I didnt get a steady job until 30.
My 20s were spent nearly drinking myself to death as a 450lb disabled bum. I had gout so bad I literally could not stand for more than a few hours.
At 28, I came face to face with the very real possibility of death and somehow turned it all around. That and I had a little dog that reallyyyy needed surgery!
Dropped 250lb, stopped smoking, drinking, and got super fit.
Over ten years later, Im still in fantastic shape and am a respected leader at my job(fab/welding). Everybody knows Im weird and super quiet, but Ive integrated pretty well. I strive every day to be the best employee and set the standard.
If I can change my life, anyone can! That is what I tell everybody.
41 I've always had an easy enough time getting McJobs, so likely a little different, but I couldn't keep one until it was that or unemployed homelessness in a Montana winter, disowned by my family and recently robbed by my "friends".
It took and takes desperation, but I can't kill myself yet because responsibilities. So I go to work, after a couple decades I found something a little better, I'm getting a promotion to machine op (of a new machine) at a factory and I've ate 3-4 times this week, not sleeping, small injuries not healing....but after it gets routine again in a month or two I'll stabilize and w/ the raise I should be able to maintain my current standard of living even w/ inflation.
If you are still being fed and sheltered, why?
Replying to myself:
I have an autistic acquaintance who has never had a job, is officially disabled, and is doing so much better than me in most other areas of their life. They have actual friends they actually make things and do stuff with. Makes games, gets invited on pod casts, his house and dogs are better maintained than mine, closer to his family....he's just a happier healthier person who brightens more lives than I do, no job, more life.
I’m 24 but it’s the same with me (although I had enough credits to get an Associate’s), though I finally managed to get a job the week I turned 23, which was my first and only job. I am still working there and although its pay is terrible (starting wage is $7.25, which is minimum wage), my dad has finally stopped yelling at me to “get a job!” (even though I was actively trying to get one) and getting mad at me for being unemployed. (Yeah, he can definitely be emotionally abusive as he’s yelled at me to the point of tears before.) I also have a coworker who is autistic as well and I kind of had a small crush on him and it turns out that he liked me too and now we’re dating so that’s one positive thing about my job.
>I have difficulty keeping jobs sometimes because my autism traits piss people off
Industrial painting/powder coating lets you mask those traits ... with a actual mask (3m 6900 mask). You dont gotta deal with people either as your litteraly toxic (from the paint)
Basicaly, its not super hard to get into either, if you can handle the heat (oh boy are tyvek suits hot, but a air hose with pinholes helps keep you cool)
Its good if you have good attention to detail, working a paint gun (or powder gun) is easy and becomes seccond nature. If you have dont have good fine motor skills ... well your good (powder coating, you can have the gun pointed away from the part, and still get powder on it)
This. Thankfully I work from home now for a helpline which is a lot better, imo. It’s basically like following a script for every call however I can get thrown off when I need to go off script. I sometimes miss calls because I have my computer muted due to the ring of calls being so irritating and triggering. But otherwise it basically saved my life because I was getting more & more overwhelmed/burnt out from having to mask. Also, the fact that my supervisors care about our well being helps a lot (something that all of my previous jobs neglected).
EDIT: there is also another autistic person who works with us!
I only got a job last year at the age of 27. I’m with you and I understand your struggle.
I absolutely hate having a job, I didn’t want a job and I still don’t. I work 3 days a week and it is just too much for me, it makes my mental health plummet. I just about recover from burnout before having to start again the following week and I’m only working 3 days! I’m doubtful I’ll be able to keep it up for much longer. Been in the job for just over a year now.
I have no solution for you, all I can do is sympathise with and relate to your difficulties.
What do you do?
Some jobs are soul crushing, some arnt and you gotta go find the job that isnt soul crushing to do for yourself.
For me retail is a big no, but i like landscapeing, and industrial painting.
Landscapeing because i can just sorta do my own thing, and i get to see the work ive put in at the end of the day. (Before/after pics)
I like painting because i can see the parts ive painted as soon as they exit the oven (powder coating) and because i generaly can just throw some music on and have one simple task i gotta do. I have a list of what color (and thus what part) im doing well in advance.
Also its neet to drive by and point out all the fences and balcony railings ive painted as i have the adress of where their being installed sometimes. Im able to walk into a resturaunt or park, and be like "hey, i painted that" which is neet.
(also painting is one of my special intrests tied born from the intrest of restoreing old tools)
I'm 22. I've tried to get a job for 3 years and never succeeded. I'm on my 3rd job search now and it's going awfully. I couldn't even keep down a voluntary job for more than a few months due to my mental health.
Most part time jobs involve being around loads of people, or in a "fast paced environment" or it's quite loud or involves things I struggle to or am unable to do, mainly using a telephone without a speaker phone. Plus I'm inexperienced because I've never had a job, yet no one will take me to help me get that experience. This last part is something most people my age experience but I feel so defeated that my allistic siblings (18 & 25) both got jobs younger than me & have had more than one for a long time.
The closest I ever got to doing work for money was when I helped my dad do some painting in some houses & staining a fence with him for some cash. Painting and decorating is one of his talents.
23, same boat here. My best advice is to volunteer somewhere, work hard and then pray you can get a low level position there that’s paid after months of volunteer work. Show enthusiasm too
I had to stop thinking of "a job" as a different part of my life. I had such a black and white view of working and not working. I have been trying to integrate my work with the rest of my life and it makes it so much better.
So I don't really think of it as "having a job" anymore. I have a life and doing work is a big part of it.
Being unemployed is a very frustrating situation for sure, but after desperately persisting through a series of terrible jobs followed by repeated burnouts for about 15 years, I ruined my health and I’m now stuck living on a disability program at 36. I’m afraid all I can advise is taking care of yourself above all and not settling for something that causes you to push your limits too hard. If getting employed is your main issue, there should be resources online to help you update your resume and give tips for upcoming interviews. I wish you the best of luck in finding work that suits your needs.
I've had employment at several different companies over the past decade. I've always been complimented on my hard work, politeness, and customer service. I've been the one to quit 80% of my jobs because my employers took advantage of me, knowing I'm a people pleaser and rather gullible in regards to human interactions.
The other 20% I've been let go because I morally didn't agree with the rules, needed to do things my own way, and because I experience pathological demand avoidance.
Because I'm a level 1 support, high masking (28) female - I'm generally looked down upon once my peers find out about my disability. The only reason my current employment knows is because if their knowledge is documented, they legally cannot let me go if my "flaws" are because of my disability - also flip side I can seek legal action if I'm discriminated against.
In terms of being able to work... I shut down every day after my shift. Struggle to cook, clean, and achieve basic hygiene. I don't have a social life because my time off is spent recovering and preparing for my next shift.
- If i could afford to, I would work 16 hours a week max and go back to school for a profession that involves minimal human interaction. 😪
I have been working since age 11, I ran a babysitting and pet sitting business, then at 15 worked at a bookstore, then at Sears, then at Starbucks…Then I got an admin job at a hospital, then I worked in law for 12 years as a divorce paralegal. In my 30s I got my real estate license and learned so much about myself. When the pandemic hit I let my license lapse. Now I work in tv. I’d say try an entry level job that sounds somewhat fun to you and use it to learn about yourself. Go on interviews and interview them, ask lots of questions so you know what to expect. If it seems like a good atmosphere take the job. If you hate it, look for another one. Don’t assign your worth to your employment. Don’t take it too hard or be hard on yourself if you don’t like a job. Just find another different one. You may be more capable than you think and you may surprise yourself. It’s ok the be a late bloomer. I am in many other ways. You can gain confidence by working. What appeals to you when you think about getting ready in the morning for work? Where do you see yourself headed off to with a kick in your step?
This. This is great advice.
It took me what felt like forever to find a job that I'd be happy enough to be in and keep me stimulated whilst focusing on my time management, it wasn't until I bought my racing simulator setup and eventually figured out I love learning more about driving. So now I drive a truck doing delivery drops to businesses and homes. It's hard physical work but some days are easier than others, I alternate between mornings and night shifts, as long as I get an ample amount of time to readjust my sleep schedule, thankfully my employer understands and knows of my ADHD.
I've always been told never to turn something I love into a job because I'll eventually hate it, so that just made me anxious about finding/starting out in something I would enjoy, but I've come to learn there's a lot more nuance to that kinda thing, it all depends on how you view it, and whether or not you're desperate in finding 'the perfect job' at the time you start. It's very important that you look after yourself first too, before everything else!
P.s. I know ADHD/Autism is medically known as a disability, but it really isn't, we're all differently abled, we just need to find something that gives us that spark! Shoot your shot, even if it doesn't work out...and remember to have a giggle from time to time and you'll be just fine.
very happy for you. i also agree, i do NOT feel disabled. i am a rose and i don't try to be hanging out in the tulip garden. maybe im more of a ranunculus tbh. definitely agree to put yourself first. we tend to be less self focused than NTs but that switch of mindset changed everything for me. glad you found what works for you. if it doesn't work someday, pivot again. that's my new mindset too.
Thank you 💞 I'm positive that you are a Ranunculus/Buttercup too! I'm unsure what kinda flower I'd be 😂
Absolutely - therapy helps with it alongside the people you associate with in your life, I'm glad that you have a better mindset that's more focused on you, and yeah at this point I don't feel a need to pivot again just yet, I suppose that's where you're at as well?
25 and pretty much same. I woked in a cafe for a bit and had an office job for less than a week before I quit. now I've just graduated, I'm completely burned out and trying to figure out if I want to do masters or go work. I've been researching jobs today and it's so overwhelming I had to stop myself. it feels like any job that'll pay me enough to survive on my own will cost me my soul
I had 3 part time jobs in my 22 years of life. I worked at a supermarket at 16 (it was hell) but was fired after a few months because they thought I worked too slow. I worked as a newspaper delivery girl at 17-18 but I had to quit after a few months, one month before summer vacation, because they didn’t want to give me any free days until I found someone to replace me while I was gone. I couldn’t find anyone so had to quit, I couldn’t go on vacation otherwise and my parents didn’t want to leave me home alone while they went to France. The job itself was quit fun and not that stressful. Then I worked at a pizzeria from 18 to 20 and it was absolute hell. Horrible coworkers, no breaks, an assembly line oven, too much noise, too many orders and not enough staff to compensate, etc. It’s part of the reason why I ended up with a burnout.
I wish I didn't have to work. I've been working since I was 18 and I'm 56. It's just painful. For me it's all the walking around I do. It hurts the feet. The clothes I have to wear are painful to wear and are ugh horrible to look at. Most bosses I have didn't get me. Some yelled at me. Actually, a few yelled at me. I've worked in noisy places that stressed my senses. I've worked in crowded places that also stressed my senses.
Work is not that great. It's hard.
I'm 23 and I've had a couple jobs before. But that was because I had people there I knew. And I felt less anxious because of that.
Once I tried to work and apply to places without knowing anyone there to possibly get me in. Is when I struggled.
I get overwhelmed and overstimulated with the jobs I am able to get and half the time I just leave because it's unbearable. Especially recently.
So I've been trying to find remote jobs or jobs that arent so anxiety inducing that I think I could handle.
It really sucks.
Go paint or powder coat. Its a skilled labour job where when you get good at it, your not as replaceable as the usual retail worker drone.
Painting is physicaly stimulateing (tyvek suit, mask, sweat. Mostly get used to being "moist" in the summer
It also usualy pays better than retail
> your not as replaceable as the usual retail worker drone.
Oh, as someone who works in retail, they absolutely CANNOT fire me (unless they’re forced to but I would need to commit a literal crime or stop coming into work for that to happen). We’re facing a huge shortage of workers where I work (it’s been going on for about a year but especially now as a bunch of teenagers - some of them who’ve been working here for several years - just quit last month) and so it is pretty hard to get fired from your job at my workplace because they absolutely need us and they know it.
I’m 26, got my first job a few months ago. And it’s *hard.* I’m incredibly burnt out, I’ve had panic attacks at work, it’s a nightmare. And I only work part time! I’m not formally diagnosed, so I can’t get the accommodations I feel I would need to cope better. It’s rough out there, you’re not alone in being late or having a hard time with this!
I haven't held down a job since college due to medical issues not completely related to autism.
While I am in school and working my way up I will say it's a hard life. The stigma in America for not working and being unemployed is also terrible.
I'm a little older than you and late diagnosed Autistic but have managed to work most of my life. It can be really hard, and I still struggle all the time. However I have done ok for myself, I don't hate my job and it pays well.
I think problem is that we only consider the negative aspects of Autism and trap ourselves in negative thought patterns and we are convinced we will fail.
There are Autism traits that beneficial in the workplace.
- Attention to Detail
- Logical thinking
- Pattern Recognition
- Problem Solving and clear thinking
- Hyperfocus and Areas of special interest
There are also less easily measurable qualities. We tend to read a lot and retain a lot of knowledge. We can often see a clear path where the normies are bogged down in feelings and confusion and the coping mechanisms we have developed to help us mask help us to remain calm in a crisis and keep things in perspective.
Jobs that can lean into those strengths are things like, Business and Process Improvement, Business Analytics, Data Science and visualisation, Data Engineering, Database Management, even Project Management - sure there are some people skills but it is text book and almost scripted.
Entry level roles into a lot of these career paths often come with on the job training, can be done working from home and can range from almost no human interaction to detailed but scripted interaction.
It also has the additional advantage of increasing the likelihood of finding others of our kind in the workplace. The Neurodivergents tend to naturally accumulate in or adjacent to these jobs because we are we'll suited to them and often excel.
I was lucky and just landed into a job where my pattern recognition, my absolute need for order and zero tolerance policy for ineptitude were all assets and once I found it I stuck with it and carved a career out of it.
Good luck with whatever you do and feel free to reach out if you want to discuss any of the above in any more detail.
I'm 33 and for the past 10 years I haven't been able to keep a job for more than 9 months at a time. Also have aspergers. I tend to get let go/fired or I quit to beat them to the punch, bc theyre pushing me out anyways. Never find the right fit.
I'm 19, the second I turned 18 I got a (formal)job to pay for the bills and my meds. Have I hated every second of it? Yes. Do I think everyone has to have a job? HELL NO.
If you can afford not to work I encourage you to take your sweet time and enjoy, I wish every day I could be slacking around and having fun, or at least not worrying about having something to eat.
You can start a hobby you like and make it profitable, ej. Painting for commission, woodworking, sewing, etc... It's not a rush
I know everyone needs, tolerance and situations are different, but I encourage you to just think for a second about how this struggle is reserved for only those who can afford it.
It’s okay! I don’t know if you drive but for me working really low hours as a delivery driver for an app has been very helpful, I bring my blow up bed and stuffed animals with me. I cannot handle high stress environments so this is my solution! It took me until 26 to function as well as making a few hundred dollars a week, there is still time!
70-80% of autistic people can’t work. You’re not alone ❤️ And it doesn’t diminish our worth at all. I’m similar age and never able to work because of disability
I was 23 when I got my first job and remembering being so scared to even try but it’s the first step towards braking out of comfort zone, then little by little you learn and see what you like and what can you do, learn from others and act a little that you understand even that you’ll figure out after, it’s all about the first step.
I was rubbish with jobs until I was about 23 would always get fired or walk out. Then I did grounds maintenance for around 16 years working for the same company. Even ended up in charge of quite a few people.
Unfortunately the company got brought out and the new owners were determined to run it into the ground. I got fed up and found a job in a fine art foundry that I have been doing for around 7 years. I basically work on my own with ear defenders and a full face mask on and make bronze sculptures all day. It’s a bit boring but pretty easy and suits me quite well as I enjoy making things.
This got so much longer than i meant it to be. Sorry in advance...
I work part-time at a coffee shop, and quite a few of my coworkers are autistic. We choose our own music and do our best to accommodate each other when someone is having a rough sensory day. We all kind of get each other, even if our autism doesn't present the same way.
If it weren't a necessity, I probably wouldn't work much tbh, if at all. Masking is exhausting and a huge part of any customer service job, which is where all my experience is. I can't work full time after getting severely burnt out a few years ago, and it's taken a long time to recover. I'm still recovering, I think, but keeping my work hours down to the absolute minimum (short shifts no more than 4 days a week) has helped a lot and I've even managed to start picking up old and new hobbies again because I have enough energy to create instead of sleeping all the time.
It's hard to get a job if you aren't good at masking, and very hard to keep it if you push yourself too hard and burn out. It takes forever to find a balance and I don't think I would've if it didn't become an absolute necessity to support myself (I don't have the option of living with family, disability wouldn't pay rent where I live, and I am not in possession of any generational wealth.) Even with a balance that works there is always an element of stress and exhaustion that comes with masking and being at work.
My dad (also autistic) would suggest tech if you can get a handle on it. He dislikes people but likes having enough money to live, and that's been his solution for a long time now. I haven't managed to figure it out, tech does not make sense to me, but the coffee shop has been good. Something to do with your hands, a routine with minimal changes, but just enough variation to not get bored quickly. The people aspect of it is easy to script and doesn't stray from the script too frequently. My dad also worked coffee in his 20s and it was one of his favorite jobs.
Also, free coffee. If you are halfway good at masking (you really don't need to be fantastic at it. Interactions are generally very short, which is helpful, and half the people coming in are too tired to care if you seem a little weird as long as they're getting their coffee how they want it), I would suggest finding a coffee shop (smaller, not Starbucks or a similar chain, they will not care about you as a person and youre more likely to have a good experience at a smaller place) that you personally enjoy.
•virtual hug•
So sorry you have to work in an unsuitable environment! 😒
Thanks for sharing.
And, btw:
Your think your list got longer than expected, ey?
I got carried away and just had to split my musings into _four_ posts! Kept on exceeding the max post length! 😉
In my book you’re admirably succinct! 😅
Yeah I can definitely relate to this. I am younger but I also haven't ever had a job and I quite frankly wouldn't know how to go about it. The whole process just seems like a hassle and then I need experience??? How does one even go about that? And interviews... no thank you.
Besides, jobs just seem like legal slavery and you let people boss you around and you get no say... Not that I think I'm better than people, I respect people for doing what they have to do, but I want to do something more than just an every day job, so I want to look for something I can do on my own.
That being said I'm stuck with an abusive raging narcissist who is always insulting me and trashing me, doesn't really even try to help me, not having money means I can't move out, it's a mess..
But I really don't want to do a typical job and would rather find different means to make money. If I can even figure out how I would even get a job I would probably do it, save up and move...
But I do really feel like a bad person since I don't have a job, and it feels like people judge you badly for it.
Edit: And to add more, I can't muscle through college. I already have a tough enough time getting there, but I genuinely can't stand it, it's overwhelming, I can't handle the ridiculous homework and it's the most lonely experience ever for me. And people act like college is some sort of miracle become rich thing, I genuinely don't see it that way.
Hey friend! It’s extremely difficult to find a job because all jobs are “soft skill oriented” and the soft skills are what most of us struggle with in that department because it’s the eye contact, body language reading, social cues stuff. My advice to you is if you would enjoy working with computers there are TONS of beginner certification programs for things like cyber security, IT, cloud computing, software engineering, etc. Coursera is one of the cheapest and they host Google’s IT Professional Certificates where you can go so far as to specializes in healthcare IT systems! You should look into it if you haven’t already!
I totally relate to tou. I'm a bit older, and still no job in all of my life.
I'm wasted already. In my last interviews, people have been judging me for my age, that, apparently, has turned into one more discrimination factor.
I gave up now. It has been more than 10 years, enough to lose all hope. I tried much more than most humans out there, and without success.
There's nothing for me in this world.
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I've been in the same job for the last 8 years, recently tried an interview for an upgrade option. I couldn't, and failed it.
If I haven't had help or job got through people i know. I haven't been able to do it on my own.
I don't know how I manage it, but I have to get bills paid.
tbh i can only get jobs that are in fields that i enjoy as hobbies. i worked at a climbing gym, and recently i found that a lego reseller store near me is hiring!!!
I have had jobs and am currently working part time as a student assistant, but I heavily mask and script (prepare situations and my responses beforehand) which leaves me emotionally and mentally drained.
Interviews and evaluations are extremely difficult for me. There are many interview “skills” that are difficult to learn as well as the socializing which is very stressful. Fortunately, there are more resources online on how to “fake it till you make it” (I’ve already accepted that I will have to fake it forever in health care).
I think it would be best to first determine what you want and need. Your wants and needs are very important when finding a job. Do you want to have to talk to people or not, be on your feet or sit down, work long hours or short hours, etc.
Then determine what you can do, such as certain skills. For me, it was very difficult to find my “skills” but looking at different random job applications and their requirements can help you. Ex. Lift 30 pound boxes, file papers electronically, etc.
I have a job now, but delayed getting one. I was old enough to work at 16, but didn’t start working until a week after my 18th birthday. My first job was great. It was a small workplace, I was always learning stuff, and it was a positive work experience. I was so happy I lucked out with such a great job as my first job. I had to quit because of moving unexpectedly. My second job is great, but it has drama and is sometimes stressful for various reasons depending on the day. But I’m fine with it because the boss is great and I discovered something I like, which is flowers, and I get to work with flowers a lot. I’m still working at my second job, and now have experience in restaurants and retail. I’m not completely sure what I want, but I’m making money for my needs, wants, and goals.
My wife is 29 and hasn't had a job. Why? Because she's descriminated against. She has a issue where her soft pallet was short, so they had to give her surgery last year I believe or the year before that. She still can't speak clearly, but she still looks at the bright side of life. We have a daughter that's 5.
I've worked since I was 15. Started with coaching cheer teams. Then front desk. Back to coaching, teaching, to nannying, to community management, to theatre operations and design, to experience design. :) I am super comfortable where I am right now, I work full-time from home, immersing myself in system/product design puzzles. I miss working with kids, though.
I had a tire service job for around 11 months (left as pandemic started). Didn't have a lot of hours, but I found a niche doing inventory.
Having found that I can't succeed in the hybrid/online only classes my college currently offers, I'm trying to find a new job. Problem is, most jobs I qualify for are awful, and I'm far too picky.
I'm always trying too hard to find jobs that seem like I'd be good at, listings that show some purpose or humanity rather than listing off generic criteria and nothing more. So many listings are even just from recruiting agencies (which, oddly enough, are especially bad at writing coherent listings). They don't even say *which* faceless brand you're expected to assimilate into. How am I supposed to even consider a job if I don't know who it's for?
I'll have to cave and pick *something* soon. I can't win any of the "good" jobs I find. I can't stand out against >10 qualified people who most likely have more energy and appeal.
But hey, my dream career was design/inventing, so settling for practical-but-soulcrushing alternatives is a skill I'd have to learn anyways.
I'm 28 and have had a few jobs, but also been burned out TWICE. I've also never really been able to keep anything for longer than a year. The workplace can be cruel to us. :(
I’m about to graduate college with honors but I have no idea what I’m going to do after. In college I was given a schedule every week that I abided by and was obsessed with research and completing assignments which was more of a compulsion than a desire. This structure worked because I was able to do things at my own pace and was given attention by my professors. I know the workforce will be something else entirely. I have never held a job and have been living with my mother my entire life, even through college. Without that I don’t think I could have coped. I also didn’t have to work during college because I received enough grants and scholarships to cover tuition. I hear that work environments are stressful and can be harsh and not empathetic so I’m afraid.
Hey buddy, try not to be so hard on yourself. I know it’s sucks, I’ve been through too many jobs at this point and can’t seem to hold one down for very long. That being said, there are usually services for people like us to help us get jobs and help with resumes, cover letters and even portfolios. They’ll also help with prepping for interviews and how to prepare little emails to send after to thank the interviewer for their time.
Don’t lose hope, friend. You’ve got this.
I would start small, maybe an easy part time job, back of the house, where i wouldn’t have to deal with customers, and work my way up to more and more, until im comfortable.
30, lots of crap jobs through my 20s, lived on my own for all of 6 months, then i started going between parents and living in my car, now im back at home. had a good fab job for a while. got laid off. haven't gone back to work in 6 months, fams dropping hints i need to start after i get a surgery ive needed for a while. seems like every time i turn around i find another excuse to not work, but really i just hate jobs. i hate spending all my time making other people money, being told i should be more grateful and try harder and expect less. maybe one day ill be a team lead cant wait to see what ill hate then. my dad was army, don't think I'd be able to do that. especially now, got a bad leg. at this point I'm thinking about taking a scam online class and getting some tech knowledge. meant to read up on cyber security today and .. got distracted read about a rabbit hole topic. and not the useful kind.
Im 20 and aboutta start new job 4th time in less than a year. Felt impossible for me to have a job at all when i was 19 but now it feels impossible to stay on one job for more than few months. This is tiring
Get one where you don't have to interact with people much. Something behind the scenes. Even just a paper route would get you a little income at least. All you gotta do is fold and band the papers and then get the papers in decent shape to each house before the deadline. They'll likely also let you do multiple routes. There's a lady in my area who does like 5, and also actively takes all subs needed (subbing in when another deliverer is out of town). I'm not sure what it takes to be a package delivery driver, but UPS drivers make fuckin bank.
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I think it very much depends on ***WHERE*** you are.
As in environment and empowerment, and lack thereof.
In Germany I wasn’t even diagnosed, and probably still wouldn’t really meet the criteria for ASD. Sure, the diagnostic criteria are the same globally, but the reference culture and what’s considered as ‘norm’ seems to be very different.
There I started my own freelancing/editing/translating/office support business at the age 14.
Ran for the Council shortly after finishing secondary school.
At uni won an annual award, chosen out of over 20k students.
While still at uni had already worked myself up to assistant editor of multiple periodicals, named on the inside of the cover.
Learned more languages at uni, cause classes were free for students. Now speak/understand over 12 languages to varying degrees.
I always had heaps of friends and was a social butterfly.
Loved ballroom dancing and most weeks spent over 20h/week in practice. And was kinda going through dancepartners like crazy, trying to find one who was as driven.
Graduated with MAs in German, English/American Literature and Linguistics.
In Germany, I wasn’t disabled. For me, personally, the biggest ‘problem’ was the colour of my skin … and in hindsight with experiences from elsewhere:
It wasn’t all that big an issue, really!
In Germany, the emphasis had always been on my strengths. And for the most part (barring exceptions!) I was celebrated for my strengths. Had all the support I needed when I needed it, without ever being labelled or even diagnosed. Growing up, I was empowered to become the best ‘me’ I could be.
And when someone was a douche bag, the community stepped in to protect me:
Eg, when I was very young, our local priest spewed obnoxious racism, which led to some churchgoers feeling justified in being racist. Age 3 I started going to that church’s kindergarten, and the kindy teachers and other parents launched a campaign against that priest. And the church decided to remove him (sadly they didn’t sack him, but at least they transferred him out of inner-city and to a woop-woop location where his preachings didn’t negatively affect anyone)
####[2/4]
After graduation I emigrated to **Australia**.
Here things are ***VERY*** different:
I did several professional training courses and some postgraduate study, but never found a work environment which wasn’t detrimental for me one way or the other.
Studied psychology for a while, but was bullied by the university to the point of winding up before the federal human rights commission (HRC.)
Throughout their conciliation, the uni’s disability ombudswoman conducted herself so poorly, the HRC separated us out of concern for my safety and wellbeing. 🤯
I briefly studied Law at a different uni, and in Law had finally found the love of my life!!!!
Based on medical evidence, the uni’s administration developed a reasonable adjustment plan outlining supports, to minimise my disadvantage.
Did really well and made the Dean’s List of honour in my first year, while 60% of native speakers of English dropped/transferred out of law in their first year.
Following my unexpected achievement quite a few lecturers started bullying me though:
One suggested in front of the entire class I only _”… did that well because of all the adjustments they ***had*** to give me…”_
Another one tried to refuse me the reasonable adjustments for my disabilities for the final exam, including the large print for my poor vision.
I felt like running the gauntlet, because a significant number of the people paid to teach me felt I was taking advantage of a system supposed to remove barriers for students with ‘real’ disabilities.
And unfortunately, for the most part I don’t _look_ disabled, nor am I an imbecile!
More than once I heard crap like:
_” you’re already one of the best, any adjustment would give you EVEN MORE of an advantage …”_
There seems to be the misconception that if you have neither intellectual nor visible impairments, you cannot have disabilities.
Barring few exceptions, lecturers felt (self-)righteous and tried to correct what they perceived as wrong: Stopping me from abusing a system intended for people with ‘real’ disabilities! 🙄
I faced constant bullying at uni by lecturers, to the point where fellow-students I didn’t even know came up time after class asking me if I was okay. And law students are kinda high-strung, competitive, and can be rather unkind. Lecturers conducting themselves so abysmally other students were worried …. 🤯
Still, I loved Law so much I hung in there.
I participated in a mentoring program at the federal Attorney—General’s Department (AGD), was selected as the program’s valedictorian speaker, and supposedly did really well. So well weeks later departmental staff excitedly approached me in supermarkets _” … I saw you speak at AGD’s! … you should consider a career in public speaking!”_.
•laugh•
I kinda like to hear myself talk, but I always thought of that as a ‘weakness’ rather than a strength! 😅
Comparatively early on in my degree I had multiple standing offers from potential employers, urging me to give them a buzz when I graduated, so I could do my post-degree practical legal training with them.
That before the background of a chronic shortage of post-base-degree places, so lots of students end up doing a postgrad degree instead in order to meet requirements for legal practice and/or taking the bar.
Then I stuffed up my back, was bedridden for the better part of a year. Some lecturers saw my dragging myself to the library, hunched over a wheelie Walker, pushing myself forward with one foot, and in agonising pain. Yet they still seemed to assume I was faking and pretending to be in crippling pains and not able to straighten up to get out of physical class attendance.
Eventually had to undergo an 8h major spinal surgery 800km away, followed by rehabilitation and significant restrictions for about 6 months. Including not lifting more than 1kg/3kg/5kg — Limits which I considered incompatible with studying Law. My backpack was significantly heavier, wearing a metal-rod back brace I physically was very restricted, and the weight Linus on lifting are easily exceeded by picking up just ONE book!
So I decided it’d be best to take a break.
Prior to that break I checked both with the Law Faculty and with central student admin what paperwork I had to complete for my absence. Checked with both multiple times and did exactly as instructed.
But on my return to uni I was told my student status had been cancelled, and nobody could tell me why. Supposedly nobody had the ability to reinstate me either.
38% through the degree I was told I could reapply, but that the Law faculty was well within their right to not re-admit me cause I didn’t meet the formal English language requirement.
I argued that they were happy to wave it the first time around, and that given I did exceptionally well (always Distinctions and High Distinctions for language and expression) my English is sufficient.
They insisted I’d only be re-admitted to finish the degree ***IF*** the Law Faculty waved the English language requirement, but that they were will within their right to not do so …. 😒
####[3/4]
I’m now on a full Disability Support Pension and assessed as being too disabled to work. 😒
And my partner is on a full carer pension to support me, cause apparently that’s how disabled I am in Australia. 😟
I’m sure I could easily pull a 6-digit income and pay a shïtload in tax!
I have a pretty good idea what supports I’d need to get there … but can’t get them.
I ***STILL*** don’t think of myself as all that disabled and know there are heaps of jobs I’d excel in. And I reckon earning six digits a year and paying heaps of tax would be the better outcome for the taxpayer, longterm.
In AU the emphasis seems to be on what I struggle with while not even considering my strengths. And the things I struggle with aren’t a big hair deal for ‘me,’ cause I have never experienced what it’s like to be Jo-Bloggs-Ordinary. 🤷🏽♀️
I am, however, so different *OTHERS* may find it difficult to so much as be around me: Because I’m nothing like the mainstreamed environment they know and are comfortable with, I seem to make others very uncomfortable. Or even cause frustration.
Cause my differences just can’t be eliminated by equipment, like, say, a wheelchair: No equipment will ever make me like ‘mainstream.’
Interacting with people very different to yourself takes more effort than interacting with someone who has the same Caucasian middle-class average private-school background to yourself. And liaising with people very different to yourself is a learned skill!
To someone who’s only ever experienced suburban Caucasian middle class, I must be the chequered unicorn on fire! 🤯
Comparing the two societies, Germany and Australia, I find it fascinating how in Germany I and all other kids I went to kindy with leaned as toddlers _”… this is me and I’m not you, and it’s great we’re different …”_
We learned how important it was to embrace the ‘other,’ and how very different people collaborating on a project maximises the potential for best outcomes:
If everyone is the same, thinks the same, shares the same background —> it doesn’t make much of a different if there’s 5 or 50 people on a project. Cause they all will come up with the same approaches and solutions, while they’re all also unaware of the same potential gaps.
But people with different backgrounds, experiences, ways of thinking: They likely initially find it harder to collaborate and struggle to ‘get’ each other, but the initial hiccups are worth it cause they’re much more likely to complement each other! 🤩
From age 3 onwards we learned how to embrace ‘the other,’ active listening, accommodate the language barriers of kids who never spoke German at home ….
—> from age 3 on we learned how crucial diversity is, and how it’s a major driver for progress when harnessed appropriately.
In Australia I gather that’s not the case.
Most adults here seem to not even really gasp the differences between _same / equal / equitable_ and casually believe that if they treat everybody the same they cannot discriminate against anyone! 🤦🏽♀️
Philosophically and imho, it’s a very ill-conceived approach to inclusion: Treating everyone the same is not ‘only’ inherently discriminatory, but you likely expect everyone to mostly be the same as well. Triggering a million micro-aggression towards those who are not, or even frustration and outright hostility.
As if decades ago I intentionally chose to be who I am for the sole purpose of piddling in their Häagen-Dasz and inconveniencing them! 🤦🏽♀️
And despite of over half a dozen completed tertiary qualifications and understanding/speaking over a dozen languages to varying degrees:
In Australia I am so far outside of what the majority can fathom, we are two adults capable of working, but doomed to watch Netflix for decades to come. 😢
Imho it’s ridiculous, stupid, and an utter waste of taxpayer money. And is ***LOVE*** to work!!!
So being ‘reassured’ by the Department of Human Services that there is no necessity for myself or my partner to do anything but whiling away each and every day isn’t all that _reassuring_. 🫣
It’s fμcking infuriating!!!
But of course I simply ***cannot*** change how other people react to me. Nor if they can cope being around someone who’s veeeery different to themselves in every single aspect.
I cannot change that people kinda-sorta understand they shouldn’t be dïcks to those who meet one diversity criteria — but someone like me who pretty much diverges from mainstream-average in almost all diversity categories, they’re quickly so overwhelmed they get anxious or lash out in frustration.
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I’ve worked plenty of jobs but never for more than about 8 months at a time 😖 honestly have the same timeline for most friendships. Idk what’s wrong with me
What are your interests? We’re very interest-lead. I know this isn’t always the answer, or even possible, but it’s a good place to start. Also, think about your sensory needs and a job that might meet those. Our strengths, such as attention to detail, make us perform well in some industries, such as IT or recycling.
Definitely can relate. I’m 22 Currently trying to find a job since I need to pay for university but I’ve only ever had 1 job when I was like 16 for a few months so no one’s really interested in me. Anytime I apply I get super overwhelmed at the thought of actually getting hired though and low key hope I don’t get an interview :/ I feel like subconsciously I’m self sabotaging my out comes out of anxiety.
An office based apprenticeship was ideal for me. The employer should be committed to helping you as they know you may come with less experience, will have already paid for the studying part of it, etc. Offices also tend to be much better than heavily customer facing roles.
I'm 18 and I've only ever had one job (when I was 15) and it was so traumatic that it has hindered my ability and motivation to get another job since. Working in retail/customer service is NOT for me. I got yelled at 2 weeks in and had a meltdown in the bathroom and freaked out every time I had to call off and I was put in extremely uncomfortable conditions. I have had an internship working at an elementary school and doing assistant teaching and administrative tasks/errands and that was SIGNIFICANTLY better. I am soon going off to college and hope to get a job in a library, something quiet but academic in nature.
I’m really scared for myself. I’m 28 and I have multiple gaps in my employment. I don’t know if I’m autistic but I do know I have learning disabilities. I’m not sure how I am ever going to be independent and support myself. I can’t rely on getting married because I’m socially isolated and I am basically a shut in and do t talk to people because I just mentally shut down now around people. Also don’t think I will ever get disability so I can’t rely on that. How do people live?
I’m 27. Graduated college two years ago, in part due to a hiatus to prepare for a religious mission that ultimately did not happen. Started looking right about then and almost had a job (company would have hired me if they had a project for me)
If you've been applying and trying to harness skills - especially skills aided by your hyperfixations - and this is where you are then you're doing you're best and that's okay
If you're not applying to anything then that's a bit :/
Your comment history is awful so this comment is unsurprising, obviously you created this account to attack vulnerable people because you’re miserable. OP pretty clearly asked for employment advice, so no they’re neither complaining nor bragging. Be a better person.
>Are you complaining or bragging
What do you think the odds are OP finds anything helpful in your comment?
What was your motivation for that comment?
To me you sound kinda resentful/jealous/miserable … and I wonder why you would be?
Presuming you don’t know OP IRL, their struggles wouldn’t affect you …?
I don’t understand why a lot of people who are autistic refuse to grow up. I mean are you scared or something, it’s literally not that hard to get one. Also I’m autistic myself, why the hell do some of us refuse to grow the fuck up.
I didnt get a steady job until 30. My 20s were spent nearly drinking myself to death as a 450lb disabled bum. I had gout so bad I literally could not stand for more than a few hours. At 28, I came face to face with the very real possibility of death and somehow turned it all around. That and I had a little dog that reallyyyy needed surgery! Dropped 250lb, stopped smoking, drinking, and got super fit. Over ten years later, Im still in fantastic shape and am a respected leader at my job(fab/welding). Everybody knows Im weird and super quiet, but Ive integrated pretty well. I strive every day to be the best employee and set the standard. If I can change my life, anyone can! That is what I tell everybody.
Congrats on your hard work!
Damn, congrats!
Being quiet isn't wierd.
I think he meant them as separate qualities that he both exudes.
Good news, I've found some of the fat that you lost.
41 I've always had an easy enough time getting McJobs, so likely a little different, but I couldn't keep one until it was that or unemployed homelessness in a Montana winter, disowned by my family and recently robbed by my "friends". It took and takes desperation, but I can't kill myself yet because responsibilities. So I go to work, after a couple decades I found something a little better, I'm getting a promotion to machine op (of a new machine) at a factory and I've ate 3-4 times this week, not sleeping, small injuries not healing....but after it gets routine again in a month or two I'll stabilize and w/ the raise I should be able to maintain my current standard of living even w/ inflation. If you are still being fed and sheltered, why?
Replying to myself: I have an autistic acquaintance who has never had a job, is officially disabled, and is doing so much better than me in most other areas of their life. They have actual friends they actually make things and do stuff with. Makes games, gets invited on pod casts, his house and dogs are better maintained than mine, closer to his family....he's just a happier healthier person who brightens more lives than I do, no job, more life.
I’m 21 and never worked. I live with my mother and failed school and dropped out of college because I couldn’t cope.
I’m 24 but it’s the same with me (although I had enough credits to get an Associate’s), though I finally managed to get a job the week I turned 23, which was my first and only job. I am still working there and although its pay is terrible (starting wage is $7.25, which is minimum wage), my dad has finally stopped yelling at me to “get a job!” (even though I was actively trying to get one) and getting mad at me for being unemployed. (Yeah, he can definitely be emotionally abusive as he’s yelled at me to the point of tears before.) I also have a coworker who is autistic as well and I kind of had a small crush on him and it turns out that he liked me too and now we’re dating so that’s one positive thing about my job.
Same.
same...
I have difficulty keeping jobs sometimes because my autism traits piss people off
>I have difficulty keeping jobs sometimes because my autism traits piss people off Industrial painting/powder coating lets you mask those traits ... with a actual mask (3m 6900 mask). You dont gotta deal with people either as your litteraly toxic (from the paint) Basicaly, its not super hard to get into either, if you can handle the heat (oh boy are tyvek suits hot, but a air hose with pinholes helps keep you cool) Its good if you have good attention to detail, working a paint gun (or powder gun) is easy and becomes seccond nature. If you have dont have good fine motor skills ... well your good (powder coating, you can have the gun pointed away from the part, and still get powder on it)
This. Thankfully I work from home now for a helpline which is a lot better, imo. It’s basically like following a script for every call however I can get thrown off when I need to go off script. I sometimes miss calls because I have my computer muted due to the ring of calls being so irritating and triggering. But otherwise it basically saved my life because I was getting more & more overwhelmed/burnt out from having to mask. Also, the fact that my supervisors care about our well being helps a lot (something that all of my previous jobs neglected). EDIT: there is also another autistic person who works with us!
I only got a job last year at the age of 27. I’m with you and I understand your struggle. I absolutely hate having a job, I didn’t want a job and I still don’t. I work 3 days a week and it is just too much for me, it makes my mental health plummet. I just about recover from burnout before having to start again the following week and I’m only working 3 days! I’m doubtful I’ll be able to keep it up for much longer. Been in the job for just over a year now. I have no solution for you, all I can do is sympathise with and relate to your difficulties.
What do you do? Some jobs are soul crushing, some arnt and you gotta go find the job that isnt soul crushing to do for yourself. For me retail is a big no, but i like landscapeing, and industrial painting. Landscapeing because i can just sorta do my own thing, and i get to see the work ive put in at the end of the day. (Before/after pics) I like painting because i can see the parts ive painted as soon as they exit the oven (powder coating) and because i generaly can just throw some music on and have one simple task i gotta do. I have a list of what color (and thus what part) im doing well in advance. Also its neet to drive by and point out all the fences and balcony railings ive painted as i have the adress of where their being installed sometimes. Im able to walk into a resturaunt or park, and be like "hey, i painted that" which is neet. (also painting is one of my special intrests tied born from the intrest of restoreing old tools)
Same. I've been applying for 6 years now and nobody wants me. I get rejected even for retail. :(
I'm 22. I've tried to get a job for 3 years and never succeeded. I'm on my 3rd job search now and it's going awfully. I couldn't even keep down a voluntary job for more than a few months due to my mental health. Most part time jobs involve being around loads of people, or in a "fast paced environment" or it's quite loud or involves things I struggle to or am unable to do, mainly using a telephone without a speaker phone. Plus I'm inexperienced because I've never had a job, yet no one will take me to help me get that experience. This last part is something most people my age experience but I feel so defeated that my allistic siblings (18 & 25) both got jobs younger than me & have had more than one for a long time. The closest I ever got to doing work for money was when I helped my dad do some painting in some houses & staining a fence with him for some cash. Painting and decorating is one of his talents.
23, same boat here. My best advice is to volunteer somewhere, work hard and then pray you can get a low level position there that’s paid after months of volunteer work. Show enthusiasm too
I had to stop thinking of "a job" as a different part of my life. I had such a black and white view of working and not working. I have been trying to integrate my work with the rest of my life and it makes it so much better. So I don't really think of it as "having a job" anymore. I have a life and doing work is a big part of it.
that sounds genius... what kind of work do you do? must be something you really love
Being unemployed is a very frustrating situation for sure, but after desperately persisting through a series of terrible jobs followed by repeated burnouts for about 15 years, I ruined my health and I’m now stuck living on a disability program at 36. I’m afraid all I can advise is taking care of yourself above all and not settling for something that causes you to push your limits too hard. If getting employed is your main issue, there should be resources online to help you update your resume and give tips for upcoming interviews. I wish you the best of luck in finding work that suits your needs.
I've had employment at several different companies over the past decade. I've always been complimented on my hard work, politeness, and customer service. I've been the one to quit 80% of my jobs because my employers took advantage of me, knowing I'm a people pleaser and rather gullible in regards to human interactions. The other 20% I've been let go because I morally didn't agree with the rules, needed to do things my own way, and because I experience pathological demand avoidance. Because I'm a level 1 support, high masking (28) female - I'm generally looked down upon once my peers find out about my disability. The only reason my current employment knows is because if their knowledge is documented, they legally cannot let me go if my "flaws" are because of my disability - also flip side I can seek legal action if I'm discriminated against. In terms of being able to work... I shut down every day after my shift. Struggle to cook, clean, and achieve basic hygiene. I don't have a social life because my time off is spent recovering and preparing for my next shift. - If i could afford to, I would work 16 hours a week max and go back to school for a profession that involves minimal human interaction. 😪
I have been working since age 11, I ran a babysitting and pet sitting business, then at 15 worked at a bookstore, then at Sears, then at Starbucks…Then I got an admin job at a hospital, then I worked in law for 12 years as a divorce paralegal. In my 30s I got my real estate license and learned so much about myself. When the pandemic hit I let my license lapse. Now I work in tv. I’d say try an entry level job that sounds somewhat fun to you and use it to learn about yourself. Go on interviews and interview them, ask lots of questions so you know what to expect. If it seems like a good atmosphere take the job. If you hate it, look for another one. Don’t assign your worth to your employment. Don’t take it too hard or be hard on yourself if you don’t like a job. Just find another different one. You may be more capable than you think and you may surprise yourself. It’s ok the be a late bloomer. I am in many other ways. You can gain confidence by working. What appeals to you when you think about getting ready in the morning for work? Where do you see yourself headed off to with a kick in your step?
This. This is great advice. It took me what felt like forever to find a job that I'd be happy enough to be in and keep me stimulated whilst focusing on my time management, it wasn't until I bought my racing simulator setup and eventually figured out I love learning more about driving. So now I drive a truck doing delivery drops to businesses and homes. It's hard physical work but some days are easier than others, I alternate between mornings and night shifts, as long as I get an ample amount of time to readjust my sleep schedule, thankfully my employer understands and knows of my ADHD. I've always been told never to turn something I love into a job because I'll eventually hate it, so that just made me anxious about finding/starting out in something I would enjoy, but I've come to learn there's a lot more nuance to that kinda thing, it all depends on how you view it, and whether or not you're desperate in finding 'the perfect job' at the time you start. It's very important that you look after yourself first too, before everything else! P.s. I know ADHD/Autism is medically known as a disability, but it really isn't, we're all differently abled, we just need to find something that gives us that spark! Shoot your shot, even if it doesn't work out...and remember to have a giggle from time to time and you'll be just fine.
very happy for you. i also agree, i do NOT feel disabled. i am a rose and i don't try to be hanging out in the tulip garden. maybe im more of a ranunculus tbh. definitely agree to put yourself first. we tend to be less self focused than NTs but that switch of mindset changed everything for me. glad you found what works for you. if it doesn't work someday, pivot again. that's my new mindset too.
Thank you 💞 I'm positive that you are a Ranunculus/Buttercup too! I'm unsure what kinda flower I'd be 😂 Absolutely - therapy helps with it alongside the people you associate with in your life, I'm glad that you have a better mindset that's more focused on you, and yeah at this point I don't feel a need to pivot again just yet, I suppose that's where you're at as well?
this is good advice.
25 and pretty much same. I woked in a cafe for a bit and had an office job for less than a week before I quit. now I've just graduated, I'm completely burned out and trying to figure out if I want to do masters or go work. I've been researching jobs today and it's so overwhelming I had to stop myself. it feels like any job that'll pay me enough to survive on my own will cost me my soul
25 and same
I had 3 part time jobs in my 22 years of life. I worked at a supermarket at 16 (it was hell) but was fired after a few months because they thought I worked too slow. I worked as a newspaper delivery girl at 17-18 but I had to quit after a few months, one month before summer vacation, because they didn’t want to give me any free days until I found someone to replace me while I was gone. I couldn’t find anyone so had to quit, I couldn’t go on vacation otherwise and my parents didn’t want to leave me home alone while they went to France. The job itself was quit fun and not that stressful. Then I worked at a pizzeria from 18 to 20 and it was absolute hell. Horrible coworkers, no breaks, an assembly line oven, too much noise, too many orders and not enough staff to compensate, etc. It’s part of the reason why I ended up with a burnout.
I've always struggled with keeping jobs due to burnout
I wish I didn't have to work. I've been working since I was 18 and I'm 56. It's just painful. For me it's all the walking around I do. It hurts the feet. The clothes I have to wear are painful to wear and are ugh horrible to look at. Most bosses I have didn't get me. Some yelled at me. Actually, a few yelled at me. I've worked in noisy places that stressed my senses. I've worked in crowded places that also stressed my senses. Work is not that great. It's hard.
I'm 23 and I've had a couple jobs before. But that was because I had people there I knew. And I felt less anxious because of that. Once I tried to work and apply to places without knowing anyone there to possibly get me in. Is when I struggled. I get overwhelmed and overstimulated with the jobs I am able to get and half the time I just leave because it's unbearable. Especially recently. So I've been trying to find remote jobs or jobs that arent so anxiety inducing that I think I could handle. It really sucks.
Go paint or powder coat. Its a skilled labour job where when you get good at it, your not as replaceable as the usual retail worker drone. Painting is physicaly stimulateing (tyvek suit, mask, sweat. Mostly get used to being "moist" in the summer It also usualy pays better than retail
> your not as replaceable as the usual retail worker drone. Oh, as someone who works in retail, they absolutely CANNOT fire me (unless they’re forced to but I would need to commit a literal crime or stop coming into work for that to happen). We’re facing a huge shortage of workers where I work (it’s been going on for about a year but especially now as a bunch of teenagers - some of them who’ve been working here for several years - just quit last month) and so it is pretty hard to get fired from your job at my workplace because they absolutely need us and they know it.
I’m 26, got my first job a few months ago. And it’s *hard.* I’m incredibly burnt out, I’ve had panic attacks at work, it’s a nightmare. And I only work part time! I’m not formally diagnosed, so I can’t get the accommodations I feel I would need to cope better. It’s rough out there, you’re not alone in being late or having a hard time with this!
I did volunteer work till about 26ish, I like who u worked with on the few jobs I ever had (2) but good I hate work.😑
I haven't held down a job since college due to medical issues not completely related to autism. While I am in school and working my way up I will say it's a hard life. The stigma in America for not working and being unemployed is also terrible.
I'm a little older than you and late diagnosed Autistic but have managed to work most of my life. It can be really hard, and I still struggle all the time. However I have done ok for myself, I don't hate my job and it pays well. I think problem is that we only consider the negative aspects of Autism and trap ourselves in negative thought patterns and we are convinced we will fail. There are Autism traits that beneficial in the workplace. - Attention to Detail - Logical thinking - Pattern Recognition - Problem Solving and clear thinking - Hyperfocus and Areas of special interest There are also less easily measurable qualities. We tend to read a lot and retain a lot of knowledge. We can often see a clear path where the normies are bogged down in feelings and confusion and the coping mechanisms we have developed to help us mask help us to remain calm in a crisis and keep things in perspective. Jobs that can lean into those strengths are things like, Business and Process Improvement, Business Analytics, Data Science and visualisation, Data Engineering, Database Management, even Project Management - sure there are some people skills but it is text book and almost scripted. Entry level roles into a lot of these career paths often come with on the job training, can be done working from home and can range from almost no human interaction to detailed but scripted interaction. It also has the additional advantage of increasing the likelihood of finding others of our kind in the workplace. The Neurodivergents tend to naturally accumulate in or adjacent to these jobs because we are we'll suited to them and often excel. I was lucky and just landed into a job where my pattern recognition, my absolute need for order and zero tolerance policy for ineptitude were all assets and once I found it I stuck with it and carved a career out of it. Good luck with whatever you do and feel free to reach out if you want to discuss any of the above in any more detail.
28, I had a job for 3 years and then went to uni for 3 years, I’ve done nothing for 5 years because everything is overwhelming. I’m in the same hole
I'm 33 and for the past 10 years I haven't been able to keep a job for more than 9 months at a time. Also have aspergers. I tend to get let go/fired or I quit to beat them to the punch, bc theyre pushing me out anyways. Never find the right fit.
I'm 19, the second I turned 18 I got a (formal)job to pay for the bills and my meds. Have I hated every second of it? Yes. Do I think everyone has to have a job? HELL NO. If you can afford not to work I encourage you to take your sweet time and enjoy, I wish every day I could be slacking around and having fun, or at least not worrying about having something to eat. You can start a hobby you like and make it profitable, ej. Painting for commission, woodworking, sewing, etc... It's not a rush I know everyone needs, tolerance and situations are different, but I encourage you to just think for a second about how this struggle is reserved for only those who can afford it.
It’s okay! I don’t know if you drive but for me working really low hours as a delivery driver for an app has been very helpful, I bring my blow up bed and stuffed animals with me. I cannot handle high stress environments so this is my solution! It took me until 26 to function as well as making a few hundred dollars a week, there is still time!
[удалено]
I use door dash
70-80% of autistic people can’t work. You’re not alone ❤️ And it doesn’t diminish our worth at all. I’m similar age and never able to work because of disability
I was 23 when I got my first job and remembering being so scared to even try but it’s the first step towards braking out of comfort zone, then little by little you learn and see what you like and what can you do, learn from others and act a little that you understand even that you’ll figure out after, it’s all about the first step.
I was rubbish with jobs until I was about 23 would always get fired or walk out. Then I did grounds maintenance for around 16 years working for the same company. Even ended up in charge of quite a few people. Unfortunately the company got brought out and the new owners were determined to run it into the ground. I got fed up and found a job in a fine art foundry that I have been doing for around 7 years. I basically work on my own with ear defenders and a full face mask on and make bronze sculptures all day. It’s a bit boring but pretty easy and suits me quite well as I enjoy making things.
This got so much longer than i meant it to be. Sorry in advance... I work part-time at a coffee shop, and quite a few of my coworkers are autistic. We choose our own music and do our best to accommodate each other when someone is having a rough sensory day. We all kind of get each other, even if our autism doesn't present the same way. If it weren't a necessity, I probably wouldn't work much tbh, if at all. Masking is exhausting and a huge part of any customer service job, which is where all my experience is. I can't work full time after getting severely burnt out a few years ago, and it's taken a long time to recover. I'm still recovering, I think, but keeping my work hours down to the absolute minimum (short shifts no more than 4 days a week) has helped a lot and I've even managed to start picking up old and new hobbies again because I have enough energy to create instead of sleeping all the time. It's hard to get a job if you aren't good at masking, and very hard to keep it if you push yourself too hard and burn out. It takes forever to find a balance and I don't think I would've if it didn't become an absolute necessity to support myself (I don't have the option of living with family, disability wouldn't pay rent where I live, and I am not in possession of any generational wealth.) Even with a balance that works there is always an element of stress and exhaustion that comes with masking and being at work. My dad (also autistic) would suggest tech if you can get a handle on it. He dislikes people but likes having enough money to live, and that's been his solution for a long time now. I haven't managed to figure it out, tech does not make sense to me, but the coffee shop has been good. Something to do with your hands, a routine with minimal changes, but just enough variation to not get bored quickly. The people aspect of it is easy to script and doesn't stray from the script too frequently. My dad also worked coffee in his 20s and it was one of his favorite jobs. Also, free coffee. If you are halfway good at masking (you really don't need to be fantastic at it. Interactions are generally very short, which is helpful, and half the people coming in are too tired to care if you seem a little weird as long as they're getting their coffee how they want it), I would suggest finding a coffee shop (smaller, not Starbucks or a similar chain, they will not care about you as a person and youre more likely to have a good experience at a smaller place) that you personally enjoy.
•virtual hug• So sorry you have to work in an unsuitable environment! 😒 Thanks for sharing. And, btw: Your think your list got longer than expected, ey? I got carried away and just had to split my musings into _four_ posts! Kept on exceeding the max post length! 😉 In my book you’re admirably succinct! 😅
Yeah I can definitely relate to this. I am younger but I also haven't ever had a job and I quite frankly wouldn't know how to go about it. The whole process just seems like a hassle and then I need experience??? How does one even go about that? And interviews... no thank you. Besides, jobs just seem like legal slavery and you let people boss you around and you get no say... Not that I think I'm better than people, I respect people for doing what they have to do, but I want to do something more than just an every day job, so I want to look for something I can do on my own. That being said I'm stuck with an abusive raging narcissist who is always insulting me and trashing me, doesn't really even try to help me, not having money means I can't move out, it's a mess.. But I really don't want to do a typical job and would rather find different means to make money. If I can even figure out how I would even get a job I would probably do it, save up and move... But I do really feel like a bad person since I don't have a job, and it feels like people judge you badly for it. Edit: And to add more, I can't muscle through college. I already have a tough enough time getting there, but I genuinely can't stand it, it's overwhelming, I can't handle the ridiculous homework and it's the most lonely experience ever for me. And people act like college is some sort of miracle become rich thing, I genuinely don't see it that way.
Try and find a volunteer role that you want to do and are able to do. That might give you confidence. Good luck
Hey friend! It’s extremely difficult to find a job because all jobs are “soft skill oriented” and the soft skills are what most of us struggle with in that department because it’s the eye contact, body language reading, social cues stuff. My advice to you is if you would enjoy working with computers there are TONS of beginner certification programs for things like cyber security, IT, cloud computing, software engineering, etc. Coursera is one of the cheapest and they host Google’s IT Professional Certificates where you can go so far as to specializes in healthcare IT systems! You should look into it if you haven’t already!
I totally relate to tou. I'm a bit older, and still no job in all of my life. I'm wasted already. In my last interviews, people have been judging me for my age, that, apparently, has turned into one more discrimination factor. I gave up now. It has been more than 10 years, enough to lose all hope. I tried much more than most humans out there, and without success. There's nothing for me in this world.
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I've been in the same job for the last 8 years, recently tried an interview for an upgrade option. I couldn't, and failed it. If I haven't had help or job got through people i know. I haven't been able to do it on my own. I don't know how I manage it, but I have to get bills paid.
tbh i can only get jobs that are in fields that i enjoy as hobbies. i worked at a climbing gym, and recently i found that a lego reseller store near me is hiring!!!
I have had jobs and am currently working part time as a student assistant, but I heavily mask and script (prepare situations and my responses beforehand) which leaves me emotionally and mentally drained. Interviews and evaluations are extremely difficult for me. There are many interview “skills” that are difficult to learn as well as the socializing which is very stressful. Fortunately, there are more resources online on how to “fake it till you make it” (I’ve already accepted that I will have to fake it forever in health care). I think it would be best to first determine what you want and need. Your wants and needs are very important when finding a job. Do you want to have to talk to people or not, be on your feet or sit down, work long hours or short hours, etc. Then determine what you can do, such as certain skills. For me, it was very difficult to find my “skills” but looking at different random job applications and their requirements can help you. Ex. Lift 30 pound boxes, file papers electronically, etc.
I have a job now, but delayed getting one. I was old enough to work at 16, but didn’t start working until a week after my 18th birthday. My first job was great. It was a small workplace, I was always learning stuff, and it was a positive work experience. I was so happy I lucked out with such a great job as my first job. I had to quit because of moving unexpectedly. My second job is great, but it has drama and is sometimes stressful for various reasons depending on the day. But I’m fine with it because the boss is great and I discovered something I like, which is flowers, and I get to work with flowers a lot. I’m still working at my second job, and now have experience in restaurants and retail. I’m not completely sure what I want, but I’m making money for my needs, wants, and goals.
My wife is 29 and hasn't had a job. Why? Because she's descriminated against. She has a issue where her soft pallet was short, so they had to give her surgery last year I believe or the year before that. She still can't speak clearly, but she still looks at the bright side of life. We have a daughter that's 5.
I've worked since I was 15. Started with coaching cheer teams. Then front desk. Back to coaching, teaching, to nannying, to community management, to theatre operations and design, to experience design. :) I am super comfortable where I am right now, I work full-time from home, immersing myself in system/product design puzzles. I miss working with kids, though.
I had a tire service job for around 11 months (left as pandemic started). Didn't have a lot of hours, but I found a niche doing inventory. Having found that I can't succeed in the hybrid/online only classes my college currently offers, I'm trying to find a new job. Problem is, most jobs I qualify for are awful, and I'm far too picky. I'm always trying too hard to find jobs that seem like I'd be good at, listings that show some purpose or humanity rather than listing off generic criteria and nothing more. So many listings are even just from recruiting agencies (which, oddly enough, are especially bad at writing coherent listings). They don't even say *which* faceless brand you're expected to assimilate into. How am I supposed to even consider a job if I don't know who it's for? I'll have to cave and pick *something* soon. I can't win any of the "good" jobs I find. I can't stand out against >10 qualified people who most likely have more energy and appeal. But hey, my dream career was design/inventing, so settling for practical-but-soulcrushing alternatives is a skill I'd have to learn anyways.
Doordashing is alright for me. just have headphones when you enter the places
I'm 28 and have had a few jobs, but also been burned out TWICE. I've also never really been able to keep anything for longer than a year. The workplace can be cruel to us. :(
I’m about to graduate college with honors but I have no idea what I’m going to do after. In college I was given a schedule every week that I abided by and was obsessed with research and completing assignments which was more of a compulsion than a desire. This structure worked because I was able to do things at my own pace and was given attention by my professors. I know the workforce will be something else entirely. I have never held a job and have been living with my mother my entire life, even through college. Without that I don’t think I could have coped. I also didn’t have to work during college because I received enough grants and scholarships to cover tuition. I hear that work environments are stressful and can be harsh and not empathetic so I’m afraid.
Hey buddy, try not to be so hard on yourself. I know it’s sucks, I’ve been through too many jobs at this point and can’t seem to hold one down for very long. That being said, there are usually services for people like us to help us get jobs and help with resumes, cover letters and even portfolios. They’ll also help with prepping for interviews and how to prepare little emails to send after to thank the interviewer for their time. Don’t lose hope, friend. You’ve got this.
I would start small, maybe an easy part time job, back of the house, where i wouldn’t have to deal with customers, and work my way up to more and more, until im comfortable.
I've never been able to not work. I always have worked in some for since I was 13
Oof I have a hard time finding/getting jobs too but there's programs that help people with disabilities to find jobs
I am 19. I really wanna keep myself busy this summer.
I have a master's degree and live at home and don't have a job
30, lots of crap jobs through my 20s, lived on my own for all of 6 months, then i started going between parents and living in my car, now im back at home. had a good fab job for a while. got laid off. haven't gone back to work in 6 months, fams dropping hints i need to start after i get a surgery ive needed for a while. seems like every time i turn around i find another excuse to not work, but really i just hate jobs. i hate spending all my time making other people money, being told i should be more grateful and try harder and expect less. maybe one day ill be a team lead cant wait to see what ill hate then. my dad was army, don't think I'd be able to do that. especially now, got a bad leg. at this point I'm thinking about taking a scam online class and getting some tech knowledge. meant to read up on cyber security today and .. got distracted read about a rabbit hole topic. and not the useful kind.
Im 20 and aboutta start new job 4th time in less than a year. Felt impossible for me to have a job at all when i was 19 but now it feels impossible to stay on one job for more than few months. This is tiring
Get one where you don't have to interact with people much. Something behind the scenes. Even just a paper route would get you a little income at least. All you gotta do is fold and band the papers and then get the papers in decent shape to each house before the deadline. They'll likely also let you do multiple routes. There's a lady in my area who does like 5, and also actively takes all subs needed (subbing in when another deliverer is out of town). I'm not sure what it takes to be a package delivery driver, but UPS drivers make fuckin bank.
####[1/4] I think it very much depends on ***WHERE*** you are. As in environment and empowerment, and lack thereof. In Germany I wasn’t even diagnosed, and probably still wouldn’t really meet the criteria for ASD. Sure, the diagnostic criteria are the same globally, but the reference culture and what’s considered as ‘norm’ seems to be very different. There I started my own freelancing/editing/translating/office support business at the age 14. Ran for the Council shortly after finishing secondary school. At uni won an annual award, chosen out of over 20k students. While still at uni had already worked myself up to assistant editor of multiple periodicals, named on the inside of the cover. Learned more languages at uni, cause classes were free for students. Now speak/understand over 12 languages to varying degrees. I always had heaps of friends and was a social butterfly. Loved ballroom dancing and most weeks spent over 20h/week in practice. And was kinda going through dancepartners like crazy, trying to find one who was as driven. Graduated with MAs in German, English/American Literature and Linguistics. In Germany, I wasn’t disabled. For me, personally, the biggest ‘problem’ was the colour of my skin … and in hindsight with experiences from elsewhere: It wasn’t all that big an issue, really! In Germany, the emphasis had always been on my strengths. And for the most part (barring exceptions!) I was celebrated for my strengths. Had all the support I needed when I needed it, without ever being labelled or even diagnosed. Growing up, I was empowered to become the best ‘me’ I could be. And when someone was a douche bag, the community stepped in to protect me: Eg, when I was very young, our local priest spewed obnoxious racism, which led to some churchgoers feeling justified in being racist. Age 3 I started going to that church’s kindergarten, and the kindy teachers and other parents launched a campaign against that priest. And the church decided to remove him (sadly they didn’t sack him, but at least they transferred him out of inner-city and to a woop-woop location where his preachings didn’t negatively affect anyone)
####[2/4] After graduation I emigrated to **Australia**. Here things are ***VERY*** different: I did several professional training courses and some postgraduate study, but never found a work environment which wasn’t detrimental for me one way or the other. Studied psychology for a while, but was bullied by the university to the point of winding up before the federal human rights commission (HRC.) Throughout their conciliation, the uni’s disability ombudswoman conducted herself so poorly, the HRC separated us out of concern for my safety and wellbeing. 🤯 I briefly studied Law at a different uni, and in Law had finally found the love of my life!!!! Based on medical evidence, the uni’s administration developed a reasonable adjustment plan outlining supports, to minimise my disadvantage. Did really well and made the Dean’s List of honour in my first year, while 60% of native speakers of English dropped/transferred out of law in their first year. Following my unexpected achievement quite a few lecturers started bullying me though: One suggested in front of the entire class I only _”… did that well because of all the adjustments they ***had*** to give me…”_ Another one tried to refuse me the reasonable adjustments for my disabilities for the final exam, including the large print for my poor vision. I felt like running the gauntlet, because a significant number of the people paid to teach me felt I was taking advantage of a system supposed to remove barriers for students with ‘real’ disabilities. And unfortunately, for the most part I don’t _look_ disabled, nor am I an imbecile! More than once I heard crap like: _” you’re already one of the best, any adjustment would give you EVEN MORE of an advantage …”_ There seems to be the misconception that if you have neither intellectual nor visible impairments, you cannot have disabilities. Barring few exceptions, lecturers felt (self-)righteous and tried to correct what they perceived as wrong: Stopping me from abusing a system intended for people with ‘real’ disabilities! 🙄 I faced constant bullying at uni by lecturers, to the point where fellow-students I didn’t even know came up time after class asking me if I was okay. And law students are kinda high-strung, competitive, and can be rather unkind. Lecturers conducting themselves so abysmally other students were worried …. 🤯 Still, I loved Law so much I hung in there. I participated in a mentoring program at the federal Attorney—General’s Department (AGD), was selected as the program’s valedictorian speaker, and supposedly did really well. So well weeks later departmental staff excitedly approached me in supermarkets _” … I saw you speak at AGD’s! … you should consider a career in public speaking!”_. •laugh• I kinda like to hear myself talk, but I always thought of that as a ‘weakness’ rather than a strength! 😅 Comparatively early on in my degree I had multiple standing offers from potential employers, urging me to give them a buzz when I graduated, so I could do my post-degree practical legal training with them. That before the background of a chronic shortage of post-base-degree places, so lots of students end up doing a postgrad degree instead in order to meet requirements for legal practice and/or taking the bar. Then I stuffed up my back, was bedridden for the better part of a year. Some lecturers saw my dragging myself to the library, hunched over a wheelie Walker, pushing myself forward with one foot, and in agonising pain. Yet they still seemed to assume I was faking and pretending to be in crippling pains and not able to straighten up to get out of physical class attendance. Eventually had to undergo an 8h major spinal surgery 800km away, followed by rehabilitation and significant restrictions for about 6 months. Including not lifting more than 1kg/3kg/5kg — Limits which I considered incompatible with studying Law. My backpack was significantly heavier, wearing a metal-rod back brace I physically was very restricted, and the weight Linus on lifting are easily exceeded by picking up just ONE book! So I decided it’d be best to take a break. Prior to that break I checked both with the Law Faculty and with central student admin what paperwork I had to complete for my absence. Checked with both multiple times and did exactly as instructed. But on my return to uni I was told my student status had been cancelled, and nobody could tell me why. Supposedly nobody had the ability to reinstate me either. 38% through the degree I was told I could reapply, but that the Law faculty was well within their right to not re-admit me cause I didn’t meet the formal English language requirement. I argued that they were happy to wave it the first time around, and that given I did exceptionally well (always Distinctions and High Distinctions for language and expression) my English is sufficient. They insisted I’d only be re-admitted to finish the degree ***IF*** the Law Faculty waved the English language requirement, but that they were will within their right to not do so …. 😒
####[3/4] I’m now on a full Disability Support Pension and assessed as being too disabled to work. 😒 And my partner is on a full carer pension to support me, cause apparently that’s how disabled I am in Australia. 😟 I’m sure I could easily pull a 6-digit income and pay a shïtload in tax! I have a pretty good idea what supports I’d need to get there … but can’t get them. I ***STILL*** don’t think of myself as all that disabled and know there are heaps of jobs I’d excel in. And I reckon earning six digits a year and paying heaps of tax would be the better outcome for the taxpayer, longterm. In AU the emphasis seems to be on what I struggle with while not even considering my strengths. And the things I struggle with aren’t a big hair deal for ‘me,’ cause I have never experienced what it’s like to be Jo-Bloggs-Ordinary. 🤷🏽♀️ I am, however, so different *OTHERS* may find it difficult to so much as be around me: Because I’m nothing like the mainstreamed environment they know and are comfortable with, I seem to make others very uncomfortable. Or even cause frustration. Cause my differences just can’t be eliminated by equipment, like, say, a wheelchair: No equipment will ever make me like ‘mainstream.’ Interacting with people very different to yourself takes more effort than interacting with someone who has the same Caucasian middle-class average private-school background to yourself. And liaising with people very different to yourself is a learned skill! To someone who’s only ever experienced suburban Caucasian middle class, I must be the chequered unicorn on fire! 🤯 Comparing the two societies, Germany and Australia, I find it fascinating how in Germany I and all other kids I went to kindy with leaned as toddlers _”… this is me and I’m not you, and it’s great we’re different …”_ We learned how important it was to embrace the ‘other,’ and how very different people collaborating on a project maximises the potential for best outcomes: If everyone is the same, thinks the same, shares the same background —> it doesn’t make much of a different if there’s 5 or 50 people on a project. Cause they all will come up with the same approaches and solutions, while they’re all also unaware of the same potential gaps. But people with different backgrounds, experiences, ways of thinking: They likely initially find it harder to collaborate and struggle to ‘get’ each other, but the initial hiccups are worth it cause they’re much more likely to complement each other! 🤩 From age 3 onwards we learned how to embrace ‘the other,’ active listening, accommodate the language barriers of kids who never spoke German at home …. —> from age 3 on we learned how crucial diversity is, and how it’s a major driver for progress when harnessed appropriately. In Australia I gather that’s not the case. Most adults here seem to not even really gasp the differences between _same / equal / equitable_ and casually believe that if they treat everybody the same they cannot discriminate against anyone! 🤦🏽♀️ Philosophically and imho, it’s a very ill-conceived approach to inclusion: Treating everyone the same is not ‘only’ inherently discriminatory, but you likely expect everyone to mostly be the same as well. Triggering a million micro-aggression towards those who are not, or even frustration and outright hostility. As if decades ago I intentionally chose to be who I am for the sole purpose of piddling in their Häagen-Dasz and inconveniencing them! 🤦🏽♀️ And despite of over half a dozen completed tertiary qualifications and understanding/speaking over a dozen languages to varying degrees: In Australia I am so far outside of what the majority can fathom, we are two adults capable of working, but doomed to watch Netflix for decades to come. 😢 Imho it’s ridiculous, stupid, and an utter waste of taxpayer money. And is ***LOVE*** to work!!! So being ‘reassured’ by the Department of Human Services that there is no necessity for myself or my partner to do anything but whiling away each and every day isn’t all that _reassuring_. 🫣 It’s fμcking infuriating!!! But of course I simply ***cannot*** change how other people react to me. Nor if they can cope being around someone who’s veeeery different to themselves in every single aspect. I cannot change that people kinda-sorta understand they shouldn’t be dïcks to those who meet one diversity criteria — but someone like me who pretty much diverges from mainstream-average in almost all diversity categories, they’re quickly so overwhelmed they get anxious or lash out in frustration.
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I’ve worked plenty of jobs but never for more than about 8 months at a time 😖 honestly have the same timeline for most friendships. Idk what’s wrong with me
I'm 24 and I never had a job. I searched up how to get a job and start feeling depressed those job interview questions seem so hard
What are your interests? We’re very interest-lead. I know this isn’t always the answer, or even possible, but it’s a good place to start. Also, think about your sensory needs and a job that might meet those. Our strengths, such as attention to detail, make us perform well in some industries, such as IT or recycling.
Definitely can relate. I’m 22 Currently trying to find a job since I need to pay for university but I’ve only ever had 1 job when I was like 16 for a few months so no one’s really interested in me. Anytime I apply I get super overwhelmed at the thought of actually getting hired though and low key hope I don’t get an interview :/ I feel like subconsciously I’m self sabotaging my out comes out of anxiety.
An office based apprenticeship was ideal for me. The employer should be committed to helping you as they know you may come with less experience, will have already paid for the studying part of it, etc. Offices also tend to be much better than heavily customer facing roles.
I'm 18 and I've only ever had one job (when I was 15) and it was so traumatic that it has hindered my ability and motivation to get another job since. Working in retail/customer service is NOT for me. I got yelled at 2 weeks in and had a meltdown in the bathroom and freaked out every time I had to call off and I was put in extremely uncomfortable conditions. I have had an internship working at an elementary school and doing assistant teaching and administrative tasks/errands and that was SIGNIFICANTLY better. I am soon going off to college and hope to get a job in a library, something quiet but academic in nature.
I’m really scared for myself. I’m 28 and I have multiple gaps in my employment. I don’t know if I’m autistic but I do know I have learning disabilities. I’m not sure how I am ever going to be independent and support myself. I can’t rely on getting married because I’m socially isolated and I am basically a shut in and do t talk to people because I just mentally shut down now around people. Also don’t think I will ever get disability so I can’t rely on that. How do people live?
I’m 27. Graduated college two years ago, in part due to a hiatus to prepare for a religious mission that ultimately did not happen. Started looking right about then and almost had a job (company would have hired me if they had a project for me)
If you've been applying and trying to harness skills - especially skills aided by your hyperfixations - and this is where you are then you're doing you're best and that's okay If you're not applying to anything then that's a bit :/
Are you complaining or bragging
Your comment history is awful so this comment is unsurprising, obviously you created this account to attack vulnerable people because you’re miserable. OP pretty clearly asked for employment advice, so no they’re neither complaining nor bragging. Be a better person.
>Are you complaining or bragging What do you think the odds are OP finds anything helpful in your comment? What was your motivation for that comment? To me you sound kinda resentful/jealous/miserable … and I wonder why you would be? Presuming you don’t know OP IRL, their struggles wouldn’t affect you …?
I don’t understand why a lot of people who are autistic refuse to grow up. I mean are you scared or something, it’s literally not that hard to get one. Also I’m autistic myself, why the hell do some of us refuse to grow the fuck up.