Help with finding and keeping a job

[EmilyRyan]

Have you ever considered doing self-employment? Like working from home-sort-of-thing? That's what really comes to my mind when you say you need a job where you can work at your own pace.

Well, as far as the ASD diagnosis, that would be tricky at your age. Not saying it is impossible though.

What could I actually do in terms of self employment?? I really have no clue how to go about being self employed to be honest.

[Tristyn]

What could I actually do in terms of self employment?? I really have no clue how to go about being self employed to be honest.

I'm not sure to be honest. I'm not really sure what you like to do and what jobs can be done at home. But you could look into it. Research it.

I have a neighbor who is retired now, but was self-employed her whole life pretty much as a hair stylist in a salon at her house. But that was her niche and you need to find yours.

[EmilyRyan]

I discovered this company called Specialisterne that trains and hires people on the spectrum doing mostly things from IT to programming. Maybe there's something like that around Nashville and where I could work in IT and maybe they can train me as well.

In Colorado there's an electronics recycling place that also hires people on the spectrum to break down electronics and when I think about it I have a good history of being able to break down stuff like that (putting together though that's another story  ). And again maybe I can find a place like that more closer by that does the same thing.

I can work a job and there's things and skills I'm capable of the trouble I truly have is finding an understandable employer that has no problem hiring people with learning disabilities and ASD and won't fire me cause they think I'm a weirdo that doesn't fit in or think I'm too slow. There's much I can offer if only employers give me a chance.

[Tristyn]

I discovered this company called Specialisterne that trains and hires people on the spectrum doing mostly things from IT to programming. Maybe there's something like that around Nashville and where I could work in IT and maybe they can train me as well.

In Colorado there's an electronics recycling place that also hires people on the spectrum to break down electronics and when I think about it I have a good history of being able to break down stuff like that (putting together though that's another story  ). And again maybe I can find a place like that more closer by that does the same thing.

I can work a job and there's things and skills I'm capable of the trouble I truly have is finding an understandable employer that has no problem hiring people with learning disabilities and ASD and won't fire me cause they think I'm a weirdo that doesn't fit in or think I'm too slow. There's much I can offer if only employers give me a chance.

Maybe you really ought to look into some special programs designed specifically for helping people like you find work. Like vocational rehab. I tried it but I was very resistant and ended up nowhere with it. Hopefully, you wouldn't make that same mistake. Maybe one day, I will gather the courage to try again. I'm learning that when it comes to life, some things require many tries before getting it right. And that's ok.

You said you like to break down electronic things. You ever consider maybe going into a job dealing with computers?

[EmilyRyan]

Maybe you really ought to look into some special programs designed specifically for helping people like you find work. Like vocational rehab. I tried it but I was very resistant and ended up nowhere with it. Hopefully, you wouldn't make that same mistake. Maybe one day, I will gather the courage to try again. I'm learning that when it comes to life, some things require many tries before getting it right. And that's ok.

You said you like to break down electronic things. You ever consider maybe going into a job dealing with computers?

That's one thing I want to do badly and it's part of the reason why getting a diagnosis(for ASD) is crucial. I do believe I could benefit doing some type of program that'll help someone like me not only find a meaningful job but keep it as well.

I did at one point wanted to work with computers until I found out the hard way that I lack the aptitute for programming and like other ambitions I had in life went away. If there are IT jobs where knowing programming isn't essential then I would like to and like I mentioned maybe/hopefully I can find a place that'll hire someone like to do that kind of work either that or breaking down electronics for recycling.

[Tristyn]

That's one thing I want to do badly and it's part of the reason why getting a diagnosis(for ASD) is crucial. I do believe I could benefit doing some type of program that'll help someone like me not only find a meaningful job but keep it as well.

I did at one point wanted to work with computers until I found out the hard way that I lack the aptitute for programming and like other ambitions I had in life went away. If there are IT jobs where knowing programming isn't essential then I would like to and like I mentioned maybe/hopefully I can find a place that'll hire someone like to do that kind of work either that or breaking down electronics for recycling.

I know I must have asked you this before, Emily, but do you have a psychiatrist by any chance? I would ask them the best way you could go about getting that diagnostic. But in my opinion, and I could be wrong, I don't think this is all that is holding you back; fear, doubt, anxiety, and many other feelings like these might be the real culprits. I'm not sure, I could be wrong.

[EmilyRyan]

I know I must have asked you this before, Emily, but do you have a psychiatrist by any chance? I would ask them the best way you could go about getting that diagnostic. But in my opinion, and I could be wrong, I don't think this is all that is holding you back; fear, doubt, anxiety, and many other feelings like these might be the real culprits. I'm not sure, I could be wrong.

I don't and have no way of seeing one as long as I'm stuck living with parents.

[Devlyn]

Have you ever considered doing self-employment? Like working from home-sort-of-thing? That's what really comes to my mind when you say you need a job where you can work at your own pace.

Well, as far as the ASD diagnosis, that would be tricky at your age. Not saying it is impossible though.

What could I actually do in terms of self employment?? I really have no clue how to go about being self employed to be honest.

Mow lawns. Paint houses. Learn plumbing. Design and install koi ponds. The beauty of self employment is that you decide what you're going to do.

Hugs, Devlyn

[Maria77]

When i was younger and just starting in college i got an Overnight Resident Advisor position working with MR people in a community setting.   Basically i went in circa 11pm and left at 8am.  My main tasks were getting the three clients up around 6am, medication administration (you get trained and it's mainly a few pills), help with breakfast and house keeping.  The managers were just happy if you showed up consistantly to work.  The clients became family members.   Benefits were great, pay better than minimum wage and the only human interaction besids the theee clients were the people i relieved and occasionally the house manager.   Trick is to only work overnight because the other shifts are way more involved for not much pay.   

[EmilyRyan]

What could I actually do in terms of self employment?? I really have no clue how to go about being self employed to be honest.


Mow lawns. Paint houses. Learn plumbing. Design and install koi ponds. The beauty of self employment is that you decide what you're going to do.

Hugs, Devlyn

I more like to do tech work with computers (except for programming and repair though I can break them down easy but that's about it) such as information technology. 

[Devlyn]

Put on your big girl panties because work isn't always about doing what you like. It's about doing what you have to do to survive.

Hugs, Devlyn

[EmilyRyan]

Put on your big girl panties because work isn't always about doing what you like. It's about doing what you have to do to survive.

Hugs, Devlyn

Maybe I rather be happy too

And whats wrong with doing IT it's at least something I'm knowledgeable with and plus there's no way for me to be self employed where I live it's too rural.

[Devlyn]

If you don't like the advice disregard it. 

[EmilyRyan]

ok ok I apologize for getting on the wrong footing here

[Devlyn]

No worries. Some people seek self employment simply because they need to do things their own way. All it takes to succeed in the world is a dream, and the determination to make your dream come true. 

Hugs, Devlyn

[Tristyn]

I already suggested this before, but I would like to say it once more, but Emily, how about doing volunteer work? It's a great way to get your feet wet before jumping into the workforce and it'll make your resume look better with some experience on hand. Actually, vocational rehab can help with this too!

[EmilyRyan]

I already suggested this before, but I would like to say it once more, but Emily, how about doing volunteer work? It's a great way to get your feet wet before jumping into the workforce and it'll make your resume look better with some experience on hand. Actually, vocational rehab can help with this too!

That's a thought and speaking of vocational rehab since I do have an official diagnosis for a learning disability would I qualify for vocational rehab services?? I have plans to get my resume redone by the career counseling services that's offered by my college too and some good news to share that Specialisterne company that I mentioned has a location in Nashville hopefully sometime in the near future I can get my foot in the door there and one good thing about them I hear is that you can have no experience and they train you.

But yeah the whole idea of doing vocational rehab I really like that idea maybe they can help me get a career in IT or at least toward a path in the field and if not I am still open to doing a job in electronics recycling breaking down stuff and honestly it's pretty fun to do (I've done it before in a college work study) and I like the repetitiveness.



     

[Tristyn]

That's a thought and speaking of vocational rehab since I do have an official diagnosis for a learning disability would I qualify for vocational rehab services?? I have plans to get my resume redone by the career counseling services that's offered by my college too and some good news to share that Specialisterne company that I mentioned has a location in Nashville hopefully sometime in the near future I can get my foot in the door there and one good thing about them I hear is that you can have no experience and they train you.

But yeah the whole idea of doing vocational rehab I really like that idea maybe they can help me get a career in IT or at least toward a path in the field and if not I am still open to doing a job in electronics recycling breaking down stuff and honestly it's pretty fun to do (I've done it before in a college work study) and I like the repetitiveness.



   

Sounds like you've developed a plan. Lovely!

I think a learning disability would qualify you for voc rehab. At least it does in Florida, but Tennessee, I am not so sure. Doesn't hurt to inquire about it. ^_^

IT and electronics really sounds like your niche. Now we are getting somewhere.

[CarlyMcx]

In Colorado there's an electronics recycling place that also hires people on the spectrum to break down electronics and when I think about it I have a good history of being able to break down stuff like that (putting together though that's another story  ). And again maybe I can find a place like that more closer by that does the same thing.

In this day and age just about every larger city and town has a place where you drop off old electronics for recycling.  I know this because there is an old window air conditioner sitting on my garage floor that I will be taking to my local recycler at the first opportunity.  Perhaps you should see who does that in your town and see if they are hiring.

[EmilyRyan]

Sounds like you've developed a plan. Lovely!

I think a learning disability would qualify you for voc rehab. At least it does in Florida, but Tennessee, I am not so sure. Doesn't hurt to inquire about it. ^_^

IT and electronics really sounds like your niche. Now we are getting somewhere.

Yeah I finally got one coming together gradually

I'm sure I kind find out more about the Voc Rehab here in Tennessee from the lady at the student disability office at the college. So once classes start again (in about two weeks ) I'll ask her all about it.

Hopefully if I can get the right support I can get a decent job in IT if not I can always fallback on finding a job with an employer that's understanding about hiring people with learning disabilities and on the spectrum (once this gets diagnosed) these type of employers do exist just gotta find them.

Anyway after tonight I'm finally feeling more hopeful than I been in a long time