Autistic young adult needs employment help?

Question

My name is Liz, and I have autism.

After five months at Walgreens, I've been fired. Some customers took something I said out of context. I've learned from this mistake, but this still leaves me unemployed.

I took my pay and paid my rent through till the end of December.
It took me a VERY long time to find my previous job at Walgreens. I'm not a bad person, I'm not stupid or mean, I'm just socially different and that can NEVER change.

I need suggestions and help...maybe another reference.

Liz

I DONT need advice on where to apply, really.

I ALWAYS get an interview, ALWAYS, but NEVER the job, so I'm pretty sure the interview is my problem.

I know adapting to what the employer wants in nessessary. I dont understand what that is. I'm sure I've been told many many times, but I still dont understand.

Does someone here speak aspergers?

Answer 1

I suggest you apply for a job at a pet shop. You should get along very well there.

Answer 2

This is what you don't want to hear, besides the fact that I'm a sucker for cat ears and could not pass this question by. I am a lot like you. I never pass the personality tests, I break the mold on all of them. I'm just different. Truth is however we DO HAVE to change. Unless you can own your own business and be the boss we must change for others on their turf. At home or with your friends let your personality shine out but in the work place you must change. Business demands it because customers just wont put up with abnormal behavior. Do your 8 hour thing at work and come home and play but to make the cash you must bend and play the corporate game. Best of luck.

Answer 3

Do you let your employers (or potential employers) know you have Aspergers?

I would suggest you tell them something like "Please feel free to be blunt with me. As a matter of fact, I need bluntness. I just don't get hints. Just give it to me in black & white."

Some may not feel comfortable with that but I imagine some will be thrilled. "Aha! Finally an employee I won't have to play these stupid social games with!"

You said you didn't need advice on where to apply, but I would suggest a job that doesn't deal with the general public, or at least not the typical general public. Stocker instead of cashier, for example. Or work at a computer store where a higher percentage of customers have more "black & white" mentality & are more likely to hear what you say literally instead of trying to read something into it.

Answer 4

Hi Liz,

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope that I can share some resources to help. There are many places online that have articles about what to do in interviews, one is http://content.monster.com/ . You can also search for "interview tips" and other similar phrases.

If you are a current student or graduate from a college, check to see if the college has a "Career Services" department. These often offer interview coaching and help with finding a job.

Best of luck to you!

Answer 5

Do you do well with times and schedules? A good friend of mine is autistic and does very well with time referencing and sceduling. Her memory was amazing, perhaps off the charts. I believe if this is the case, working as a secretary in a quiet office would be perfect for you. Ask around for details, prove to people what you're good at. As for dealing with people, you would mostly just have to deal with people over the phone and a few walk ins. I hope this helped. Bless.

Answer 6

I have a learning disability...find out if there are organizations in your community that help disabled people. Lutheran Social Services will help a lot with gaining employment, social security, Medicare/Medicaid, and they have other options as well.