Good jobs...not so good jobs for aspies

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I'm going to go against most of what other people have been saying here...

My best job was at an ASDA supermarket, I worked in the Photo Centre processing photos and selling cameras. I liked it because there where only a few of us working there and we got along well with each other. Also I could flip between jobs if I got sick of sitting at the computer correcting photos I could help customers use the machines and *try* to sell cameras. It was the first job I had that involved dealing directly with customers some of the time which really helped me to build my confidence.

The worst job I have ever had is where I am now, I'm an IT Specialist and Web master looking after a large business to business e-commerce site, working with computers is what I used to enjoy so I thought id love it. But the management sucks, there's no structure, and nobody takes responsibly or helps anyone else. I recently worked out a project to replace our entire IT infrastructure and got through to agreeing prices and install dates only to have it taken off me and given to somebody else to take the credit at the last moment.

I wont be working here much longer, I'm looking into teaching at the moment and am trying to work up the courage to make a first move and get some voluntary experience.

Chris.

Fast Food/ Food Service is not a good job for Aspies. I've worked there for about a year, and to be honest I can't think of anywhere worse for the atypical person. [I probably only kept my job because of my dad, who knew the owner]. First, these jobs place an extreme premium on obedience and "being able to put up with bosses/etc. Second, these jobs will really mess with those who have bad motor skills. The speed required in fine motor skills will make this sort of job really, really hard at best for those with ADHD, CAP-D, Aspergers or any neurological disability. Second, customer skills are at an absolute premium in fast food. Those with poor social skills will struggle with customers. I wouldn't say the customers are "unruly", but more that the rules of the organization tend to be very unfair. Conformity/Cleanliness is also a major issue here as how you are perceived by customers is a big deal. You are also usually expected to work 10+ hour shifts late into the night, and it would not be uncommon to have orders nonstop for several hours.

I actually struggled on register when I worked at a grocery store. I really recommend getting a degree if you can, I guess. My dad functions pretty well at his job, and he's probably got what I have. My issue is that I'm simply a split-second behind everyone else motor skill/attention span wise.

Anything retail is BAD for me..I cannot remember all those things to do,get overwhelmed so easily,end up hiding in the bathroom and getting fired within hours.It's my specialty...

I can't say what jobs are good for aspies, but I've worked in a greengrocers, as a barmaid, as a waitress, as a shop assistant. Yes these seem a no brainer to NOT do as an aspie, but I'm only 20 - I've got through jobs.

My worst job involved cleaning up after absolute f**king slobs. I get that when you go out, they have cleaners and staff to clean up - and I don't expect things to be perfect, but some people seem to go out of their way to make a mess and that always pissed me off. In addition to being detailed I often missed some things as well.

My best job was researching and data entry, and I would recommend a research and development, or computer programming job to most aspies - we need jobs that stimulate our special interest and exercise out brains - so anything less is a no-go.

Worst job was working for Hungry Jacks (aka Burger King).

Best jobs were:

Plant Nurseries. Walking amongst lots of plants, doing chores (weeding, fertilizing, moving them), only other workers were the bosses.

Quality Controller. Various factories. Usually left alone to run my section. Loud, but that can act as a barrier against unnecessary social chit chat.

Dislike the idea of working with kids, disabled, or foreigners. I love each of those people groups, but have found it extremely difficult to understand what people are saying unless it's very clear english, even though english is my first/only language.

Best job- shipping and receiving. I work alone in the warehouse and plan my tasks in the order I see fit and on what is more urgent. My mind works like a super computer when it comes to task triage. I have multiple things on the go but go about my day prioritizing and working. It makes the day more interesting. I get to listen to the music I want to listen to. This is my current job. I have a pretty good benefit and pay package too along with monthly bonuses of up to 1000 dollars.....although a lot of that goes to the government in taxes.

Worst job- courtesy clerk in a busy grocery store. Was harassed by a supervisor and the crowds and noises didn't help.

The best job I ever had was as a Harley-Davidson Tech. Working with tools and bikes all day. Almost all the traits that go with Aspie's are valued in the sub-culture. The worst was when I was promoted to Service Writer. Dealing with upset Harley riders who cannot have their bikes and mostly over the phone. Very bad switch.

Best for me: Construction, building maintmence, flooring, furniture restorations,

Worst: drawing/ artist, office, writer, care taker, most assistant jobs

Bad job: a elementary school teacher. I was actually in the education program at University to become an elementary school teacher before I knew I had Aspergers, and dropped out because it was ultimately just too overstimulating for me. I love kids, but having to take care of 20-30 of them at a time is a no-go.

Good job: I've actually enjoyed most of my jobs, but I do best in ones that give me a lot of freedom, and have not-too-uptight bosses. Currently I'm internal SAP tech support for a large oil company, which is pretty easy for me since I'm good with computers and strangely enjoy customer service type positions. Ultimately I'm aiming to be a psychologist or counsellor, hopefully for fellow Aspergers.

worst jobs: call centres (several)
theyll employ anyone
i used to get chest pains until i had a melt down and get sacked

supermarket checkout
people are nasty

waiter
people are as*holes
messy ones too

Best jobs:

Street cleaner
no one to bother you

Factory worker
other workers can barely speak
so no one to bother you

Worst Jobs
Field Service Engineer for a printing machinery company. I could handle the techy stuff but I was always saying the wrong things to the customers and getting myself in trouble. I also worked for a bank for a while and hated it because of a) the pressure of work and b) one angry customer after another.


Best Jobs
An electronics workshop with eleven other guys, each of us responsible for a different type of equipment. Now I'm semi-retired and I work for myself from home so it's even better.

Occupational therapy can be good/bad for an aspie.

The good- if you are willing to reach out to people, you will have awesome support, especially if you have trouble in the workplace. You can get help from people outside your work. Also, job security is pretty good.

The bad- You might know your daily and weekly hours. However, your schedule can change without much notice. Also, the clinical environment is quite unpredictable.

That said... if an aspie has decent social skills, is willing to make friends, and can be quite flexible in thinking, this is a job that is doable by aspies (as I know a few). Lacking any of these things, however, can be an uphill battle.

Worst Job: Retail

Best Job: Computer Programmer.

Worst Jobs: Just about anything with "At Will" employment Terms and no Pension.

Best Jobs: City, County, State, Federal,School District, College,University, Water District, Electrical Utility. Especially, if it has a nice LABOR UNION. Easy Hours, Federal Holidays off, Discounts, Automatic Pay Steps and a nice Pension after 20 years. You would practically have to run someone over on purpose to get fired!

I've worked a lot of dead end jobs, I was good at all of them but the people were the problem. I was weird because I didn't go binge drink with them after work, or told abusive customers "you can't talk to me like that". I didn't like eagle eye bosses lurching over my shoulder every few minutes. I even saved a fast food place from burning down and instead of being applauded as a hero I was written up because I left my station.

Fast food and retail are the worst. I'm better as an entrepreneur.