Why are so many Aspies on here getting disablility income?

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While I admit my interviewing experience is with "skilled" jobs, I know from talking to others that what employers look for in unskilled jobs isn't that difference. As one woman told me, "just because the job itself isn't that hard, doesn't mean an applicant doesn't have to show motivation by showing up on time, dressing appropriately, and responding to me appropriately." Remember, among other things, that NO ONE wants to hire the next guy that is going to go unexpectedly ballistic on them, and ALL they have for that is instinct and gut. While the standards may be lower for unskilled jobs, the interview techniques are still, in essence, the same. They DO hope to find future management from the lower group. Diamonds in the rough, if you will.

Although ... you can get a DIFFERENT burden applying for low skill jobs when you seem so bright: they're sitting there wondering why someone like you is even looking at this job. I've done that myself. You get so sure there is a hidden secret you just can't hire the person. They need to do a major selling job that THIS really is THE job they want, and adequately explain why, while all your senses and experience are telling you that someone like this NEVER wants this type of job. We ran a background check on one candidate like that, "too good to be true," and found a drinking problem. Now I guess background checks are standards, but they weren't then. ANYWAY, could something like this be your issue? That the interviewer just can't get their brain around why someone with your apparent IQ would want "that" job?

I never could get low skilled jobs, either. Yes, I got turned down by McDonalds as a teen. But skilled - I' m ace. And I'm not even AS, really - some AS traits, but more NT.

And if most of them weren't scams.

Every single job that I have ever applied for I was hired on the spot, and I have never been fired or layed off from any of those jobs either. Altogether it was in the area of 10 to 15 jobs, which I ultimately had to walk away from for one reason or another after a period of time, before I finally gave up on the idea of trying to be gainfully employed. I'm proud that I was always hired and never fired or layed off, but very ashamed that I wasn't able to handle the stresses of those environments to the point that I had to walk away from it. I just couldn't do it and no amount of will-power could have made that possible for me.

I have a lot of empathy for what you are saying here. I've seen someone, very skilled, strong resume, go into a total panic attack before an interview, not sleeping a wink the night before, etc. It seems to be part of AS, that fear. I do hope you learn a way to cope with it, because I am sure that you DO have a lot to offer an employer. It's believing in that enough to get through the interview that is the tough part, isn't it?

This the kind of thing I find heartbreaking. How do we change that? How does society make it possible for someone with whatever issues you have to still be able to work? Your mind is alive. Why can't society see how to use it in a way that is comfortable for you?

One of my first internet friends was completely bedridden, hadn't left her room in years, her medical issues were so severe. Her mind, though .... WOW. She didn't tell many people about her condition, I learned it after years of talking with her, she didn't want people to know because giving advice on the internet was the only way left for her to feel productive, like a positive force in society. Most people want that, to feel they are a positive force, but too often finding the road there is virtually impossible.

A word from Captain Obvious:

Image is more important during the interview process, but it's the ability and the willingness to actually show up and do the work that keeps you employed.

This is really emotional for me. I wish I knew because the alternative has been very destructive to me. I became bed-ridden for a year around 1996 after a dose of Prozac and more likely profound depression. It hurts very, very much. I have very much to offer and also don't prefer to be alone.

Thank you so much for your kind post. Crying too much to be able to see the screen.

You're just an idiot Fnord and a probable NT and Troll.

It's jerks like you who prey on people like me that make it so impossible. I'm not getting any tougher for dealing with your kind here either. It only drains and wears a body down.

What in the hell...


M.

Working at Mc Donald's is one of the last jobs that I'd suggest for anyone with ASD. I worked there for one whole day. My first job when I was about 15, and knew nothing about AS. The fast pace of it during busy hours is very difficult, but there is nothing worse than the beeps. Everything in the back beeps. The fryers, the microwaves, the registers....EVERYTHING! I begged to go clean tables, or the bathrooms, but the manager wouldn't let me. She was very snarly, and rude about it, too. During my break, I hid in the quiet bathroom, and cried from sensory overload.

I own two businesses. The one where I have to interact with others daily, it is hard to motivate myself each day because of what I encounter and endure through that experience. When I write music in my second role, I am able to truly feel successful and free of impairment.


M.

Aspiarist, sorry for making you emotional, but I did wish I had the answer.

Also, just FYI, I love your avatar. It catches my eye and there is just something about it ... I'm not normally much of a flowers person, but it is beautiful.

No, I didn't mind becoming emotional. There's a lot of pain there and any time it's possible to release some of it could only be a good thing. Thanks for your compliment. It's one of my early stained glass designs.

I was wondering if that was your own design. You are very good. I am serious, that piece moves me.

Thank you!!