I've never had a job before even though I'm 22 and I'm really wanting to get one after Covid either settles down or goes away completely. But I'm super worried because I get stressed easily and feel like such a baby sometimes, I'm worried I would never even be able to hold a job. I have other issues that might make it hard to hold a job too (like needing lots of instructions, being a cry baby, executive function issues) and these fears apply to college too.
Ask date: August 30th 2020
I can totally understand these fears. Having a job can absolutely be stressful and it is definitely more difficult to do if you’re autistic. BUT, there are so many different kinds of jobs. SO MANY. And I promise you, there is a job out there that you can do.
If you are officially diagnosed, I suggest looking into disability resources in your area, to help you get a job. For most of my life, I tried it the “normal” way, just sending in my application and getting a job wherever in my town, and I was stressed and it was too hard, but I needed money so I didn’t have a choice so I was just miserable for awhile till I got fired and then I’d get another job and start all over again.
But then I learned about a job coaching program in my area that was funded by the government, to help specifically people with disabilities find and keep work. And this was a game changer for me. Because they would ask me what my skills were, but also what my challenges were, and would find jobs that I could actually do. They also gave me job coaches, which are people who help you know what to do at work. It was basically like a therapist, but for work-related stuff only. There are tons of resources out there, and I strongly suggest going this route.
The job I currently have, I first tried to apply for it the “normal” way. I was denied. But then I found out about Schedule A, which is the disability hiring program for federal government jobs in the US. You apply separately, go into a separate hiring pool, and you get a case manager who helps you fill out all the forms and guides you until you are hired. I never would have gotten my current job if it wasn’t for my diagnosis, and using the government services available to help disabled people.
So while you can just go around and apply to wherever, I would suggest looking into programs that help disabled people get hired/stay hired in your area. Then they will guide you to a job that you can do, and there is work out there for everyone.
I used to work at a home for the mentally disabled, and lots of the residents there had jobs, which they got through disability programs. Even people who had severe limitations on their skills, such as not being able to read, or needing mobility aids, or every kind of disabillity you can imagine, they found them jobs.
So you can do this, and there’s nothing at all wrong with using the resources available to help you. Good luck, and happy working!
