Background: Unemployment is a factor that negatively affects the health of the entire population and is an important cause of exclusion, affecting persons with severe mental health problems. The rise of unemployment rates for these persons contrasts with the dropping of unemployment rate for the general population. Objective: To explore the occupational history of a sample of Romanian persons diagnosed with schizophrenia and the relationship between working status and dimensions of quality of life. Results: Employed patients emphasize a higher level of functioning and better clinical profile (on positive and general symptoms) then the patients who do not work. Conclusions: Early course of illness is a critical period for vocational integration. Employment issues should be included as an important issue in the treatment plan.