Help?

Post Reply New Topic

I'm 17, going on 18, and anytime I consider getting a job, I'm immediately filled with dread.

The thing is, at the age I'm at right now, I basically only have one option when it comes to keeping a steady job: something involving helping random strangers who might yell at me, in a place with bright lights, that could become flooded with people at any moment. From what I've heard, this sort of thing is stressful and difficult to manage, even for NT people.

The other thing is, though, I need money. Specifically, I need to accumulate money to build up a budget for my projects, so I won't have to work at a dead end job by the time I'm out of the house.

Does anyone have any advice/been in a similar situation?

Most new jobs are in the customer service industry nowadays. Ideally, you could find one in a different area but that is becoming more difficult. It comes down to deciding which discomfort outweighs the other...being broke, or dealing with a stressful environment. Vocational training/education is probably the best route unless you're working on the next Harry Potter series or some groundbreaking scientific patent.

I see... So there are absolutely no alternatives? Nothing I could do online, perhaps? Or am I pretty much completely unqualified for anything like that?

So far, my plan education-wise is to get my GED*, take a few classes at a community college, just some basics that will assist me in my future career (like business stuff, since I'll be self-employed), and then get to work on my projects. I can't really do that, though, without some kind of income... Well, unless I get enough people to put forward cash for a Kickstarter. I sort of doubt I'll be able to get enough people interested, though, as I don't have enough finished on my current thing to really promote.

*I've already dropped out, and orientation is next Thursday.

Housekeeping at a hotel or office might be a good solution. They tend not to work around a lot of people.

If enough people are willing to pay for what you're providing, then go for it. I know a couple people that make reasonable money selling art/craft items at local craft fairs. I would go for a job just for an initial financial cushion, but if you can find alternative means then why not?

Ooh, interesting. I was thinking it'd be fine to work in a restaurant or whatever so long as I didn't have to deal with customers, and becoming a cleaner of some kind sounds like just the opportunity.


Actually, that's what I'm planning on doing after I've gotten a good store of money. Specifically, I'd be creating video games and perhaps other forms of art.

Also, my moms had a good suggestion for me: data entry. From what they told me, it sounds ridiculously easy, but extremely tedious. Still, it sounds like the best option for me so far. What do you guys think?

Data entry could be a good area. I'd go crosseyed looking at numbers all day, but it seems like a peaceful job. You might want to stay out of restaurants, especially the back kitchen areas.