Hi All,
This is my first time posting here, I'm hoping some of you may be able to help or offer some advice or tips on how to help myself.
I'm 25 on Wednesday and was diagnosed with Autism in 2019. I have always been lucky enough to just about get by in the workplace and have worked in a variety of places. But the last 6 months I've really been struggling and have been in and out of work because of this.
I have really bad anxiety around people, especially people I don't know. I started a Call Center job in January because I used to answer the phone in my old job so thought I'd be okay with the extensive training they offered. I completed the 4 weeks training and managed to take about 3 calls during training. But as soon as it came to going live on the phones and taking one call after another I had a panic attack that morning and couldn't even make it in to work. I had to leave this position.
I'm starting to really panic now though as I now currently don't have any income, but I still have all the bills to pay for my house, my partner is still at work but her wage alone doesn't cover all the bills. I was meant to start a new job today in one of the new testing sites set up near me but I went to the training day yesterday and I was just drained afterwards and filled with panic, they weren't organised and said it's new to them too so we're just going to have to try and see and get on with it, I need structure and clear guidance so I've been too scared to go. My other half is at work at the moment but I feel so awful that she's going to come home later and see I've not gone.
Has anyone managed to find employers that are understanding and willing to help you? I know I am more than capable to do some of the jobs I'm applying to do but for some reason, recently I've felt a lot more stress and pressure around work and it's making it even harder to process. I'm worried to inform potential employers of my Autism because I'm worried they then won't select me as they don't want to have to deal with me. (I know this probably isn't the case but it's just how I feel.) Did you tell potential employers before your interview in the application process? Or at the interview? Or once you started?
I really want to work because when I'm in a job that feels right and I don't feel stressed by something small like just entering the work place, I do thrive and I enjoy working. I just can't seem to get a break and find a job and employer suitable for me, especially at the moment.
How do you break down these barriers to become more open to leaving your house and giving these things a try even if they do initially cause stress? I currently only ever feel okay when I'm in my own house and even then when I'm stressed sometimes I'm panicking in my own house.
I realise I've rambled on and this probably doesn't make any sense at all but if you can make any sense from it and have any advice, I would really appreciate it.
Thanks Jay