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Overwhelmed working full time

Misnamedhellion

I currently work full time, and my job is stressful. I find working 5 days a week really draining, and if I ever do anything at the weekends then it has ramifications for my energy the week after; taking a long time to get back into a good routine. I love my job - I work in a museum (a special interest for me) and I have worked hard to get where I am. I can't afford to go to part-time.

I have spoken to my manager about my workload, and we have set up weekly catch up sessions so that I know what it is that I've got to do, and enable her to support me with things that I struggle with, just as telephone calls. What I don't know, however, is what the line is. By that I mean, how much help can I ask for?

Does anyone have experience of asking for accommodations at work? How much help is too much help? What kind of accommodations has anyone asked for - especially in relation to executive function, and task management? 

More than anything I would just like to find other autistic people who are going through the same thing. I know that I am lucky to be able to work full time (even if I am struggling), but it would be nice to have some people to talk through it with!

Thanks, 

x

  • i tackled this in these ways

    1. i do a 20min meditation in my lunch break eery day --- this lowered my tiredness greatly i felt when I arrived home each day and reduced my shutdowns. AT weekends i do 1/2 bigger ones

    2. I have just applied to work from home one day a week. I am waiting for that decision. I dont know if this woud work in your case ( I work in IT)

    3. I have reduced the noise and sound in my office with headphones and sunglasses. If I get tired / stressed I have been allowed to move to a quiter room for a period of time to regain stability.

    My employer is trying to do what  they can for me --- we had a big argument just few days ago. They are trying to sort out compromises with me which is a change from 5/6 yeears ago. My constant assertions seem to be having an affect on their thinkin. 

    But basically my empoyer is reasonable.

    My suggestion is to present solutions to your employer which are not expensive. Then report later if they are improving things for you.

    Then learn all about stress and how to reduce it. I mean things like meditation, mindfulness, changes to your diet, changes to how you deal with your thoughts. After attending a stress class I have stopped all caffeine for example and eat more healthy. I can slip into really bad eating habits eg eating chocolate all day in work ! oh I now cycle to work each day as well ( again advice from my stress class )

    finally come in here on regular basisi and let rip with your issues. A problem shared and helping others here improves your Well Being

    wishing you a better world

    aidie

  • I had an assessment from lexxic It was the worst decision, I found them to be a stepping stone for your employer to sack you with immunity,

    When I had my last nervous breakdown brought on by my working condition / unreasonable adjustment pip set out for me, I came up with a plan to get personal independence payment plus do a part-time job, it turned out that because I could breath and had a pulse I wasn't entitled to pip but I think my life would of been manageable if the plan had worked, give it a go maybe they will award you pip? 

  • My personal experience from a few years ago is not good. Employers refusing accommodations or even starting procedures is not unusual. Don't go all legal as NAS is suggesting. 

    The first this is to think very carefully and articulate in what way you are still qualified for the job with reasonable adjustments, in that youcan do it but in a different way.

    Have a read here https://ndsa.uk/content/employment/#Autism%20as%20a%20disability

    Then consider what adjustments are best for accommodating that different way.

    It is always best to start your list of reasonable adjustments with relying as much as possible on normal mainstream business practice. For example having regular planning meetings with your manager and going through all projects, their status, timings and priorities. Having calendars, lists, schedules, working on the basis of written instructions, emails so you could track the specifics better... basically present your need as a goof business practice.

    Personally my best experience in corporate world was with regular frequent meetings with my manager to clarify priorities. It really alleviated anxiety, clleared misunderstandings,  and clarified timings and expectations.

    Hope this helps

  • Hi, I had to give up corporate employment a couple of years ago, because despite me spelling out to my employer that I desperately needed help, they offered none! Anyway, I have recently managed to re-qualify as an electrician. The idea of going to the training centre and new people etc etc scared the crap out of me. However, what I found is that by going to the centre in advance, telling them I am autistic and what support I needed I was able to get through. It was a 5 week course, and each week was I new challenge as it was a different tutor and different room. However, I found that the staff there learnt how to help me, and automatically set things up for me each week.

    Essentially, what I’m saying is, be straight with your employer, as for as much help as you need for you. I wouldn’t advise getting all legal, but they have a duty of care, and with a bit of luck you’ll find a compromise and things will settle down for you.