Thinking About Workplace Adjustments

I struggle to advocate for myself in the workplace. I have to deal with things like using multiple documents at once or doing things with multiple steps which is hard with executive functioning issues. I have lists of what to do, but I still make mistakes sometimes, not least because I don’t always remember to look at the lists. I also have to make and take phone calls occasionally. Periodically, there are days when I have to make a lot of important and very difficult phone calls, which means dealing with social anxiety, spoken word processing issues, telephone issues and problems talking to people and remembering the correct responses or even problem solving on the spot. That doesn’t happen too often, thankfully, but it did last week.

I feel uncomfortable with this aspect of the job, but I’ve had long periods of unemployment and don’t want to risk losing this job, which in other ways is good (relatively high pay considering the hours and workload; a very understanding and laid-back boss). When I try to think of possible adjustments, autistic rigidity kicks in and I feel like there are no adjustments I can ask for that would be both reasonable and useful. I don't feel that asking not to use the phone is reasonable, given my contract. I actually don’t know what reasonable adjustments I would like, I just know that I feel a certain level of depression and anxiety in the workplace, not to mention feelings of inadequacy and overwhelm. I just feel I have to deal with it somehow or lose the job.

I would be grateful for any possible suggestions.

Parents
  • Hi Luftmentsch, 

    I'm sorry work is challenging for you. 

    I'm not able to ask for adjustments either, and so I'm sorry that I have no solutions to offer you. 

    I recently purchased a thumb stone, also called worry stone or anxiety stone. You hold it in your hand and rub it with your thumb. I have found it takes the edge off my anxiety. I've researched other methods for reducing anxiety at work, unfortunately for me, they are not something I could do. 

    I really hope you find positive ways of coping at work.

Reply
  • Hi Luftmentsch, 

    I'm sorry work is challenging for you. 

    I'm not able to ask for adjustments either, and so I'm sorry that I have no solutions to offer you. 

    I recently purchased a thumb stone, also called worry stone or anxiety stone. You hold it in your hand and rub it with your thumb. I have found it takes the edge off my anxiety. I've researched other methods for reducing anxiety at work, unfortunately for me, they are not something I could do. 

    I really hope you find positive ways of coping at work.

Children