Published on 12, July, 2020
I come here for help on this because it's the only place I feel I can be truthful and not get told to get over myself (please don't let me down).
I want to do something in conservation but I don't really know where to go with it as I don't have a degree, a car or much money. I love the outdoors and I'm also fantastic at researching and organisation, I can also be good with people sometimes depending on the setting. For example I'm not good with hanging out in a pub or a similar "normal" social setting but I'm great at teaching strangers about nature and animals.
I've attempted uni twice but I really can't deal with the whole student thing (students and their social expectation terrify me). I know I also struggle with working with certain types of people e.g. I had two really low-paid jobs this winter and held one for 2 days and the other for 3. One had a boss that told me to do things that as an aspie I couldn't do and the other I was working with bin men who kept saying some pretty awful stuff and although it wasn't said with maliciousness, I still struggled with.
I'm currently living in London and really like the people I live with but can't handle living in London (again, it's the people but the ones outside my house). I plan to move back in with my parents in September but I'm gonna be pretty lonely and not sure what kind of jobs I can get with what kind of people and whether I'll be able to handle those people. I think if I manage something in conservation though hopefully I'll be able to manage the people since I worked in a zoo when I was younger and managed that.
Basically I have a number of issues with being around people that stem from three main things:
1) The fact that I'm socially awkward and autistic.
2) The fact that I'm *** and used to *** friendly environments so can't handle much cis-het macho bulls**t (low-key homophobia, sexism and transphobia).
3) The fact that I've gotten used to being a squatter and so find it hard not to judge people that are well off and live in a very hierarchical structure and society and linking back to the autism I don't handle being bossed around very well.
I'm not sure if there's any solution to any of this but I'm super frigging lost. Anyone any advice on any aspie friendly conservation jobs?
Hi there,
I'm not sure about the London area, but you could try contacting The Conservation Volunteers (formerly the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers). I know they have volunteer groups around the country who will go out regularly to do anything from path-laying to coppicing to habitat conservation. Could be worth investigating. I live in Kent, and around here there's also the Kent Wildlife Trust, which runs workshops and ecology groups. They also have career options, including those for people who don't necessarily have 'conservation' experience. If you're thinking of getting out of London, Kent might be a reasonably close alternative.
Check them out here:
The Conservation Volunteers
Kent Wildlife Trust
I've generally found that any work I've done in associated areas (including working in a wholefood shop, for instance) has been 'safe' in terms of being away from the type of views and phobic attitudes that you mention. I, too, would feel very uncomfortable working in such environments.
All the best,
Tom
Also did you delete the first bit you said about the mods because it's showing up in my email but not on the threat?
I actually went to Kent uni really briefly (2 weeks) but really struggled with the place and assumed it was because it was a uni town. Maybe Kent might be a good idea since I did loove the course and I really like the lecurers and would like to be able to see them.
I like the sound of the conservation volunteers and Kent WT though - thanks!