[Maxima]

I feel like I won't be able to get a job with my autism. I need one in order to live on my own, but it just doesn't seem possible.
I can't cope with any sort of stress without having a meltdown. A job would put me under constant stress and anxiety.
I can't follow directions well, especially when I'm feeling anxious. I'm so afraid of messing something up and getting yelled at.
I'm not good with people at all. I can hardly speak with anyone outside of my immediate family. I just can't see myself ever possibly being able to get a job, but I want to be independent so badly.

[mimi2112]

me too. i have had a spotty work history. now i am at Vocational Rehab and i'm hoping they can help me with the kind of things you wrote about.

i was able to get a good resume together with an employment service which works alongside the mental health center where i go. my problem i think, mostly not getting a job but keeping a job. that is why i am going to Voc. Rehab.

[Pandoren]

This is basically me as well, and I've been at home for years now without a job and I feel like I'm wasting my life

[manwithnofriends]

Originally Posted by Maxima

I feel like I won't be able to get a job with my autism. I need one in order to live on my own, but it just doesn't seem possible.
I can't cope with any sort of stress without having a meltdown. A job would put me under constant stress and anxiety.
I can't follow directions well, especially when I'm feeling anxious. I'm so afraid of messing something up and getting yelled at.
I'm not good with people at all. I can hardly speak with anyone outside of my immediate family. I just can't see myself ever possibly being able to get a job, but I want to be independent so badly.

Be careful with your words. You sound like you don't actually want to be employed. Yes, you know you must be employed in order to live independently, but if you can't address your fears how will you ever be employed?

[rosska]

Originally Posted by manwithnofriends

Be careful with your words. You sound like you don't actually want to be employed. Yes, you know you must be employed in order to live independently, but if you can't address your fears how will you ever be employed?

I think that's a little harsh. He's not interviewing for a job here, this is a safe place where he can express his fears without being judged for it. A lot of us feel this way, it doesn't mean we'd express it in an interview.

Maxima, I can sympathise, I had to give up my job a few years ago because I was spending most days at work hiding in the bathroom falling apart, then coming home and doing the same. I took more sick days from work than I was ever allowed and got pulled up for it a lot so in the end it was a choice of leaving or being fired.

Sadly, I've been unemployed since and living back home with my mum. I'm only now going through assessment for Aspergers so am not at the stage where I've managed to get a lot of help in the area of work related focus yet, but from what I've read around the net, there are some programs designed specifically for people with an ASD to help us better prepare for the working environment and to help us identify 'safer' jobs which are less likely to trigger over loads.

My Doctor also has a saying which she utters to me each time I see her; "Don't get stressed about where you think you should be, let your body tell you where it needs to be right now." Basically, don't let people or society put pressure onto you that you're not ready or able to cope with yet, it will only hurt more in the long run. That doesn't mean we'll never reach the 'end goal' but it's a marathon, not a sprint.

[Maxima]

Originally Posted by manwithnofriends

Be careful with your words. You sound like you don't actually want to be employed. Yes, you know you must be employed in order to live independently, but if you can't address your fears how will you ever be employed?

I think that was pretty harsh..

[manwithnofriends]

Originally Posted by Maxima

I think that was pretty harsh..

I have tried to discuss the same problem with my family like countless times - they just think I'm trying to find excuses to not be employed. I have a job now, but only because my mother knew a friend who was looking for someone to help out with her business. So I've yet to get a job "properly" too. I know I have to stop thinking: "I'm not good with people at all. I can hardly speak with anyone outside of my immediate family." Instead: "It's going to be tough at first but I know I'll get the hang of it. Soon I'll be able to talk to anyone!" You should think this way too. Even if it takes weeks, months or years to do so, you'll eventually be your own guardian.

[Pandoren]

People say things like that to me... and it's true, I don't want to be employed. Aside from the fact I need money like anyone else, I can't see anything even remotely appealing about the idea. Back when I had a psychologist, one of the biggest problems we had there was that I didn't really want to deal with any of my social problems because I don't actually want to like people.

[mimi2112]

work related focus yet, but from what I've read around the net, there are some programs designed specifically for people with an ASD to help us better prepare for the working environment and to help us identify 'safer' jobs which are less likely to trigger over loads.

the program where i'm getting help is Vocational Rehabilitation.. they are supposed to help integrate people like "us" into the working environment. it's a federal program here in the states, maybe it's something you can look into? i just began the process;filling out forms and am waiting for them to get back to me.

[The_little_didgee]

I just wanted to let you know, you are not alone.

I worked only once in my 35 years of life and it was for 2 weeks. Right now, my income is disability. One day, I hope to get off it.

My goal for next summer is to get a part-time job. I have a counsellor who is helping with this sensitive issue. It is very scary and embarrassing. I worry, I won't be able to get up every morning and get along with co-workers.

The disability program also has an employment service that I intend to use.

[girlwithbrownhair]

Start small, part time. Take things one hour at a time, and remember, even people who don't have Asperger's go through the same stuff we do...anxiety, work performance fears, fearing rejection. Right? Right!! So good luck!! You'll do better than you give yourself credit for.