Published on 12, July, 2020
I am currently working as an administrator (full time, in person) and am constantly exhausted and overwhelmed. It seems like a job that should be manageable but I am struggling so much and currently on sick leave because of becoming burnt out. I think I need to find a different job because this isn't sustainable for me, but I have no idea what to look for. Does anyone know any jobs that are well suited to autistic adults?
Sim said:Does anyone know any jobs that are well suited to autistic adults?
It will very much depend on the autistic traits you have and how severe they are, but I put together a list as part of a "how to find a job" article that I have in progress:
administrative assistantanalystbus driverchemistclaims processorcollege professorcomputer programmerconsultantcreative writercustomer service representativedata entry clerkeditorelectricianengineerfine artistgardenergeographic information system (GIS) techniciangraphic artistgrocery baggerlaboratory technicianlawyerlibrarianmeteorologistnurseparalegalpersonal assistant physicianphysicistpolitical canvasserproduction managerrecords managerreporterretail sales associatesales managerscreenwritersound techniciansupply chain managerteacher (adult education)teacher (early childhood)technical documentation writerveterinarianwarehouse workerweb developer.
Preferring not to have to interact with others will rule out some jobs (sales for example) or tactile issues with plants / soil / insetct will rule out others (gardener).
Most jobs in IT are now at risk from AI to a degree so unless you already have skills to sell there I would not consider this field.
Your level of education will also have a strong influence (eg not having a relevant degree makes becoming a vet unviable) so it may be best to work through the list, rate each one from possible to impossible (find a scale that works for you) and then look more closely at the ones on the top of the possible range.
That would be my recommendation for finding options.
I've considered being a personal assistant for myself as a lot of that is typing and I have a very fast wpm. I'm not sure I would cope with the workload and pressure though - but it's something I consider doing.
I've worked in a library, organising the books, directing people to the right sections for the right books, and I loved it!