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Struggling In The Workplace, Any Advice!?

Jay

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

  • Take up IT and work remotely. All problems solved :)

  • Hi Jay, 

    Sorry to hear you are struggling. It's pretty tough at the moment and all thoughts changes can't help.

    It sounds like you can do those jobs, but maybe it's a case of having a bit more support right now. 

    I've recently just started with a rehabilitation consultant through Remploy. It's paid for by the government and their Access to Work scheme. https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

    I've done some call centre and help desk work in the past and some weeks I took the most calls. Some callers thought I was a robot switchboard Joy It can be overwhelming whilst new and learning but I think autism can actually be helpful as once you learn the script it's just a case of repeating the task again and again.

    It is probably worth speaking to your GP too. I didn't think there was much a GP could do for me with regards to work but I had weekly support from Mind and changed to 1 a day propranolol which has really helped my panic. 

     

  • Hi Jay Slight smile

    thought I might share with you my working experiences.  

    I pretty much worked in call Centres for about... 13 years I think full time. I always stuck to the same nonsense because I knew it was something I could do, but i did keep trying to better myself and failing miserably. I Felt totally trapped because I left school with no good grades, every time I did manage to get into a slightly better position, I got moved out stating I couldn’t cope. 

    After I received my diagnosis in 2019, I was having a super rough time with my employer. I decided I wouldn’t ever fit in there, so I applied for something I would never have applied for before. I managed to get the job and I have literally grown some bad-Ass wings since then. 

    I know if I could get all those managers who worked with me previously in a room and explain to them what I do now, they would not believe me. my current employer is big up on diversity and inclusion, so if I need anything in terms of reasonable adjustments I can get them. What I learned from doing the work I do now, is the amount of skills I didn’t realise I had. 

    if you are looking for things now, be brave and go for something you wouldn’t normally go for. 

    kirst x 

  • in reply to aidie

    I've not head of this (box breathing)- definitely going to give it a try.

  • learn to ride out panic attacks --- use Box Breathing as taught by USMC ( videos on line). Practice this technique every day.  I has used it in very stressful situations and held control using it. Once u ride through some panic attacks you  get better at defeating them.   The cure to panic attacks is to face them down, ride through them, do what you where doing no matter what and once out the other side your body resets itself. 

    basically scream your way through them ( in your head ) but keep going.  If no one is around scream out loud.

  • Hi @Jay

    Sorry to hear you're having a rough time. I've some links which may help 

    NAS General Advice

    NAS has a dedicated employment support page https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment/seeking-work/autistic-adults

    Disability Confident Employers

    You could keep in eye out for employers who are signed up to the DWP's disability confident scheme (I do have a problem with classifying my diagnosis as a disability.... but I digress) https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/

    There's a list of employers at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-confident-employers-that-have-signed-up which might be a good place to start.

    Employment Support

    Scope have online employment support https://www.scope.org.uk/employment-services/

    There's a list of employment services here from Living Autism (not heard of this crew before - but the list looks good)

    https://livingautism.com/employment-support-autistic-individuals/

    Autism Plus have a support packages if you're based near York, Sheffield, Hull or Doncaster

    https://autismplus.co.uk/employment-support/for-individuals

    I was diagnosed after I was employed and battled though on a cycle of functioning and meltdowns before we figured out what was going on so sadly I can't offer any advice from experience. Were I job hunting though I'd be working through this list.

    The other thing I'd suggest is that you mentioned you'd really been struggling in the last 6 months which is impacting your ability to find work. I'd suggest that finding some support to help you work through this is essential. Maybe check in with your GP for starters.

    Hope these help

    E

  • hi Jay

    Sorry you're having these very common problems.   

    The only thing I can offer is look at your childhood and all the hobbies and interests you had back then - finding a job in the adult version of those hobbies means you'll meet more people like you so you won't feel the stress.      I was always into technology so I ended up in science - met lots of good people, some really bad ones, but managed to hold the jobs down for regular pay.

    A famous autie, Temple Grandin, did some analysis of the best jobs for auties - https://www.aspergers101.com/choosing-right-job-people-autism-aspergers-syndrome/

    It's a bit out of date but it will give you something to think about. Smiley