Patterns I've noticed in Professional Settings.

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krbark
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30 Jan 2026, 8:45 am

Hi All. Brand new here.

Figured I'd start (/rant) with something I deal with a lot - maintaining good standing at work, and the burnout that comes with it. If this topic has been beaten to death, apologies.

I have ASD level 1, male. Only diagnosed at 26 and basically confirmed by different psych this week.

As for work. I've picked up patterns on how I'm treated. Multiple internships and roles as an accountant in office settings. I've been told I need to "get more confidence and stop making mistakes" in my very first internship, despite being reliable and trying to be personable. My boss was always on edge, and my theory is I became her scapegoat presumably due to my demeanor.

Next job, accountant. Gave it my all on a huge project, just to be told to "get some ambition". Apparently I lacked the appearance of being driven. Quit a few weeks later after 3 years with the company.

Next job, accountant. This company never outright belittled me, but still had countless awkward interactions and social faux paux. People seemed to avoid me, and it was rather anxiety inducing. Quit after 3 years.

Next job, finance analyst. HORRIBLE. 4 months in, boss tells me I "lack basic finance knowledge" (objectively false) and "I need more from you, *my name*". Among other mean things. Essentially humiliating me to my face when I'd barely had time to warm up in a very stressful role. And, that conversation happened shortly after I showed her an Excel file I made over several weekends which solved longstanding company problems. She was blown away and impressed when I first showed her. Then, a couple weeks after is when we had the conversation about me not being enough. Something shifted. It was almost like I became a threat to the status quo or something. She also hated one of the lead engineers for no reason (he was def ASD, him and I got along fine). Left shortly after with no job lined up because it was so traumatizing.

I took a year off work to be a dad, thank God my wife and I had some savings and she continued working so I could do that. I'm back working as a remote accountant for 4 months now and Im just hoping the other shoe doesn't drop in the near future, AKA social ostracization that I don't know how to prevent.

I'll stop there. Anyone have similar experiences with repeat fallout in professional roles? I've gotta keep my head above water for my family. I'll find a way to self employ if I must.

Thanks for reading!



Double Retired
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30 Jan 2026, 2:27 pm

Welcome to WP! I hope you like it here.

Work...um...be good and persistent???


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Carbonhalo
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30 Jan 2026, 2:55 pm

The 3 year turnover is close to the way I needed to move every 2.5 years.
That was the general time it took me to end up too embarrassed to stay at whatever employment I had.



krbark
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31 Jan 2026, 8:00 am

Lol, being good and persistent is about all we can do.

Carbonhalo, yes... it seems like once I reach 3 years, is when increasing job duties reach a "tipping point". Too much mental energy demanded, and by that point there have been enough awkward interactions to where most coworkers have put you in the "other" category.

Heck, maybe I'll start a quiet coffee shop if this job doesn't work out :D



Brian0787
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31 Jan 2026, 11:11 am

Hi and welcome to WP! I'm sorry to hear about the work experiences you had. I worked in accounting for 15 years but never got a formal degree. I did mainly bookkeeping work in A/P and A/R. I had four jobs in between the 15 year time span
The longest was 6 years. My last job I got burnout and did some things I shouldnt have.
I am now unemployed. Its so nice to have you hear with us :D



exec
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31 Jan 2026, 7:11 pm

I'm also unemployed and I tried to work and I also never got a degree. I took some adult education classes. I wasn't equipped to handle people and their attitudes and I fumbled at work a lot.

I hope you find WP to be of some help to you.


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AnonymousAnonymous
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31 Jan 2026, 7:29 pm

Welcome to Wrong Planet! :)


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