[The Madcap]

Hey everyone. So I recently was able to get a new job. It’s line work, basically packaging vitamins into little boxes and stuff, but I’m so beyond anxious. First, I don’t have a car so I’m going to have to take Uber’s, second, the Uber rides cost a lot of money because the job is a bit farther, third, it’s shift work so I work 12 hours a day, I have to be to work at 5 in the morning and I get off at 5 PM. There is a lot to this job even though it’s a bit easy. I’m very overwhelmed with everything. From my schedule changing (not the work schedule but my daily routine more or less changing) to getting to work to being socially anxious and overthinking things. It’s a clean room environment so you have to wear a hairnet and a jacket thing. I have longish hair so I’ll probably have to tie it into a bun or mini ponytail but I don’t even know how to do that, I’ve never done that style before. I have autism and schedules changing for me are hard, and instructions are even harder because they kind of go in one ear and come out the other. but I really don’t want to tell my new boss I have autism because I don’t want to sound like Like I’m asking for charity or whatever but I kind of do want to tell him. I haven’t started this new job yet, I start tomorrow but I’m just so scared and anxious and overthinking things and I have a headache now because of it. Can anyone relate. I just really needed to vent this out.

[AzulOscuro]

12 hours, counting the trip to work and the trip to come back home? If not, it seems to me a lot of hours.

Yes, I know this feeling. The only way it can compare to is like sheep being aware that they are gonna be sacrificed. To be honest. And in your case, being Autistic is even harder.

I wished I could tell you something to help you.
The only thing I can think about is take each day at one (I don’t know how to express this in English). Take it little by little and don’t think that you will have to do these changes for all days but think only about the day of tomorrow. Let’s see how it goes.

Tomorrow you can come here to tell us how it went and maybe, we can tell you more things to support you in these tough moments. I know you are having a very hard time.

Hi The Madcap,

I don't think you're overthinking anything. I think you are smart to consider all the details involved with this new job. Congratulations on your new job by the way.

I have a question. Since you have autism, and you have a new job, can you somehow qualify for a carpool to take you to and from work? If you are on disability (are you?)? I would find out if you can qualify for a carpool service to and from your job, that is paid for by your county for disability services. Because, taking and Uber to and from work is going to cost you more money than you will make hourly.

Is there a job you could get closer to where you live? So that you could walk or bike to, instead of this warehouse packaging job? Or, maybe once you start your 12 hour shift, you could ask your other employees who work your same shift for car rides and pay them less than what you would pay Uber.

That is the first problem off your list for transportation costs: County, then if not, ask an employee who works your same shift if you can carpool with him/her.

I would ask your work supervisor for a hair net. I am sure that you will be required to wear your hair back, so it doesn't get caught in any of the conveyor belts etc.

Also, you do not need to, and are not required to, disclose your autism to your boss, UNLESS you need special work accommodations. In your case, you can't drive yourself there, so that would count. That is a good reason I think, to tell your boss that you have no way to get to work b/c you cannot drive. That is something to really think about. Do you have a social worker you can talk to about this new job and your worries?

[MickeyCheeky]

i agree with the other wise and wonderful posters about disclosing your own issues if you feel like it'd make your workplace more comfortable. i'd suggest to Reflect on whether or not you think that is the case. i Hope and Pray that things will improve soon for everyone. i don't think you'd be asking for charity so try to see if there is a social worker or someone else you can contact. Please do not give up. Sending many Safe, warm hugs to BOTH you, @The Madcap, your Family, your Friends and ALL of your Loved Ones! Keep fighting and keep rocking NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, OK?!

[Discombobulated]

Good luck! I would also have anxiety if I were you, I agree with Azul's advice, little by little. Try to break your concerns down one by one.

If taking in information is a problem how about you carry a small notebook and make a few short notes about important things you need to remember?

[AzulOscuro]

I wonder how you are going. Hope you see a light and things are going well for you.

[The Madcap]

Originally Posted by AzulOscuro

I wonder how you are going. Hope you see a light and things are going well for you.

Things are going fairly better! Still get a bit anxious but I’m starting to settle in with the new job. Got off of my parents insurance and got on my own, got a car and registered it and got the plates. Everything is going fairly well. Thank you!

[AzulOscuro]

Such good news!!!
Oh, my goodness! Look at all you have already gotten.
Your first own car, even.
I remember when I bought my first car and I was so proud of myself and so in love with that car that I even believed there were people here and there looking at that beauty.

Life is built of these pleasant moments and they are there to recall us how much we are able to achieve if we fight and put our will.
I’m sounding now as my granny. lol!