuan yang disediakan, according to Cikgu Ainul.
- OKU juga boleh mencari maklumat mengenai peluang pekerjaan yang sesuai di laman web majikan atau agensi pekerjaan yang mesra OKU.
- Majikan yang berminat untuk mengambil OKU boleh menghubungi JKM untuk mendapatkan maklumat dan bantuan.

Dengan inisiatif-inisiatif ini, diharapkan OKU mental dapat diberi peluang yang saksama untuk bekerja dan menyumbang kepada masyarakat.
.
.

Elaun bulanan bagi Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU) mental yang tidak bekerja di Malaysia adalah RM300. Bantuan ini dikenali sebagai Bantuan OKU Tidak Berupaya Bekerja (BTB) dan bertujuan untuk membantu OKU yang tidak mampu bekerja untuk terus tinggal bersama keluarga, menurut BANTUAN NEGARA dan eBantuan.my.


https://jiwadamai.com/2025/01/29/siapakah-d...kad-oku-mental/ - Siapakah Dia Pemegang Kad OKU Mental
- 29/01/2025
.

This post has been edited by lurkingaround: Jul 5 2025, 04:24 PM

Maybe go to those large besi buruk, request a price list from them then start from there ?

Nonsense about age. This country anything also possible. 2.5k masters grad got, multi millionaire spm dropout politician also got. No need give face to people that ask stupid question like that. Get the counter from chat gpt and use it for the next dude who asks that.

Hi there, you found suitable med prescribe by doctor? One my love one struggle with depression, now just started to do a diploma afain after drop out. If you dont mind can share doctor name and hospital.

i wonder how you can handle k, it's very non structured, its chaos

anyways, MNC are very structured. if your are certified OKU card holder, some MNCs do hire OKU to meet with their ESG

Many older men in China still enrol themselves to get degree in Msia. They r smart, mostly passed their courses w flying colours.

Anything is possible

Thanks this course seems suitable for me. I'll give it a go. Less people is better for me.

I can't drive for long. It will hurt my back more. Plus will grab accept OKU (mental)

I'm not sure. I'm currently practicing editing on capcut. I'm interested in doing a vox like content about history.

I like history actually. But it will be a long way before I'll be good at it.

But I'm learning to keep my mind going

This post has been edited by lovecats: Jul 5 2025, 07:57 PM

😭 Thanks needed this. I'll screenshot this and read it when I'm down.

I'm interested anything that I can work with my hands but it must require brain power.

It's hard to create my own and stick to it because it lacks accountability.

I worked at a warehouse before, got injured working there; plus it's tiring working 12 hours a day. I don't think I'm able to juggle that with part time studies.
Can't seem to find work that requires no heavy lifting.

I can't work at night because of my medication.
Tried changing my meds time before because I want to work at night, it ended up badly; I tried to run away from a road block and got chased by cops, luckily they are kind enough to sent me to court for not wearing seatbelt. The running away part they let me go.

Now I'm on my regular meds schedule and I'm stable.

I'm currently getting RM300 a month. Applied last year because I can't work anymore

Like this:

1. Don't look at the common paths. Those are not meaningful to you.
2. Don't be afraid to thread into extra ordinary things. Keeps your options open no matter how weird it is.

I know it's cruel and I can't be possible to understand how it feels. I'm just offering extra thinking for you to consider.

Yes she helped me to find a suitable combination.

https://umsc.my/umsc_doctor/aida-syarinaz-ahmad-adlan/

She's my savior actually.

Contact the stated number there and book for an appointment.

She's kind.

I've been to gov before all of them are useless and they lack empathy; based on my experience. Got warded for harming myself they even told me why don't you jump down the river; problem solve and you'll burn in hell.

This post has been edited by lovecats: Jul 5 2025, 08:03 PM

Really. Great to hear. But mental OKU will scare them off actually. I want to keep my status hidden and blend in.

Sorry guys for the many post, I don't know how to quote the post together and answer it as one reply.

beside taking medicine, you may also need to attend mindfullness class, cbt, meditation, that could help.

If you want to study, think of what you like to do, if you like handy stuff like automotive, plumbing, wood work, then only sign up for the class.

Attached File(s)
 The_Natural_Medicine_Guide_to_Bipolar_Disorder.pdf ( 2.09mb ) Number of downloads: 4

Man the fact u stable means you have improved significantly. Just look at yourself like everyone else now and go do something, anything.

To me, its your mind that's holding u back more than anything. Take back control.

Do retail jobs maybe for a start.

this is what i wanted to say to as well.. stop thinking start doing.. get out there so some gig jobs.. can do diploma along the way too..

the worst thing in life is not doing anything.. if you're doing something even pulling a night shifter in 7-11. your already ahead of all the jobless. start doing, you will pull through.

I recently started new employment. I'm 50+. Not an entry level position, but not senior also.

So go for it, it can be done!

I'm 70's and I just started a new business. Although it is very small business but boleh cari makan. Don't give up!

best course is to take over your moms house at some point in time and have a side income either from investments that would support your simple lifestyle...
and you have to remember to keep it simple till the end..

if house is double storey, i dont think you need it... move to outskirt state and sell the house for a single storey small unit... (not condo as they come with pesky maintenance feees)...

talk to your mom...

on side line.. try to see what you can do to build up that passive income till when you're retired and able to sustain your simple lifestyle...

1) Regular checkup with the doctors. Don't skip this. Most people does not know or can't relate with your mental disorder recommending you stuff they don't know about. Always refer to the healthcare professionals.

2) Personally, I think learning language is a good option. I have few friends that have technical degree but their language skill is more appreciated - japanese and korean I think. German I'm not sure.

3)If you're looking for entry level job that isn't back breaking like in the warehouse, I can fully recommend trying customer support center. Any of them. I heard banks especially pay good wage for their customer support. But I have to warn you it is rather soul sucking job - but it opens up to new doors. And they don't have any requirement, just need you to have a pulse. Good attitude would be a bonus.

4) For your back pain, I suggest first finding a way how to sit without pain. For me, a slight recline works best.

I have to say, my experience was rather inline with yours regarding gov hospitals. Before this I only get to meet MOs - they were like here take Sertraline, meet me back 1 month.
That is until 2 years ago, by chance, a specialist that just happen to come across my referral letter on her desk and I got the chance to talk to her. The right medication worked, I have never felt so alive after years of chronic depression.

This is of course not to disparage all the MOs out there. Crazy workload and have to consult patient in just 5 minutes is an impossible task.

Bro, please stop think negative!

You can do it!

32 years old is still young. long way to go. you still have time.
i pray for your health & success

I am not sure if manufacturing plant is suitable for TS. He has back pain working in factory. There will always be physical work in a plant with machneries involved.

There are some companies which takes in Autistic people. I know Gamuda Berhad does. TS can go enquire with their HR. But i think it would be better for TS to upgrade his skills now.

We suffer more in imagination rather than in reality

I have a lot of worries in my mind, most of them never happen

Never be prisoner of your past. Take it as lesson, not life sentence.

perhaps you can create videos sharing yr perspectives & life challenges a person with disabilities.

Im sure most of population including myself are unaware, ignorant, and just not exposed to persons like yourselves.

Then maybe some society or ngo or the like may get you to be spokesperson or speaker for your community.

Just an idea

What would you recommend? Please 🥺