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CelticRose
Flew away
Joined: Jul 20, 2008
Posts: 1494
Location: other forums
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 Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:41 am Post subject: |
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Go to the library and check out books on how to write a resume and how to interview. I finally did this out of desperation, and as soon as I revamped my resume using the tips in the books, I started getting tons of calls for interviews and lots of compliments on my resume. When I followed the advice on interviewing, I got compliments on how well I interviewed and got hired more quickly.
I still have problems keeping a job. I've bounced around from job to job to job over the years. The books don't seem to help on this one. The situations I keep finding myself in are the ones that the books say you should never tolerate. I've been in my current job for a little over a year, and it looks like I might be able to keep this one; however, I've been wrong before. At this point I just hope I can hang on to it long enough to support myself until I can start my own business.
One good option for Aspies that I haven't seen mentioned here is telecommuting. More companies have this option nowadays. It's harder to annoy people if you're not around them! 
It's so true that NTs hire based on personality rather than skills. What I really hate is that a boss will want someone who is detail-oriented for a job that requires attention to detail and accuracy, but they don't want to have to deal with the personality that usually goes along with those skills. 
_________________
Be who you are & say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter & those who matter don't mind. - Dr. Seuss
I yam what I yam. - Popeye
Be yourself no matter what they say. - Sting |
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Johnny08
Emu Egg
Joined: Jul 23, 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 1:33 pm Post subject: Nice |
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Have you ever thought about being an attorney?
| AS_Interlocking wrote: | I interviewed two weeks ago for my dream job, and sent thank-you emails to the two interviewers who provided me business cards (and thus contact information to send a thank you to) immediately after returning from the interview. One of them sent me a reply thanking ME. I'm still waiting to hear back on the job.
Regarding AS, I'm very much a "not sure if I have it" but I know a lot of the AS tendencies fit me. I've also changed a LOT in college, and my AS traits are nowhere nearly as prevelant as they were just two years ago. The job I was interviewing for does work in my area of special interest, in a way that allows me to combine my major in college with my work/internship experience, in an environment where people do work individually following systems of rules. It definately plays up my strengths and minimizes my weaknesses! I just cross my fingers that I can get this job.
I really hope that some landmark legal action happens in the near future regarding AS in the workplace. It will be a great day when a company CANNOT fire, or not hire, or create an environment conducive to quitting, for someone who is actually the most qualified, best person at what they do, but doesn't make the people around him/her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I should point out the employer for my dream job, from what I hear, is not known for such firings, I'm just making this comment in general because I know it has happened to so many people with AS, and is one of the reasons I don't want to find out for sure if I have it or not.
I think the Americans with Disabilities Act is a great start, but has not been used to the extent that it can be for people with AS. The "accommodations" will be different than for the more well-known disabilities--IMHO, instead of building a wheelchair ramp or jacking the work desk up a few inches to accommodate a wheelchair in an office, it would likely require a briefing for the immediate coworkers of the AS individual, letting them know in which ways their new colleague will be different, what types of things he/she may be sensitive to, what things he/she is very good at (their AS strengths), and what things they may not quite grasp, as well as an understanding of how this persons' interface with office politics may be very different than others. It may even require something like an IEP--an "Individual EMPLOYMENT Plan" that would specifically define acts which, if done willingly against the AS employee, would constitute harassment. Most of these things may even fall under existing harassment laws, but clarifying them and identifying the points at which people with AS become more susceptible to them would likely help curb problems in the workplace.
Any other thoughts on what the most likely "reasonable accommodation" would be, under ADA, for someone with AS? |
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Johnny08
Emu Egg
Joined: Jul 23, 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 1:41 pm Post subject: Re: No problems with interviews or even getting job offers.. |
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Hi Rob,
I'm new to this forum and just found your post...My situation is very similar to yours -I'm self-diagnosed AS or ASD and the sole income provider for my family of 3 (one son 4 with sensory/ADHD issues, another 3.5 with PDD-NOS, and 1 y.o. daughter). How is your situation now - if you don't mind me asking. My situation has also put a strain on our marriage but I think my wife and I's faith has kept us going/together. It's still very hard but we're managing!
Johnny |
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CatDogPerson
Tufted Titmouse
Joined: Mar 30, 2008
Age: 32
Posts: 30
Location: Tampa Bay FL
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| Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 10:10 am Post subject: |
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I've been unemployed now for going on 6 years (I'm 30). My problem is not so much finding a job as keeping it. I've worked since my senior year in high school, and I don't know why I'm like this, but here's what happens: I find out about a job that's right up my alley (usually some kind of animal care), apply for it, get it, fall in love with it and have a great time for anywhere from several months to a year, and then get utterly bored/despise it and have to find something else.
That was my pattern before my big ol' nervous breakdown thing, anyway. I was downsized from my last real job in 2003 and pretty much lost my mind a few months later, and really haven't been the same since. I don't exactly need to work, per se, it's just my husband and myself and he makes good money, but I don't think he likes the idea of me just sitting here at home, so he's always bugging me about getting a job. And I try, I really do, but even after 6 years I am just NOT ready to go back into the standard workforce. I lasted a week at one job before I had to quit; I spent more time crying and heaving in the bathroom than I did actually working. I applied for another part-time job and got it, and then the day before I was to start I just had to back out of it because I was literally making myself sick with worry. I do have a job right now, I'm an independent contractor with a company, I just don't have any clients at the moment.
I don't know what my point is with all this, other than to ask if anyone's had similar anxiety about new jobs and how to deal with it. It's crippling, and misunderstood, and disheartening to say the least.
_________________
Who to trust? My Cheerios say the Rice Krispies are crazy... |
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Johnny08
Emu Egg
Joined: Jul 23, 2008
Posts: 5
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| Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 5:48 pm Post subject: Dealing with anxiety at work |
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CatDogPerson,
I had a similar experience recently that led to a "nervous breakdown" and I ended up in the psych ER (which I do not recommend to anybody!). Anyways I got some meds and that has helped me deal with the social anxiety/depression that I am currently facing. It sounds like you're anxiety is so bad that you need some meds to "stabilize" and then learn some coping strategies so that you don't have to take the meds forever. I would say keep trying - maybe you could start your own business. I have a sister who prefers not to work with people for various reasons, and she has a dog walking business that is doing fairly well.
Anyways, good luck!!!
Johnny08
| CatDogPerson wrote: | I've been unemployed now for going on 6 years (I'm 30). My problem is not so much finding a job as keeping it. I've worked since my senior year in high school, and I don't know why I'm like this, but here's what happens: I find out about a job that's right up my alley (usually some kind of animal care), apply for it, get it, fall in love with it and have a great time for anywhere from several months to a year, and then get utterly bored/despise it and have to find something else.
That was my pattern before my big ol' nervous breakdown thing, anyway. I was downsized from my last real job in 2003 and pretty much lost my mind a few months later, and really haven't been the same since. I don't exactly need to work, per se, it's just my husband and myself and he makes good money, but I don't think he likes the idea of me just sitting here at home, so he's always bugging me about getting a job. And I try, I really do, but even after 6 years I am just NOT ready to go back into the standard workforce. I lasted a week at one job before I had to quit; I spent more time crying and heaving in the bathroom than I did actually working. I applied for another part-time job and got it, and then the day before I was to start I just had to back out of it because I was literally making myself sick with worry. I do have a job right now, I'm an independent contractor with a company, I just don't have any clients at the moment.
I don't know what my point is with all this, other than to ask if anyone's had similar anxiety about new jobs and how to deal with it. It's crippling, and misunderstood, and disheartening to say the least. |
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crazedchef
Deinonychus
Joined: Mar 05, 2007
Posts: 319
Location: Baghdad, Iraq
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| Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 4:48 am Post subject: |
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Hello Again,
Been in Iraq for three years as a civilian contractor (I purified water). The above post describes how I feel to a tee. Find a job, love it, then despise it. I lasted three years before being stabbed in the back by fellow employees while on vacation, decided it was time to come home. Unfortunetly I have withdrawn from humanity big time. Have not seen another living person in a week.
Need some contact, so I came here.
Wish I never had to work again. That would be ideal.
Mark.
back in the real world where noone is trying to blow me up. |
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pinkrose
Tufted Titmouse
Joined: Sep 02, 2008
Posts: 31
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| Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 4:53 am Post subject: HOW TO KEEP AJOB! |
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Getting the job is much easier than keepingit,. have been told i am 'picked on'at work.. bullied, how to stop it? i stand up for myself.
Have had over 40 jobs, most not good paying and went out of business.. sure it is related to the aspergers.. just scored 26 on the baroon-cohen test that says '32' means you are 'asp'. Any ideas? |
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Deber
Tufted Titmouse
Joined: Sep 08, 2008
Age: 55
Posts: 47
Location: Beaverton, Oregon
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 3:30 pm Post subject: |
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For over 30 years I worked in the IT field. I started with main frames. Computers have been my life. I worked several years at my last job but management changed and I was pushed out. In retrospect I didn't have to quit but while in the situation I thought it was my only option. That was 3 years ago. Right after I quit my job I applied for other jobs and got offers but I had lost all confidence. I actually accepted a few jobs but called back before my start date and declined the offers. I was an emotional wreck. My husband told me to take time to rest and heal. We sold our home to have money to live off of but that money is almost gone. I'm ready to work again but I didn't realize that the longer the gap is between jobs, the harder it is to get job offers. Or that IT moves so quickly that any gap in employment would make my skills outdated. Sometimes I don't figure out things that others see as obvious.
In the past year I've applied for hundreds of jobs on-line but most of them are blind so I don't know who the true employer is. I continue to apply at known sites, like government and big companies but IT skills change rapidly and require "recent" experience and often a college degree. I keep applying but haven't been selected for any interviews.
I've found out that a lot of the blind job offers are placed by job placement agencies. Placement agencies contacted me with offers to sign up with them so I signed up with 2 agencies. They immediately offered me call center jobs that paid a fraction of what I had been earning previously. The agencies told me that my IT skills are outdated and that I'll never get back into that field without further training so call center jobs are my only option. I learned all of my computer skills on the job and don't have a college degree. School was a nightmare for me and I totally blank during test taking so I don't consider going back to school an option.
I didn't want to work at a call center. I didn't want to be on a rotating work schedule. I don't drive because of depth perception and spacial awareness issues and public transportation takes a long time and often doesn't run during the weird shifts that a 24/7 call center has. I turned down a couple of call center job offers so the agencies dropped me.
Money became a huge issue so I swallowed my pride and accepted a call center job from a 3rd temp agency. The job was pure hell. I sobbed every night before falling asleep. My training consisted of sitting behind a seriously overworked guy watching his mouse zip rapidly around 3 monitors placed in a semi-circle around him. He took calls in rapid succession and he didn't have time to answer my questions (about what he was doing and his methodology). I tried to write notes but when I looked down to write I missed critical steps in the process. Multiple software apps were used during the process of assisting customers and there were lots of exceptions. I tried writing notes without looking at my writing pad and found I couldn't read them when I was through. After 1.5 days of training I had to work on my own (little cubicle all to myself, which was cool) but I didn't understand what to do. It took me 30 minutes to figure out what others accomplished in 5. Customers got irritated at me. I start babbling when I'm stressed and talk really fast. I couldn't make small talk and work at the same time and if I kept them on hold too long they would hang up. I tried to not let any customer stay on hold longer than 2 minutes but the stress of watching the time while trying to work was too much. I began asking customers if I could call them back once I had processed their request. I thought I could figure out what to do and call them back but the phone kept ringing - and I had to answer the calls. I asked more people if I could call them back. It seemed the right thing to do at the time but I got further behind. At the end of my shift I would sometimes have 20 people that were waiting for me to process their request and call them back. I starting coming to work earlier and earlier, worked through breaks and lunch and stayed late. I didn't get paid for the extra time and I couldn't get caught up. It was awful. I made mistakes and got in trouble. I asked if I could be placed in another position and was told to suck it up and tough it out. I didn't know what to do so I quit after 1.5 weeks. I hated telling people I would call them back and not do it. I try and speak the truth. I hate making mistakes. There were too many variables at this job and no documentation. I made my coworkers mad because I asked too many questions. They didn't understand why I couldn't just figure things out. The work pace was too fast. Because I quit the placement agency that sent me to this job will no longer represent me and it was one of the best agencies in town.
Last week I went to a career counselor and paid to have her review my resume. She recognized my Aspie traits right away. She said that I am in a bad place because I've worked in the same field for so many years. I can't get an IT job because my skills are outdated. Potential employers are intimidated by my resume and don't want to match the salary I was making. I'm considered over qualified if I apply for lesser jobs but those are the only jobs I have a chance at getting. She told me to seriously dummy down my resume, change the job titles, get on-line training on popular software apps and try to sell myself as an office worker in positions that doesn't deal with the public. What a joke. I can't pretend to be something I'm not. The truth would come out in the interview and if an employer called for prior employment verification they would be told the actual job titles I held. Another suggestion was to call a government agency that retrains individuals. I contacted them and the only retaining that they offer is to work in a call center. Aargh!
I'll keep applying for jobs but I wish things were different. I'm old. I don't look professional and don't want to pretend. I have arthritis and can't stand for long, lift or bend. It will be several years before I can apply for Social Security benefits. I'm detail oriented and work very hard. I wish employers considered life experience as valuable as current work experience. I hate to think that my only option is to work in a call center.
Sorry this is so long. I just needed to tell someone who might understand. |
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Rose15
Hummingbird
Joined: Aug 28, 2008
Posts: 22
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| Posted: Sat Sep 20, 2008 10:27 pm Post subject: |
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| Xenon wrote: | I've gotten a certain amount of success by always being pleasant and polite, and always maintaining a cheerful facade (even if I have to fake it). Where I work now, I have a rep for being the quiet type, but also for being the type of person who can always be asked to help out when it's needed. I'm well-liked in the department I work in... which I still find a little creepy because I'm not used to that.  |
Xenon, if you're reading this, I was interested to know what your job is/where you work? |
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asplanet
Phoenix
Joined: Nov 11, 2007
Posts: 2269
Location: Cyberspace, New Zealand
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| Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 8:02 pm Post subject: Job wise just a thought |
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Job wise just a thought. for those of you young enough can become Autism Architects
Google ideas Using 3D Design Software, maybe woth practicing, they may even employ you, after all many of us like to spend time on our pcS 
Project Spectrum was developed by the SketchUp Team at Google to help people with autism take advantage of their visual and spatial gifts.
The idea for Project Spectrum originated when we began getting phone calls and emails from users telling us about how much kids on the autism spectrum were enjoying SketchUp. As the calls kept coming in, we learned that people with autism tend to be visually and spatially gifted—that, in fact, they think in pictures. When people with these gifts get their hands on powerful, easy-to-use 3D design software like SketchUp, sparks tend to fly.
Inspired by what we've learned, we've partnered with the Boulder, Colorado chapter of the Autism Society of America, the Boulder Valley School District, and the Life Long Learning Lab at University of Colorado to provide children with software and guidance that may help them to express an idea or even develop a life skill.
Google SketchUp 3D - http://sketchup.google.com/
Both my boys are naturals, so is my husband come to think of it and yes another aspie possible would add the 3D plan of our house we put on Google Earth, youngest son done, but not sure want everyone knowing so much or tracking me that easily  and just maybe Goggle or someone will employ you!
_________________
"Believe in your self, we are who we are - as it can feel like an endless task trying to be someone else!" Aspergers Parallel Planet web site - http://asplanet.info/index.php
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zer0netgain
Phoenix
Joined: Mar 03, 2009
Posts: 1346
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| Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 11:56 am Post subject: |
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| Pandora wrote: | | Surely if you are discriminated against for being Aspie it is against the law? |
The problem (here in the USA, but perhaps elsewhere as well) is that what you know and what you can prove are two different things.
The ADA requires "reasonable accommodation." That's a gray area a lawyer can dance around with all day. It has been used to avoid having to deal with the disabled and it has been abused by litigious people (who have no disability nor represent the disabled) to extort huge amounts of money from businesses.
If you have AS and feel you are being mistreated, there is the question of if you have been formally diagnosed and if the ADA would require that to be protected. Then there would be the issue of if your employer knew about (or should reasonably had known) about your condition before the objectionable conduct happened and what was done after your condition was made known.
A person in a wheelchair makes such issues fairly moot. The disability is obvious.
Most people with AS who can hold jobs are not obviously disabled. Many people with AS may not even know they have it (I didn't for over 40 years).
Even if all of the above is established....you have the papers to prove you have AS, the employer knows, he knew what was going on and did nothing (or fired you for it)....YOU still have to PROVE that it happened, and that means witnesses who won't change their story or documents that back up your claims.
I left a job where I brought a complaint of hostile work environment against a manager who was a Class A jerk (and that's being nice about it). In the end, while the "formal investigation" found that there was fault to be found on everyone involved, he got away with it because I didn't religiously document every single incident of his conduct. So, it was my word against his, and he was able to coerce his subordinates to back him.
I could walk into a job where I need to keep a private journal of every little thing that happens to cover my ass (and I've been there a few times), but I find any job that mandates that is ultimately not worth keeping, so I'm happier to move on. |
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J-Man
Butterfly
Joined: Mar 04, 2009
Posts: 10
Location: Charlotte, NC
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| Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 8:52 pm Post subject: |
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I've been fired from jobs just because people thought I was "creepy". That of course is due to my social problems.
For instance, a guy named Dennis Obrikat offered me a job at Microsoft. I packed up everything I owned, moved 700 miles, leased an apartment, got all moved in and the bastard fired me 3 days later. |
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MobiusSyndrome
Butterfly
Joined: Feb 09, 2009
Age: 18
Posts: 9
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| Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2009 7:25 pm Post subject: |
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Hey, I'm new here, and I think I have horrible luck with job hunting.
I've been looking for my stereotypical "first job" since I was 14. 4 years later, I'm still jobless. I've applied to over 70 business within the closest bus route to my house (which encompasses a BIG mall, and 2-3 long roads of nothing but stores). Early on, they didn't want to hire me due to inexperience. I thought from that point "No big deal, right?" I kept on going, looking for any position that was even at a reduced rate of pay, JUST to get that experience that was "so desperately needed." Turns out, my friends were getting jobs to the places I applied, some of which YOUNGER and more INEXPERIENCED than me.
Trying not to be disheartened, I trudged on, looking for that ever-elusive job. I would go to a store, look around on what they had, and listen in on when someone asked for an Application. Afterwards, I would go up myself a few minutes later, and ask for one. Almost EVERY place said that "we're not hiring, or even looking at applications." Then, I looked at online Applications. Upon finishing about 26 online applications, I'd wait a day as instructed online, then go to each store and request the current status of my applications. The first few times were "We haven't received it yet." After the 3rd visit to each place I'd get "You are Under qualified to work here. Try looking for places 'better suited' for your 'talents'" Apparently, I'm under qualified to work at a McDonalds, UDF (a convience store), and Krogers (a "local" Grocery Chain)
This has been going on for 4 years.
Every day, these businesses advertise "We hire anyone looking for work. Even the Mentally Handicapped!" And sure enough, I always see someone with some form of a mental disability asking me if "I want paper or Plastic?" or "Do you want fries with that?" My dad, who I currently live with until graduation, says "IF these F***ing Retards can get jobs, why can't you, you stupid piece of S***? DO I need to put you in a group home like those retards? Maybe they'll help you, B****." (needless to say, he's an arrogant, ignorant muscular middle aged white man with severe anger issues)
I have about a month and a half to find a job before I get kicked out and become homeless. Needless to say, If I'm homeless, I can't go to college. (already accepted to a community college, but no dorms/fraternities) I have no other family alive that could help me.
What are my options? Is there an Agency or group that could help me find work? If I can't find anything in time, where could I go to get assistance? |
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zer0netgain
Phoenix
Joined: Mar 03, 2009
Posts: 1346
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| Posted: Mon Apr 13, 2009 8:06 am Post subject: |
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Wow. So you're just coming up on 18?
Well, I'm not sure where you've been applying or for what, but I can tell you that at your age a lot of people will see you as under qualified no matter what.
I'm surprised a Krogers turned you down, but they are a union shop (IIRC) so they are careful who they hire. From personal experience, I'd keep trying at other grocery stores. They do hire anyone who is willing to show up when scheduled and do their job without having to be watched all the time. It's at least a way to get started.
Sadly, at your age, unless you have some remarkable skill or talent, nobody will consider your "skills" to be anything remarkable because you haven't had a chance to do much that demonstrates them. So, you may have them but nobody really notices them. This will change quickly once you can start working.
If you have confidence in yourself and know what you are good at, keep trying, even at the same places that once turned you down, and politely assert yourself that you want to work, have ____, ____ and ____ skills and qualities to offer, and if they have no openings, if they could refer you to someone willing to hire someone who wants to work. I can't believe that wouldn't open a door with someone you meet sooner or later. Most young people are looked over because they don't want to work when they are hired. |
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Dee_
Velociraptor
Joined: Jul 05, 2007
Posts: 407
Location: Jackson, Tennessee
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| Posted: Sun Apr 26, 2009 3:04 am Post subject: |
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| if I do not find a job soon, i will be dressing in really raggedy up cloths and stand near a highway intersection and panhandle like a homeless person.... |
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