Career aspi(e)rations...

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?

Parents
  • I have read online in many places that the best employment for autistic people is self-employment.

    I also struggle.

    I'm not good with hanging out in a pub or a similar "normal" social setting.

    I also like nature and animals but I am not a good teacher. Nature and animals are one of the rare things I like to talk about.

    I've also attempted uni twice but I really can't deal with the whole student thing (students and their social expectation terrify me). It was so overwhelming. The crowds of students.

    I have to say that some low paid jobs are really horrible.

    I think you should think about the self-employment as the ultimate goal.

    Just wanted to tell you that you are not alone. I am similar to you and experience similar challenges.

  • Yeah I've been trying with this - I'm writing a book and trying to do photography but neither are great methods of getting money. I think also if I moved away from London I'd miss being around people I can actually comfortably interact with but also I can't handle being in London much longer...

    Thanks for the support though it's nice to be reminded other people are in the same position and it's not just that I screwed myself over!

  • I tried self-employment for a while.  There's a lot to be said for working from home - but in the end, I couldn't handle the uncertainties with income.  I now work as a support worker for an autistic trust.  It's low paid - but it's a great job: working with autistic people, being a mentor to them, taking them on outings, etc.  Today I spent my morning playing pool with one lad, then this afternoon I took a couple of others horseriding.  Great day! 

  • I am also interested in this.

    I am autistic and, therefore, I am not sure if would be a good support worker.

    I do not have a good eye contact but I have other good qualities.

    I think. I would love and enjoy being around autistic people and see something interesting.

    Would you also be able to send the information to me, please?

    I accept private messages from everyone.

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