Getting a job

I'm autistic.

Fairly high functioning but mentally the age of 12. 

I also have a LOT of health problems which affect my daily life. I had to drop out of school because I spent a lot of time in hospital and fell behind. I also kept fainting due to poor health etc. 

I recently got 2 jobs ( I haven't started yet but I got my offers) One is as a Healthcare assistant where I will have to work 3-4 days a week and the other one is as a medical laboratory assistant as a bank job. 

My mum isn't happy about me getting the jobs and I think she keeps getting angry at me because she said that I can't do them. I'm 18 now so I'm allowed to work there legally. The money is important becuase I need to save up money for university and also to help my mum get new windows because these ones are rotting. I also want to do something interesting and stimulating. I am obsessed with medical knowledge and these jobs will give me good exposure. 

I'm a bit afraid to do the jobs but I've already committed and it's better now than never at all. 

How can I make her not angry? 

  • a lot younger than my actual ag

    i think we all like that

    it's just you can observe it only when someone is 15-20

  • Thank you :) I really really appreciate all of the advice and kind words. 

    What I meant to say but didn't say very well is I'm quite intelligent but I'm not good at looking after myself. I have a sister who is 10 years old and we act the same in terms of maturity and social ability. 

    A lot of healthcare professionals agree that I'm " a lot younger than my actual age" which is a very good way of putting it. Whilst I have a lot of knowledge and can write well, when people meet me I come across as much much younger and act it too. I'm okay with this, I guess it is what makes me me. It's particularly good because people use much more simple language and adapt how they speak. It makes me feel more at ease and I can understand them better. It also means that people tend to be more protective over me. This is great but maybe not in the workplace. 

    I also agree with the comment saying won't these jobs be difficult. When I was in paeds last year people thought I was 11. I'm afraid that I won't be taken seriously or I won't be mature enough to help especially in social situations. If there are rules and guidelines I can follow them but if there aren't I'll just end up acting like myself and I think that it'll be bad. 

  • Hey!

    Congratulations on securing the job, this is great - and you have already achieved a lot more than many of autistic people ever will (in terms of career and working ability)

    Similar to what someone else has said, our Mums can be over-protective and very nurturing, which is natural, it's a mothers instinct.

    It is very commendable that you want to start saving money for uni and also to help out with the windows at home. In addition to this, you have clearly thought about this carefully, you have attained a job which is in line with your interest/potential future career.

    A piece of advice, make sure that you let work know if you are struggling with something, need guidance or any questions. Show initiative, you will not come across annoying. Businesses/company's love this! Also, in regards to your autism, it is your choice how much you disclose to them, you may have already told them about your disability on the application form. This means they already know, but make sure the company do not ever use your disability against you, or put you at a disadvantage.

    Best of luck with your new job, I am sure you will do amazingly! Actions are better than words, in some people's opinions. Prove to your Mum that you can handle your new job, your studies and any other responsibilities. I started my first job at the age of 16 and still working now, my CV has years of experience.Grinning

  • Who says your mental age is 12? You don't sound like it to me.

  • Perhaps get your new job to talk with your Mum to explain what you will be doing and how you will be supported.

  • It sounds like your mum is scared for you and is just trying to protect you. If I was a mum I think I would be the exact same. Try to talk to her about it, reassure her Slight smile

    Really well done on getting 2 jobs. That's amazing! You should be so proud of yourself. It's a good achievement.

    I think it's natural to be scared but your be fine. You can do it.

  • me too, that means you would be doing the same work being paid half

  • Forgive me if I sound ignorant, but if your mental age is 12, won’t these jobs be a bit difficult for you?

    I too have a medical interest, and I’ve actually worked as a lab assistant. It was very enjoyable. I think you would like it.

    Regarding your mum, she’s just worried. That’s what we do, we worry. Perhaps she thinks you’re  taking on too much. 3-4 days a week is going to be quite something.

    Have a chat with her, and try and reassure her that if you start to find things difficult, you will let her know and ask for help, but for now, she needs to let go a little and let you find your own path. Good luck!

  • Hi.  Firstly, you seem mature enough to know what you want and that's good, you are being an adult.  Your mum isn't you, only you know if you can work, and what kind of work you can do.  You are doing the right thing, being positive and trying to work - and goals to aim for.  Just tell your mum you want to work and you like the jobs, and what your goals are.  She will get used to it if you are confident about what you want. 

  • Well done on your jobs. It sounds like they are really anchored in to your interests too and should give you valuable experience. I'm sure it'll be fine, but if it does get tiring, just reduce the hours a bit.

    Are you sure your mum is angry, or is she just worried and expressing that badly? Whatever she's feeling, you can't make her not feel it. But with a bit of luck she'll come round when she sees you earning and independent.

    Good luck.

  • yes  i think she worries that others will harm you mentaly, you are a nice and composed kid and she loves you

    maybe it's not angry but worried?

    once she sees you work, she will calm down

    and you need to fuel your hunger, we are like a sponge :P

    try to assume honest approach during interview, no masking and hiding,

    masking and hiding during interview was preventing me from getting a job for 20 years,

    now i tried without and i have a job

  • Hi, 

    From my experience, mums can be over protective. Your mum may seam angry but she is probably trying to look out for you and protect you in her own way. Maybe sit down with her and explain why you want to do them, what interests you about them and the benefits of doing them? 

    If you have two offers for jobs your strongly interested in, the hardest part is done. I am sure you will do amazing in the one you choose. 

    Ive found it helpful to focus on the positive Autistic traits that would make you amazing at a job (e.g. attention to detail, different view of things etc) This got me through 6 jobs in 10 years. 

    As long as the workplace are supportive and provide development go for it :-)