What job fields are good for people with mild AS?

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I know this topic has probably come up before, but for someone with mild AS (able to hold a full-time job), what job fields tend to work best for long-term employment?

I went to law school, but realized I hated practicing law, so I didn't become a lawyer. I've been told I made a good call on that because my personality was "wrong" for making it as a lawyer. I worked 8 years as an executive assistant for someone who was largely tolerant of my "quirks." I don't mind dealing with people, but I'm not a "people person." I know I stink at sales work. I'm now working as a paralegal, and I'm miserable because I'm doing the very kinds of things I didn't want to do when I realized I didn't want to be a lawyer.

I don't mind physical labor, but I'd like to make good money...not just get by. I like to be challenged (so I'm not bored), but I do get overwhelmed if too much is placed on my shoulders (trying to be a lawyer would definitely overload my ability to cope). Loud noises can bother me, although I can wear hearing protection to deal with that. I try to avoid being around other people because my sense of smell is quite sensitive. Bad breath or body odor/perfumes repulse me. I don't mind working with others, but my difficulty in fitting in means it's a gamble at how well I make it as part of the team.

My last boss said I was best used in a job where I could be stuck in a room to grind away at a task with minimal supervision or interruptions, but I'm not sure what jobs fit that bill.

I tried asking some NTs about what might be right for me, but their advice was to see a counselor. The problem (other than cost) is that a counselor is one perspective, and that of someone who may have little to no supervisory/hiring experience. Few wanted to give me advice, which is conflicting because if an NT has met me, I'm interested in what an NT thinks would be a good fit for me from an NT's perspective.

I'm largely passionless about occupation. I'd like to be passionate about something, but last time I was that way, I wanted to put a gun barrel in my mouth when it all came crashing down and I realized I'd never attain my goal. No occupation is worth being that unbalanced over.

I was wondering this same thing myself. I work as a software test engineer and I think it is too stressful for the personality type. Others might disagree, especially since many Aspies may have the potential for being a great software test engineer. I haven't been organized enough to call myself a "good" software test engineer and I always seem to be in trouble. It also requires some degree of confrontation and "making enemies" to be really good at your job. I don't like that either. I want to move up to "programmer" but I'm not sure it would be any less stressful for me.

I was considering going into a field where I help people. I feel like there would be less condescension, less "being in trouble all the time", and I could feel like I make a difference. I dunno, maybe working for a facility that helps troubled youth or something.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luther_Burbank

Plant breeding would be a good job for Aspies.

http://www.plantbreeding.org/napb/Careers/Careers.html

Are there other jobs you could get with your education in law, other than lawyer? I don't know much about the legal fields, but maybe something like a paralegal? Or maybe like a data analyst for the FBI? I don't know your age, but I'm trying to think of jobs that wouldn't require you to go back to school.

Well, I'm working as a paralegal now and hate it....it's being a lawyer without the title.

I wanted to work in law enforcement before I went to law school, and it never panned out because I never fit in.

I see no rhyme or reason to how the government hires people. I know people who did nothing more than 2 years of community college and do technical work for the FBI (don't carry a gun), and others who had no training that work as air marshals. Otherwise, it seems they ask for the best of the best when people apply.

It reminds me of the movie XXX where the CIA guy commented to Vin Diesel that while he spent years trying to move up to field agent, the CIA seemed to recruit Vid Diesel from a prison yard.

Have you considered an apprenticeship? A lot of technical jobs don't require a lot of teamwork or people skills. Something like a lab technician, machinist or mechanic have always appealed to me. You generally work on your own, it's not hugely stressful and the quality of your work is what matters. There's lots of eccentric people in those fields too so you won't feel so out of place. With some experience, there are opportunities to run your own business.

For me I've held down 2 jobs long term both involved testing which heavily involved process and structured work.

Certainly easy work for me as i do struggle socially with my AS and this sort of work doesn't require a lot of communication, but it just doesn't challenge me enough.

Hey there,

Thought I would ask if you have ever looked for a job involving research work. They are out there. I am not saying 'librarian', as, frankly, I am one and find it stressful. But general research, like for community reports or nonprofit work. Or data analysis.

Tina

Hard to say, although jobs fall into 3 categories, working with people, working with data, or working with objects (think blue collar trade jobs). Obviously, we are better at the second 2 categories. The problem is a lot of books about job hunting are written by people who know the most about the first category. "What Color is Your Parachute" is like that. My own experience is the problem isn't choosing a line of work, it's getting into that line of work once you've chosen it and gotten the education. If a field only has openings for experienced people like computer science now, you are shut out.