18 Sep 2010, 3:20 am
elderwanda wrote:
Oh my goodness, I relate to this so much. I don't think I'm quite on the spectrum, but this has been my #1 problem in life.
It happens with every type of job I've ever had. I've been a stay-at-home mom for over a decade now, so I don't have to deal with it quite so much, thank goodness. A few years ago I volunteered to help at my kids' school, and it was a nightmare. All the other volunteer moms kept busy doing stuff, like they magically knew what to do and how to do it. I felt like an idiot. So after a few days of that, I quit.
When I do have a real job, bosses always complain that I need to "take the initiative" or "be a self-starter." But then when I do try to figure out how to do something on my own (or guess what it is they want me to do, because they never actually say), I end up guessing wrong more often than not. Then I'd get in trouble for that. No wonder I've had chronic anxiety my whole life. Being a stay-at-home mom is pretty cool, though, aside from the fact that it doesn't pay a penny.
I've asked my husband about this, because he's an absolute expert at knowing just what to do. He tells me the trick is to ask lots of questions. But in the jobs I've had, the boss is either nowhere to be found, or is so mean and wicked that you regret it if you open your mouth at all.
Yes, when I am with women who are doing stuff, I just sort of hover around, getting in peoples ways . Unless I have something specific to do and then i am manic. (if I dont behave frantically and anxiously at work I end up daydreaming and staring out the window all day).
the multitasking and sudden unforseen tasks coming up, constant interruptions by visitors and phones, drove me quite batty!
I am very glad to not be an office worker anymore. That kind of leaves me as unemployed though....
I just dont really know what work to do. I am not good at the stuff NT women find comes naturally to them. I only like doing artistic and unstructured things.
18 Sep 2010, 3:23 am
18 Sep 2010, 4:33 am
