[The_little_didgee]

I got a job at a tooling company that makes tier 2 (automotive industry) stamping dies. The job is for 8 months. After that I return for my final two semesters of schooling. I'll be done the mechanical technician - tool making/tool and die program in August 2020.

The machine shop has changed my life by giving me direction. It has also helped me understand people and refine myself. E.g., time management and planning.

I have ASD and an overwhelming anxiety disorder. Employment seemed like a hopeless dream. I didn't seem to fit in anywhere. I tried a few jobs in retail. None of them worked out. Now I understand why. It wasn't a weakness or flaw in me. The industry was a poor fit for my personality. There is definitely no one-size-fits-all job. McDonald's even admitted that.

My life started to change while working with the clock maker. He introduced me to machining which was a big part of the job. I really enjoyed it, and looked into it further. The work fit my personality and strengths, so I decided to relocate to study tool making in southern Ontario. This has been the best decision I have made in my life, so far.

Psychiatry has told me that I wouldn't amount to anything and would live the rest of my life on ODSP. ********. I'm glad I never listened. I always had hope even through the very bleak times of my life.

[healingme4me]

WTG!! One of my sons is on the spectrum and his support team in middle school is pushing for trades as a good fit, not just because of his neurological condition but because of how his brain is wired and how he thinks and the hands on is glaringly obvious to them knowing what's ahead.
He still has a ways to go before getting to such school but your post sunk in such a sense of hopefullness for me. He's so structured and has his own routines. Glad to read that you've found your path.

enjoy the new job!

((((hugs)))

[Ohseedee]

Congratulations on your success! Kudos to you for persevering despite the naysayers. I too found retail work was not for me, as well as jobs in the food industry. I'm so glad to hear that you found a job field that works for you.

I was on ODSP for 8 years and although it helped me tremendously, I am glad to be off it and working towards a career in social work. It feels good to work towards something you enjoy!

The Little Didgee, that is so awesome!!!! Congratulations and well done. I'm so happy for you. What an inspiration.

[The_little_didgee]

Originally Posted by Ohseedee

Congratulations on your success! Kudos to you for persevering despite the naysayers. I too found retail work was not for me, as well as jobs in the food industry. I'm so glad to hear that you found a job field that works for you.

I was on ODSP for 8 years and although it helped me tremendously, I am glad to be off it and working towards a career in social work. It feels good to work towards something you enjoy!

How did you manage to get off ODSP? Did you do it gradually or abruptly?

[hvert]

That's awesome, congratulations!