Do you work?

I did well with studying. Both school and university were very structured environments where it was clear what was required. I dropped out of a PhD where that structure wasn't present. From my experiences of workplaces (summer jobs in offices etc) knew I wouldn't cope so found work I could do from home. For a while I was editing science papers (my degree is in physics) and now I write very formulaic SEO content. I like that I don't have to interact with people and it fits in around whatever else I want to do. I've been doing that for about 11 years.

DM me re support options , thanks 

I've never been anywhere except the hospital to visit someone sick if everything

Your careers sound interesting. Do you have a favourite one? :) 

I didn't do well in school. Too much noise, too many people and the work was so hard and there was a lot of bullying to endure through it all. This led to a lot of anxiety for me! And the end result wasn't worth all the hassle, in the end I failed everything. Found exams way too stressful just got everything wrong. Thanks for your suggestions I do appreciate it and I'll look in to them.

Sending you hugs! 

I will tell you an open secret.

Most people have a goal in life, something to do or achieve.  But when they get there, they discover it's not what they wanted and it's a big disappointment.

I achieved the educational qualifications I wanted.  It hasn't made me happy.

I have travelled, but many of the places I visited made me want to go home.

I live in a quality flat that I admired for years, but I am sitting in bed depressed.

I really don't know what I want and I suspect millions of people feel the same.

Ive never gotten to do anything I wanted to do

No one Helps me

I'm traumatised

I can understand finding answering things like that difficult. I would probably not be able to answer that on the spot. I'm so glad you're feeling like you are getting better each time :) that's so positive for you! They say practice makes perfect and I think that's true.

Well done I'm super happy for you :) 

Aw bless you. That must have been draining for you but such a sweet thing to do. My mum cared for my dad when he was sick for months until he sadly died.

Hi Roy, that sounds really fun for you to do! :) I can't remember what ones but my dad used to restore classic cars as well, mum said he used to really enjoy that and would spend hours working on them. I'm sorry you went through burnout, I've had that a few times it takes a lot of rest and recovering. I hope you are doing better and being kind to yourself. Take it one day at a time.

Your Jack Russell sounds adorable! I love dogs they are to sweet.

Sounds like you have a lot going on. That must be tiring. It's great though that you can get a job as in when you need or want to. Working with people on the spectrum must be interesting. Do you support them with things?

I helped care for mentally ill mother too which is still affecting me to this Day

Thank you. 

I have difficulty elaborating and answering abstract questions such as; "why do you want the job?" and "tell us about yourself". Though I do feel as if I am slightly improving each time I have an interview.

Hi Jess, I work restoring classic cars, I find it quite therapeutic, working to exact measurements and quality really suits  me. I work totally alone so don’t have to talk or listen to others all day. I only communicate with customers by text. Had a burnout in December and now managing about 5 hours per day now I’m back at work. I take my Jack Russell Otis with me, he’s all the company I need. I do occasionally get customers turn up uninvited, they often make a comment of, “ you must be so lonely being on your own all day”. If they only knew! If you do have to talk to people unexpectedly, I find having a set chat in place quite helpful. When they get down to the weather, I then have to get rid of them as I’m bored by then.

I am currently doing a lot of things at once, but mostly internships are what keeps me going. At this point in my life I am not even qualified to have a job (even though I am a quick learner) partly because of the setting of the internship. I am also currently working with people with severe or moderate ASD which can be a little infuriating at times.

Let's just say my situation is incredibly complicated but to put it simply: If I wanted a job, I could possibly succeed with little to no support.

Hi Jess, I am a lot older than you and I have had 3 carers, firsts as an Engineer, then a computer architect and now as a probation Officer.  

I did not do well at school, but I blame that on the environment, rather than me.  I found universities far more enjoyable as I was with people who wanted to learn.  You need to look at yourself, your skills and your needs.  Some industries are a far more positive of neurodiversity and I would recommend the Civil Service.  the Open University is amazing, as you can learn at your own pace.  Maybe college evening classes for Maths and English first

I'm glad the woman you're in contact with the dwp is understanding and supportive with you. That's fab, so happy to hear that :) Means less pressure for you. Sounds like she's really on your side with this. 

I think that's a good idea taking each day as it comes. I try to do the same, keeps me well mentally I think. It sounds exhausting for you having to deal with that every day. Make sure you get plenty of rest and care for yourself.

Your special interest sounds exciting. I've never done that but I'd love to, sounds great and fun. Maybe you'll be able to do it again in time? Your diamond painting sounds fabulous! I had never heard of it before :) 

Hi Kitsune, it sounds like you've done a lot of work. I'm sorry you never really settled anywhere, it sounds hard finding the right perfect job. Did you have a favourite job? 

I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I'm after something that I'll enjoy and hopefully be able to stay in until I retire or die. I don't want to have to keep changing jobs