Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello,
I am looking for advice on what help there is for autistic people working in a bar or similar loud environment.
I have been out of work for some time but recently took up a job in a bar.
I was enjoying it at first but the proximity of the other bar staff to each other when it was busy, combined with the loud music, lots of people and fast pace etc was too over stimulating and though I took several 'toilet' breaks to try to calm myself and remain reasonable I had a bit of a meltdown and said to the manager it wasnt for me.
I realise in hindsight I could have asked for help such as to wear headphones or be given certain tasks to do so I don't feel overwhelmed. I am still in the middle of being formally diagnosed and i find it really hard to explain why i dont feel ok about things sometimes and I come across as seeming too unfriendly or rude and I feel embarrassed about that too as I have often been bullied in the workplace before because of this.
The people ar this bar were for the most part very understanding and I think if I was able to ask for help they would listen but I don't know exactly what I can ask for.
Does anyone have any advice on what would be available?
All i can think to start is wear headphones, be given clearer instructions about what to do and ask that my timetable is mostly consistent so I am not working too many irregular hours for a sleeping pattern.
Also for anyone in customer service generally I was struggling to smile or seem happy as I got locked into not feeling ok.
Please let me me know any advice.
Cheers.
Bar work is difficult and I admire the fact that your willing to keep with it if you can. I did it many years ago for a short period. There are times when it's busy and it's simply a question of all hands on deck. At those times, the only thing you can do is deal with each person, one at a time. If anyone interrupts you, just politely say to them that you're currently helping someone, and will be with them as soon as you can. Only deal with what you have in front of you. I realise it's difficult, but try not to focus on anything other than whoever you are serving. If someone offers to buy you a drink, just say thank you but ignore, or stick to lemonade or something non alcoholic. When it's not as busy, be the person who does any restocking, or cleaning glasses. It will give you something physical to focus on so you can get your brain in order, trips to the storeroom will also get you away from the noise momentarily and you won't need to make excuses to get away. You can even ask to be the one responsible for restocking so if something runs out (and you aren't in the middle of service) they can call you to head out on their behalf.
I always kept a spotless bar, I didn't understand why at the time, now I realise that by being busy clearing up and wiping down, I was able to avoid some of the chit chat that always wore me out. It didn't reduce it entirely, but it helped a little. Hopefully you get some value from some of these suggestions. Hopefully others have either worked or enjoyed time in bars and pubs, and can offer other solutions. It's not the easiest thing, but it's good to have some money coming in. It can also help you in dealing with people. We all need some practice, you can't get much better training than drunk, loud people.